How to choose the right nursing clothes: a practical guide 2026

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are unique times in a mother's life, when comfort and practicality can and must go hand in hand with style and femininity. Choosing the right nursing clothes can make this time a whole lot easier, offering both quick accessibility for feeding baby and optimal support for feeling good about your body.

Whether you're at home or on the move, the right nursing clothes can transform your everyday life. But how do you find the perfect outfit to suit your needs and style? Here are a few tips to guide you in this essential choice.

What you need to know before choosing nursing clothes

When buying nursing clothes, it's essential to think long-term, because in France, the average duration of breastfeeding is around four months.

So it's a good idea to choose clothes you like well enough to wear not only during breastfeeding, but also during pregnancy and beyond.

Choose versatile, modern and trendy garments with discreet fastenings, suitable for both staying at home and going out.

We recommend side openings with zips. Zips are more intuitive, especially for breastfeeding at night. They allow you to expose just one breast at a time, offering greater privacy when breastfeeding in public.

Choose soft fabrics for optimum comfort, both for you and your baby. Cotton nursing sweatshirtscotton nursing sweatshirts, for example, are distinguished by their fleecy interior, offering pleasant softness for your breasts.

Which models

There is a wide variety of nursing clothing styles available . However, when putting together a basic wardrobe, it is important to set a budget. Here are a few essentials to get you started.

Nursing bras are indispensable: they prevent milk leaking onto clothing and are designed to open easily, allowing you to breastfeed without having to lower or remove them.

Nursing T-shirts, with long or short sleeves, are essential items, perfect for days at home or short outings. Choose timeless styles that you can continue to wear after breastfeeding.

For cooler days, you'll need sweaters and sweatshirts that go perfectly with your T-shirts for optimum comfort.

Pyjamas are highly recommended, as they simplify short nights and frequent awakenings. Choose patterned sets like leopard pyjamas: with a jacket and UGG boots, they become a casual, comfortable outfit for going out with ease.

For moms looking for a chic, casual style, nursing dresses are for you! Very comfortable and elegant, they'll be the perfect accompaniment to your evenings out. Just add a pair of boots, and you're ready to go in no time.

Three women share a moment of complicity and caring while breastfeeding or carrying their babies. One is seated on a stool holding a baby, wearing a black turtleneck nursing dress by 23 Mai Paris. Another woman, seated opposite, wears a black 23 Mai Paris nursing sweater with open side zipper, breastfeeding her baby. Standing behind, a third woman in a leopard-print Breastfeeding dress by 23 Mai Paris.

When choosing nursing clothes, here are the materials to choose from

Soft materials such as cotton are recommended for nursing clothes, as they guarantee optimum comfort for sensitive skin during this period.

In addition to cotton, other options include wool for warmer garments or acrylic, which is also soft, elastic and easy to care for.

Modal, appreciated for its softness and breathability, is another alternative.

Finally, viscose, fluid and light, offers comfort comparable to that of cotton.

A group of women sitting on a sofa and on the floor share a warm moment with their children. They are wearing white Breastfeeding t-shirts by 23 Mai Paris with breastfeeding motifs and inscriptions, such as a heart or "milk bar". Two of them are breastfeeding their children, while others are holding or lovingly cuddling theirs.

Choosing the right fasteners for nursing garments

Nursing clothes are designed with different types of closures, such as zippers, buttons, or concealed openings.

Buttons are often not recommended, as they require a lot of attention to close correctly, with the risk of misalignment.

Concealed openings, while practical, can let in draughts, which can be uncomfortable. What's more, manipulating the fabric to find the opening and take out the breast requires an extra effort that can complicate the breastfeeding moment.

The horizontal opening, with a single zip, is less suited to cooler temperatures, as it exposes more of the belly, letting the cold through more easily. Unlike side openings, which only expose the breast.

Side-opening zippers are best suited to the daily lives of mothers, offering discretion, ease of use and intuitive design. Their positioning reveals only the breast, guaranteeing comfort and privacy.

Choosing the right nursing garment size

During pregnancy, body changes and weight variations can make clothing selection a tricky business. To combine comfort and practicality, it's often advisable toopt for a size larger than your usual one. This allows you to adapt to fluctuations in your figure without feeling any compression.

And if, after pregnancy, these clothes seem a little big, don't worry: you'll be right on trend! The loose, oversized style is not only modern, but also ideal for a casual chic look.

However, it is essential to carefully consult the size guide available on the product pages. Size correspondences can vary from one site to another, and checking this information will help you choose the cut best suited to your morphology and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Which nursing clothes to choose for self-confidence?

Nursing wear helps normalize breastfeeding in public, allowing mothers to feel comfortable while reducing the social apprehensions often associated with this natural act.

Since we know that breastfeeding in public can be difficult for some moms, here are a few tips to help you choose the outfit you'll be most comfortable in:

Choosing clothes in which you feel comfortable and at ease is essential for cultivating a sense of self-confidence. Opt for sweatshirts or pyjama sets, which are not only comfortable, but also practical for breastfeeding, whether at home or away.

If you're a little shy, opt for a T-shirt that reflects your personality and speaks for you. Inspirational or funny messages can be a great way to express yourself while remaining discreet. A positive or motivational message can not only give you confidence, but also attract friendly glances while showing that you're proud to be breastfeeding your baby.

Stop dreading "vulgar" remarks by opting for trendy tops, knit sweaters or dresses. These pieces allow you to breastfeed in style, combining comfort and elegance, so you can feel comfortable and confident in all circumstances.

A group of smiling moms wearing Breastfeeding t-shirts with hearts and Milk Bar lettering by 23 Mai Paris. They are accompanied by their babies in their arms and their children, sharing a moment of complicity and tenderness.

Whatever your preferred style or body type, 23 Mai Paris is your reference for nursing wear! Guaranteed 100% cotton, our wide selection of customizable t-shirts, sweaters, dresses and pajamas will enhance your wardrobe and contribute to a more pleasant breastfeeding experience!

Being a new mom doesn't mean you have to give up your style! Treat yourself to the intimacy of breastfeeding and the elegance you deserve with our nursing clothes!

If you are breastfeeding, here are some of our nursing clothes that may interest you: