10 Nursing Friendly Dresses

Getting dressed while breastfeeding can be tricky. Trust me, I know the struggle well. Granted, I’m just weeks out after having my second baby, and I’m not truly getting ready these days. But come a month or so when the weather warms up, and I’ve recovered a bit, I’ll be doing ALL the nursing-friendly clothes shopping.

As someone who LOVES to get fully dressed and ready (yes, even though I work from home as a full-time blogger), finding a cute nursing wardrobe that made me feel good was essential after I had Thomas. I loved breastfeeding Thomas, but I didn’t want to wear a button down shirt every single day–and I especially didn’t want to have to take my entire top off every few hours to feed Thomas. And I’m about to be back in that boat again soon. Except this time I’ll have a toddler in tow, which means we’ll be busy and leaving the house much more often, so cute nursing-friendly dresses are even more important this time around!

Not all dresses are nursing friendly — in fact, they can be the opposite of nursing-friendly if you have to pull the entire thing off! So I want dresses that make breastfeeding comfortable and convenient while still looking and feeling put together.

Aside from nursing tanks and bras, I never purchase nursing-specific clothing. I find that they are usually unflattering (way too boxy), and the nursing panels weren’t really that convenient–or they just added more bulk. So this round-up is full of non-nursing-specific dresses that just work really well for nursing! I always look for button-front dresses, smocking (stretch is key!) or straps that can untie. Some nursing dresses have a built in double layer over your breasts to help with leaks and modesty, but I just make sure my bras provide enough coverage.

Alright, let’s jump in. I know it can be hard to find cute nursing clothes, so I hope you find something below that fits your feeds and style. And while we’re on the topic, I shared the rest of my postpartum essentials in this post.

10 Nursing Friendly Dresses

Before we jump right into dresses, I wanted to mention that my current favorite nursing bra is the Kindred Bravely Sublime Wireless Comfort Sleep Pumping Bra. Granted, I’m in the early weeks of breastfeeding my second, so I may find another that I like best for dresses and such, but for now, that’s my go-to. I shared the rest of my breastfeeding and pumping essentials in this LTK folder.

When I was breastfeeding Thomas (in the later months, not directly after he was born), I loved the Spanx Nursing Bra and I found it gave good shape underneath clothing. Unfortunately it looks like it’s being discontinued, so I’m linking the colors and sizes that are left on Amazon. I would order it just to try since it may not be available if you wait.

Below you’ll see a few things I’m wearing now, plus a handful of warm weather options since that’s what I’m starting to shop for. I can’t justify ordering much more cold weather clothing since 1. I don’t want it to be winter anymore, and 2. I’m wearing cozy sweats while I recover these days. I imagine that by the time I’m starting to get out and wear more “real” clothes, March will be well on it’s way!

Okay, enough chit chat. Here are the nursing-friendly dresses I’m eyeing (or already own).

1. Amazon Midi Button Front Sweater Dress

I ordered this midi button front sweater dress from Amazon only a few weeks ago as a “going home” outfit option for the hospital, but I’ve gotten much more wear out of it than that. It’s nursing friendly (yes, even though the buttons don’t go super far down), easy to clean (I’ve already cleaned it multiple times), and it also works great for skin to skin.

I have a size small in the light pink colorway, which I believe isn’t available right now. They have a ton of other color options though.

2. Chambray Callahan Shirt Dress

I LOVE the Chambray Callahan Shirt Dress and I’m so excited to wear it again this spring. It’s a thin, lightweight material (the other colors look a bit thicker), and it easily unbuttons for nursing. The fit is relaxed and fun which pairs perfectly with flat or heeled sandals (and platform sneakers). I hang this to dry when I wash, so keep that in mind when purchasing. I have an XS.

3. Annie Smocked Dress

Another one of my favorite nursing-friendly dresses is by Tuckernuck: The Annie Smocked Dress. It comes in 3 colors, and I have the white version. The puff sleeves are SO cute, even on a super petite frame. The smocking on the bodice makes it incredibly breastfeeding friendly since you can pull down the sleeve and bodice as needed. I like having a long sleeved dress option as well for days cooler days.

The material is 100% linen which feels AMAZING in the warmer months. I have owned this for years, and plan to wear it again this summer with sandals. However heels can totally dress this up for a nicer dinner! It’s final sale, but don’t fret. You will love this. I have an xs.

For a more budget-friendly option from Amazon, try this white smocked puff sleeve dress by Anrabess. found a VERY similar option on Amazon at a much lower price point, if you’re interested!

4. The Ellie Nap Dress

I’ve never tried the Nap Dress from Hill House, but every time I see them on someone else I LOVE them so I plan to order one this spring. Hill House is known for making SUPER comfortable day dresses that you could easily dress up for the evening too. I love that these Nap Dresses are machine washable (great for nursing mamas, IYKYK) and they have pockets. Since you can easily pull the dress down and the stretch has so much comfort, this is perfect for maternity and nursing moms.

You can get the Nap dress in tons of prints and colors, but for the late winter/early spring, I’d go for a darker color like black, navy, or the Petite Fleur In Navy Cotton Sateen. For everyday wear, I’d pair with slide sandals, but dress it up with heeled sandals for a night out.

Amazon has a similar option in some different colorways. This smocked dress from Amazon would be a good look for less.

5. Staud Vincent Stretch Cotton Mini Shirtdress

I’m definitely ordering this Vincent Stretch Cotton Mini Shirtdress from Staud for this spring. The key work for me is “stretch”! I love the full button front for easy nursing, but I’m especially excited that this dress has stretch to it since I find that makes a dress so much easier to wear around a toddler. It’s not fitted as-is, but knowing it won’t wrinkle as badly when I sit is a big green flag!

6. Chambray Crosby Dress

I ordered this Chambray Crosby Dress from Tuckernuck in the late summer last year and ended up returning since I ordered the wrong size. I’m planning to order again (in my correct size this time) for the spring since it’s so perfect for nursing. I love the thicker weighted fabric for a more polished feel, especially since the majority of my clothes have been stretchy for so long during the last trimester of pregnancy. This runs true to size.

7. Amazon Denim Shirt Dress

I got this denim shirt dress from Amazon while I was pregnant and it was the perfect maternity-friendly dress. I have a size xs, and it’s super roomy. I’m excited to wear it again this spring since it’ll be perfect for nursing. The length is great (not too short but still a mini dress) and 3/4 length sleeves with little ruffles add a feminine touch.

8. GAP Tiered Mini Shirtdress

This Tiered Mini Shirtdress from GAP is a great nursing-friendly dress. I love the purple and blue striped colorways, the drop skirt, and the long sleeves. I’d cuff the sleeves and pop the color for a chicer look.

9. Amazon Pink Denim Romper

I wore this pink denim jumpsuit into the ground this past fall. It is super roomy and comfortable, zips all the way down for easy nursing and restroom-using, and has pockets. There are two buttons on the sides that allow you to adjust the fit a bit, but both leave the romper extra comfortable and roomy. I have a small.

10. Collared Sleeveless Amazon Shirt Dress

Another dress I wore into the ground last year that I’ll be wearing all spring! This Amazon shirt dress has such a fun drop skirt design, pockets, and buttons all the way down for easy nursing. I have a size small and it comes in a TON of colors.

I hope this roundup helped you find a few dresses to wear while you’re breastfeeding. There are SO many cute options that make nursing easy, you just have to know what to look for. I’ll continue to update this post with dresses I find as I’m shopping, so feel free to bookmark this post and check back later.

If you have an all-time favorite nursing-friendly dress that isn’t included – let me know in the comments! I want to know what it is.

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