When temperatures rise, breastfeeding can quickly become uncomfortable. Between the warmth of your baby against you, sweating, and clothes that stick to your skin, summer feedings call for a special wardrobe. The solution? Breathable nursing clothes, designed to wick away heat while remaining practical and stylish.
At 23 Mai Paris, we support breastfeeding moms all year round. In this article, we’ll help you choose the most breathable nursing clothes for summer: miracle fabrics, airy styles, must-have pieces, and all our tips for staying cool while breastfeeding.
Why breathability is essential in the summer
What happens during a feeding in the summer
| Phenomenon |
Impact |
| Skin-to-skin contact |
Total body heat of mother and baby |
| Static position |
No movement = no ventilation |
| Duration of feedings |
10–30 minutes without moving |
| Thermal stress |
Sweating, discomfort |
| Breastfeeding hormones |
Raise body temperature |
The consequences of wearing non-breathable clothing
| Problem |
Consequence |
| Excessive sweating |
Discomfort, odors, irritation |
| Sticky fabric |
Difficulty operating the opening mechanism |
| Overheating |
Fatigue, malaise |
| Baby who refuses the breast |
Too hot for you |
| Visible milk leaks |
Stains on damp fabric |
| Skin irritation |
Chafing, fungal infections |
Key takeaway: Breathable clothing isn't a luxury in the summer—it's a must for comfortable breastfeeding.
Understanding the breathability of fabrics
What is a breathable fabric?
A breathable fabric has three essential properties:
| Property |
Definition |
Why it's important |
| Air permeability |
Air flows through the fibers |
Natural ventilation |
| Moisture absorption |
The fabric wicks away sweat |
Dry feeling |
| Moisture removal |
Sweat evaporates quickly |
Long-lasting freshness |
How to tell if a fabric is breathable
| Test |
How to |
Expected result |
| Breath Test |
Blow through the fabric |
Air flows freely |
| Water Test |
Pour a drop of water |
It is absorbed, not just on the surface |
| Touch Test |
Touch the fabric |
Feels cool to the touch, not plastic |
| Label Test |
Read the essay |
Mostly natural fibers |
The most breathable fabrics for summer
The Top 7 Breathable Fabrics
| Rank |
Subject |
Breathability |
Absorption |
Drying |
Perfect for |
| 1 |
Flax |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Heat wave |
| 2 |
Lightweight organic cotton |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Daily |
| 3 |
Bamboo |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Sensitive skin |
| 4 |
Tencel/Lyocell |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Environmentally friendly |
| 5 |
Modal |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Fluidity |
| 6 |
Viscose |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Elegance |
| 7 |
Hemp |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Sustainability |
A closer look at each subject
Linen: the king of summer
| Feature |
Details |
| Origin |
Plant fiber (flax plant) |
| Breathability |
Exceptional, breathable |
| Thermoregulation |
Cool in summer, warm in winter |
| Absorption |
Up to 20% of its weight in water |
| Drying |
Very fast |
| Care |
Wash at 40°C; do not tumble dry |
| Style |
Natural, bohemian, elegantly rumpled |
Our take: Linen is THE fabric of the summer. Its crinkled look is part of its charm!
Lightweight organic cotton: a timeless classic
| Feature |
Details |
| Origin |
Plant fiber (cotton) |
| Breathability |
Excellent |
| Sweetness |
Very soft, hypoallergenic |
| Absorption |
Wicks away sweat effectively |
| Drying |
Medium |
| Care |
Easy care, wash at 30–40°C |
| Style |
Versatile, basic, casual |
Our recommendation: Organic cotton is perfect for everyday basics. Opt for a lightweight fabric (120–150 g/m²).
Bamboo: Gentle and Antibacterial
| Feature |
Details |
| Origin |
Plant fiber (bamboo) |
| Breathability |
Excellent |
| Properties |
Natural antibacterial, odor-fighting |
| Thermoregulation |
Adjusts to the temperature |
| Sweetness |
Silky, very soft |
| Care |
Delicate cycle, wash at 30°C |
| Style |
Sleek, elegant |
Our take: Perfect for moms with sensitive skin or who sweat a lot. Helps reduce odor.
Tencel/Lyocell: the eco-friendly option
| Feature |
Details |
| Origin |
Wood fiber (eucalyptus) |
| Breathability |
Excellent |
| Ecology |
Eco-friendly production |
| Touch |
Silky, fresh |
| Absorption |
Better than cotton |
| Care |
Easy, durable |
| Style |
Modern, fluid |
Our take: Tencel combines sustainability with performance. Perfect for eco-conscious moms.
Materials to Avoid at All Costs
| Subject |
Why avoid it in the summer |
| 100% polyester |
No breathability, sauna effect |
| Nylon/Polyamide |
Traps heat and odors |
| Acrylic |
Hot, irritating |
| Excessive spandex (>10%) |
Reduces breathability |
| Low-grade viscose |
Can retain moisture |
Types of breathable nursing clothing
Breathable tops
| Top type |
Ideal material |
Breathability |
Used Items |
| Tank top |
Cotton, bamboo |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Home, under jacket |
| Short-sleeve T-shirt |
Organic cotton, linen |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Daily |
| Flowy blouse |
Linen, viscose |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Outings |
| Strapless top |
Bamboo, Tencel |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Vacation, beach |
| Lightweight blouse |
Linen, cotton |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Jobs, opportunities |
Discover our nursing tank tops made of cotton and bamboo for maximum breathability.
Breathable dresses
| Dress style |
Ideal material |
Breathability |
Used Items |
| Flowing maxi dress |
Viscose, linen |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Holidays, ceremonies |
| Midi dress |
Cotton, Tencel |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Daily |
| Shirt dress |
Linen, cotton |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Hot days |
| Strapless dress |
Bamboo, viscose |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Beach, house |
| Wrap dress |
Cotton, modal |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
For any occasion |
Discover our Breastfeeding dresses fluid and light.
Breathable pajamas and sleepwear
| Type |
Ideal material |
Breathability |
Usage |
| Short nightie |
Cotton, bamboo |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Hot Nights |
| Shorts + tank top |
Lightweight cotton |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Summer |
| Loose-fitting pajamas |
Linen, bamboo |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Air conditioning |
For warm nights, check out our Breastfeeding pyjamas lightweight and comfortable.
Breathable underwear
| Type |
Ideal material |
Breathability |
Advice |
| Nursing bra |
Cotton, bamboo |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Wire-free |
| Sports bra |
Organic cotton, modal |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Night, home |
| Pads |
Bamboo, cotton |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Machine washable |
And for everyday use, our Breastfeeding t-shirts are perfect.
The most airy styles
Styles that allow air to circulate
| Cut |
Description |
Ventilation level |
| Loose fit |
Fabric draping around the body |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Flared cut |
Widening toward the bottom |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| A-line cut |
Wide at the bottom, fitted at the top |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Empire waist |
Fluid under the breast |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sleeveless |
Arms and underarms exposed |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Open neckline |
Ventilation at the chest |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Haircuts to avoid
| Cut |
Why avoid it |
| Tight-fitting |
No air circulation |
| High collar |
Keeps you warm |
| Tight-fitting long sleeves |
Traps heat |
| Fitted waist |
Prevents air from circulating |
| Double-layered |
Twice as hot |
The details that make all the difference
| Details |
Profit |
| Side slits |
Air circulates as you walk |
| Open back or low-cut back |
Back ventilation |
| Wide armholes |
Breathable underarms |
| Pleated or crinkled fabric |
Creates air pockets |
| Thin straps |
Open shoulders |
The perfect breathable wardrobe for summer
Must-haves
| Play |
Quantity |
Recommended material |
| Breastfeeding tank tops |
3–4 |
Organic cotton, bamboo |
| Lightweight T-shirts |
2–3 |
Cotton and linen blend |
| Flowy blouse |
1-2 |
Linen, viscose |
| Midi dress |
2 |
Cotton, Tencel |
| Long dress |
1 |
Viscose, linen |
| Beach/lounge dress |
1 |
Lightweight cotton |
| Summer pajamas |
2 |
Cotton, bamboo |
| Wire-free bras |
3 |
Cotton, bamboo |
Estimated budget
| Product Line |
Average price per item |
Quality |
| Entry-level |
€20–35 |
Correct, basic |
| Mid-range |
€35–60 |
Good value for money |
| High-end |
€60–100 |
Excellent, durable |
How to Maximize Breathability
Dress Code Guidelines
| Practical |
Profit |
| Layer light pieces |
Better than a single thick layer |
| Opt for light colors |
Reflect heat |
| Choose loose-fitting clothes |
Air circulates freely |
| Wear appropriate underwear |
No extra warm layer |
| Change out of your clothes if they're wet |
Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture |
What to Do While Breastfeeding
| Gesture |
Profit |
| Place a blanket between you and your baby |
Wicks away sweat from both |
| Choose a well-ventilated area |
Natural draft |
| Use a fan |
Keeps you cool without air conditioning |
| Drink cold water |
Regulates internal temperature |
| Remove any excess layers |
Less fabric = less heat |
Care instructions to maintain breathability
| Advice |
Why |
| Wash at 30°C |
Preserves the fibers |
| Avoid fabric softener |
Blocks the fibers, reduces absorption |
| Air dry |
Preserves the fabric's properties |
| Do not overload the machine |
Better rinsing |
| Use a mild detergent |
Gentle on natural fibers |
Breathable clothing for every occasion
At home
| Outfit |
Why it's ideal |
| Cotton tank top + flowy shorts |
Minimal fabric, maximum freshness |
| Loose-fitting house dress |
A room with plenty of natural light |
| Bra only + light stockings |
For extremely hot weather |
For daily outings
| Outfit |
Why it's ideal |
| Linen T-shirt + flowing skirt |
Stylish and breathable |
| Cotton midi dress |
Practical, fresh, chic |
| Viscose blouse + lightweight pants |
Polished look |
For the beach and the pool
| Outfit |
Why it's ideal |
| Cotton beach dress |
Easy to put on, dries quickly |
| Linen tunic |
Sun protection + refreshment |
| Pareo + strapless top |
Minimalist, very fresh |
For the holidays
| Outfit |
Why it's ideal |
| Versatile, flowing dresses |
Day and evening |
| Matching sets |
Less luggage |
| Clothes that don't wrinkle |
Easy to pack |
For summer ceremonies
| Outfit |
Why it's ideal |
| Long viscose dress |
Elegant and lightweight |
| Tencel Midi Dress |
Stylish and eco-friendly |
| Linen set |
Sophisticated and fresh |
For work
| Outfit |
Why it's ideal |
| Linen blouse + pants |
Professional and breathable |
| Simple cotton dress |
Stylish, practical |
| A flowing blouse worn under a lightweight blazer |
Dressy yet breezy |
Mistakes to avoid
| Error |
Consequence |
Solution |
| Choose synthetic |
Sauna effect, odors |
Natural fibers only |
| Wearing black in the sun |
Absorbs heat |
Light or pastel colors |
| Clothing that is too tight |
No breakdown |
Loose, flowing silhouettes |
| Neglecting underwear |
Extra warm layer |
Breathable bra |
| Storing wet clothing |
Irritation, discomfort |
Change as soon as possible |
| Forget the pads |
Visible leaks |
Breathable bamboo ear pads |
| Wearing too many layers |
Heat buildup |
A single, lightweight layer |
How to Spot a High-Quality, Breathable Nursing Top
Criteria to check
| Criterion |
What to look for |
| Composition |
90%+ natural fibers |
| Weight |
100–150 g/m² for summer |
| Touch |
Fresh, not plastic |
| Weaving |
Loose-fitting, not too tight |
| Certification |
OEKO-TEX, GOTS for organic products |
Trust marks
| Label |
Meaning |
| OEKO-TEX Standard 100 |
Free of harmful substances |
| GOTS |
Certified organic cotton |
| OCS (Organic Content Standard) |
Verified organic content |
| FSC (for Tencel) |
Sustainably managed forests |
Questions to ask the seller
| Question |
Why it's important |
| "What exactly is in it?" |
Check the natural fibers |
| "What is the weight per square meter?" |
Ensure it is lightweight |
| "Is it certified?" |
Quality Assurance |
| "How do I maintain it?" |
Maintain breathability |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does breathable clothing protect against the sun?
Not necessarily. Breathability and UV protection are two different things. A very breathable fabric lets air through, but it also lets UV rays through. For sun protection, choose tightly woven fabrics or wear sunscreen under your lightweight clothing.
Does linen wrinkle a lot? Is that a problem?
The natural wrinkles in linen are part of its charm! They’re a sign of authenticity. If that bothers you, opt for linen-cotton or linen-viscose blends, which wrinkle less while still being breathable.
Can you find affordable, breathable nursing clothes?
Yes, but be careful about the fabric. Fast-fashion brands often offer clothes labeled as "linen-look" or "cotton-feel" that are actually made of polyester. Always check the label. A good basic organic cotton item is still affordable (€25–40).
Is bamboo clothing really antibacterial?
Yes, bamboo has natural antibacterial properties that help prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria. It’s an excellent choice for moms who sweat a lot in the summer.
How can I tell if my clothing is breathable enough?
Try this test: wear it for 30 minutes in hot weather. If you sweat excessively, if the fabric feels sticky, or if you feel hot, it isn’t breathable enough. A good, breathable garment will keep you feeling relatively cool even in the summer.
Conclusion
Breathable nursing clothes are essential for enjoying a stress-free summer with your baby. By opting for natural fabrics like linen, organic cotton, bamboo, or Tencel, and choosing loose, airy styles, you can nurse comfortably even in hot weather.
At 23 Mai Paris, we create nursing wear designed to keep moms comfortable all year round. Fabrics chosen for their breathability, flowing and elegant silhouettes, and discreet openings: because every mom deserves to feel fresh and beautiful all summer long.
Discover our nursing wear collection and get your breathable wardrobe ready.
If you're breastfeeding, here are some of our collections you might be interested in:
