Article: How many nursing clothes do you really need?

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Jan. 23, 2026

How many nursing clothes do you really need?

Put together a functional and stylish wardrobe for the breastfeeding period.

When you start breastfeeding, one of the questions many moms ask themselves is, "How many nursing clothes do I really need?"

That's a fair question. It's not about filling your closet with dozens of T-shirts or settling for a single item of clothing that you wash every day. It's about finding the right balance between functionality, comfort, and style, based on your lifestyle, routine, and priorities.

At 23 Mai Paris, we have helped thousands of moms through this stage, and in this article, we will help you understand what you need and why, so that you can build a realistic, versatile wardrobe that makes you feel good.

First of all: your nursing clothes should be suited to your routine.

A mom who spends most of the day at home does not have the same needs as a mom who goes to work, attends meetings, or has several young children.

It is also not the same to breastfeed exclusively or to practice mixed feeding, nor to be in a cold or hot climate.

That's why, before buying, ask yourself the following questions:

Do I go out every day or only occasionally?
How many times a day do I breastfeed?
Do I prefer to wash my clothes every week or every three days?
Do I like to vary my outfits or wear the same combinations?

Answering these questions will help you determine how many clothes you really need.

Mom who stays at home most of the time

If you spend most of your day at home, comfort will be your priority. But that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style. You can choose clothes that are soft, easy to wash, and flatter you, even if you're just going out to run a few errands.

Recommended basics:

3 Breastfeeding t-shirts basic or colorful
1-2 Breastfeeding pyjamas
1 nursing sweatshirt (if you live in a cool climate)
1 Breastfeeding dress for visits or occasional outings
1 nursing bracelet to keep control of your breasts

Suggested total: 7 to 8 essential items of clothing

Mom who goes out every day (work, walks, activities)

If you have an active lifestyle, you need versatile clothing that you feel comfortable breastfeeding in and that allows you to look presentable in all circumstances. The key is to have several possible combinations without having to think too much about it.

Recommended basics:

5 nursing T-shirts or blouses
2 nursing sweatshirts
2 Breastfeeding dresses for formal or informal occasions
1 to 2 Breastfeeding pyjamas for nighttime
1 personalized T-shirt to make you feel special

Suggested total: 10 to 12 items of clothing

Mom who likes to vary her style (even while breastfeeding)

If you like to express yourself through your clothes, you don't have to give that up while breastfeeding. On the contrary, this period can also be a way to reinvent yourself.

Recommended basics:

Suggested total: 12 to 14 items of clothing

Put together your ideal breastfeeding kit (which will last you the entire period)

Whatever your lifestyle, we recommend putting together a basic kit with these essential items:

3 to 5 Breastfeeding t-shirts one basic, one colorful, one printed, one sleeveless, one personalized)
1 to 2 Breastfeeding pyjamas for nights and days at home)
1 sweatshirt or long blouse for cool weather
1 or 2 Breastfeeding dresses (for variety and going out)
1 nursing bracelet to stay in control

With these clothes, you can vary your looks, always stay comfortable, and feel like yourself. What's more, most of these items can also be worn during pregnancy or after weaning.

Additional tips for getting the most out of your nursing clothes

Choose colors that complement each other.
Invest in clothes that you really like, not just because they are "functional."
Check sizes based on your current comfort level (not your pre-pregnancy size).
Wash them carefully: here's how to take care of them.

Conclusion: you don't need a lot, but you need to choose the right clothes.

It's not a question of quantity, but of choice. With 8 to 12 well-chosen items of clothing, you can breastfeed in a practical, stylish, and frustration-free way .

At 23 Mai Paris, you will find functional, beautiful nursing clothes made with love for you. Because looking beautiful while breastfeeding is not only possible: it is deserved.

Design yourBreastfeeding dress at23maiparis.com.

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