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20 of the Cutest, Best Postpartum Clothes to Wear After You’ve Given Birth

Did someone say comfy *and* cute??

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postpartum clothes
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Right after you give birth, your body is in flux. You may be gaining or losing weight, recovering from surgery, or just generally getting to know your body's changing shape—all of which can leave you feeling unlike your regular ol' self or even generally out of whack. So I don't blame you if shopping for your body in postpartum sounds intimidating or exhausting. (You just birthed an entirely new human being, I mean, come on!)

The truth is, shopping for postpartum clothes is different from shopping for pregnancy outfits. There's a lot of additional stuff to think about because your body is healing and you may be starting to breastfeed or pump (hello, nursing bras!). For this reason, pants should be extra-comfy (i.e. stretchy and soft), and ones that provide tummy support are going to be key, especially if you've had a C-section. Undies should be absorbent or offer extra room for pads. And it is great if tops and dresses provide easy access for feedings. And hey, it also helps if all these maternity clothes are actually cute, too.

If you're here just to shop, see the shortened list of our must-have picks below—but if you need a little more guidance, keep reading for the full product breakdowns.

Our top picks for postpartum clothes in 2022:


Whether you're a new mom or you've been through this before, we've rounded up a capsule of essential postpartum-specific clothes—from cozy robes to supportive undies and nursing tops that aren't so...obvious.

Kindred Bravely Everyday Maternity Joggers/Lounge Pants

Pros

  • Buttery soft

Cons

  • Mid-rise waistband not ideal for maternity

If you thought you lived in lounge pants before baby, just you wait! Pants that are stretchy, adjustable, and functional (pockets, people!) like these are a must.

Glowing Review: “I got my first pair of these joggers around 34 weeks and am still enjoying them (and the second pair I got) 2 weeks postpartum. Two words: Joy-giver!”

Amazon Essentials Women's Piped Nightshirt

Pros

  • Has a pocket!

Cons

  • Slightly see-through

If you're a nightshirt kinda person, look no further. And if you're not, well, get ready to become one! This one keeps it breezy on the bottom half and practical on the top with buttons for easy access during sleepy nighttime feedings.

Glowing Review: “I wore this in the hospital after giving birth to my son. It is soft, easy to open for breastfeeding, easy to hike up or open for nurses to get access to belly or other things, and made me feel more like “me” than spending days in a hospital gown. I still wear it now, at 7 weeks postpartum and it’s held up after many, many washes.”

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Kindred Bravely Sublime Hands-Free Pumping Bra

Pros

  • Supports heavy bottles

Cons

  • Full coverage makes it visible with some tops

This ~patented~ hands-free pumping bra makes the pumping process as smooth and pain-free as possible. It's got multilayer construction and thin, removable padding that make it as versatile as you need it to be.

Glowing Review: “After trying a couple cheaper versions of a pumping/nursing bra combo (which were all crap and I ended up returning them), I “splurged” and bought this and I immediately bought an additional one because I loved it THAT MUCH!”

Hatch Collection The Body Rib Unitard

Pros

  • Layers well

Cons

  • Top is snug

If you prefer a little more support all over, this unitard is a great, easy option. It's stretchy enough to fit from your first trimester to your fourth yet offers a little more structure than your more flowy options.

Glowing Review: “This is one of my fav Hatch items. It made me feel stylish and comfortable during late 3rd trimester and postpartum, right when nothing else fit. The rib knit compresses gently and holds you in.”

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Best Lounge Shorts

Storq Cozy Rib Sleep Shorts

Storq Cozy Rib Sleep Shorts

Pros

  • Not constricting

Cons

  • On the shorter side

Shorts that double as full-coverage undies? Sign. Me. Up. This high-rise pair is super stretchy and also super cute. You really can have it all.

Glowing Review: “Great coverage before and after postpartum. Even fits those pads the hospital gives you. Walked around the house postpartum with it and the bra and felt good in it.”

Best Robe for Versatility

Andrea Iyamah NALI Robe

Andrea Iyamah NALI Robe

Pros

  • Flowy and adjustable

Cons

  • May be too long for shorter moms

Say it with me, comfortable does not mean frumpy! This robe coverup has a sash tie, satiny material, and amazing silhouette that makes this piece incredibly versatile.

Glowing Review: “Beautiful cut and ample length on sleeves and body. Incredibly impressed by the quality and the flowy material!”

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H&M MAMA Twill Nursing Dress
Now 20% Off

Pros

  • Nice material

Cons

  • Runs big

Here's a dress that'll go easy on your recovering body and make feedings a little easier. We're all about easy here! The wrap detail at the waist allows you to make this shape as fitted or as flowy as you want.

Glowing Review: “This was much nicer looking than I expected. Material is soft and drapes elegantly. ”

Hatch Collection The Everyday Nursing Bra

Pros

  • Supportive yet comfortable

Cons

  • Doesn't hold pumping flanges

It's called the everyday nursing bra because it's the bra you'll want to wear every single day (or the bra worth buying for all the days of the week, whichever one). It's soft, wireless, convertible—all the things you want in a nursing bra.

Glowing Review: “This bra is everything I was looking for: it's gentle on my skin because it's 90% cotton and the straps don't fall off my shoulder when I clip down because of the racerback conversion. So good!!!”

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Athleta Purana Wrap Sweatshirt

Pros

  • Can be dressed up and down

Cons

  • Runs large

Wraps are your new best friend after baby. This strategic draping in the front is perfect for breastfeeding and makes it simple to take on and off if ever you need to (you won't want to though).

Glowing Review: “I'm in love with the color and fit and feel of this! I've already gotten a ton of compliments on it as well.”

Blanqi Everyday High Waist Postpartum/Nursing Leggings

Pros

  • Good support

Cons

  • Sag slightly

These super soft leggings were designed specifically for women in postpartum, meaning they feature gentle midsection compression for extra support.

Glowing Review: “Since I'm a nursing mom and often nursing out & about I don't want my stomach to be hanging out or to feel that my whole midsection is exposed. These offer great coverage and are comfortable to wear.”

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Preggo Leggings Snapback Postpartum Leggings

Pros

  • Thick fabric doesn't show panty lines

Cons

  • Not made for comfort

If you prefer a whole lot of structure and support in your postpartum clothes (your prerogative!), check out these compression leggings with an ultra-high waist that doesn't roll down.

Glowing Review: “The Preggo Leggings rise is quite high- rib cage level- and it feels amazing. I highly recommend these as they’ve helped me feel more supported and confident in my recovery as a new mama!”

Loyal Hana Rio Maternity/Nursing Dress

Pros

  • Secret zippers

Cons

  • Pricey

You'd never guess this dress is breastfeeding-friendly. Try and spot the quick-access hidden zip on the bodice—you won't.

Glowing Review: “The fabric is soft and breathable. The side zippers will be perfect for breastfeeding. I wish it came in more colors.”

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UGG Phoebe Wrap Cardigan

Pros

  • Pockets!

Cons

  • Runs very large

This fuzzy cardigan is great for nursing—not to mention, it would seamlessly transition into your post postpartum wardrobe, too.

Glowing Review: “I love this cardigan so much I bought a second one.”

Best Super-Stretchy Jeans

Good American Good Mama Side Inserts

Good American Good Mama Side Inserts
Credit: Courtesy

Pros

  • Good stretch

Cons

  • Maternity band frays

If you insist on wearing jeans after having given birth, kudos to you. Good American's line of maternity jeans is a great place to start for ultra-stretchy, comfortable denim.

Glowing Review: “I’m postpartum and not in my regular size jeans yet, so I have been looking for jeans that will stretch around my still larger belly and thighs. These jeans are great! They are super comfortable, stretchy, and so far maintains their dark black color without fading.”

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NOM MATERNITY Francesca Maternity/Nursing Jumpsuit
Credit: Courtesy

Pros

  • Versatile

Cons

  • Interesting seams around the belly

When you tire of wearing loose, flowy dresses, switch it up (slightly) with a loose, flowy jumpsuit. It's got pockets and perfectly placed pleats to make it super functional for a new mom.

Glowing Review: “I LIVED in this by the end of my pregnancy. I dressed it down and up depending on accessories. I'm no longer pregnant and I still wear it.”

Best Absorbent Undies

Thinx Postpartum Set

Thinx Postpartum Set
Credit: Courtesy

Pros

  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Lots of laundry

These super-absorbent undies were made specifically for women in postpartum. Plus, they're v cute.

Glowing Review: “I bought this set to use postpartum, and they did not disappoint! They were comfortable and easy to clean. Very happy with my purchase!”

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Best Joggers With Fold-Over Waist

Plush Maternity Fold Over Joggers

Plush Maternity Fold Over Joggers

Pros

  • Fold-over waistband

Cons

  • Run large

Finally, a pair of joggers that doesn't have a drawstring waistband. Again, it's all about comfort, here.

Glowing Review: “Pants are made very well but seem to run pretty big. I thought I’d keep to 'grow into' but all I’m doing is pulling them up. Overall happy but think about sizing down.”

Everly Grey Analise During & After Maternity/Nursing Sleep Set
Credit: Courtesy

Pros

  • Comes with matching set for baby

Cons

  • Pricey

This pajama set comes with a little matching gown and hat for your newborn bb. *Cue: ugly cry.*

Glowing Review: I would wear these every night if I could! I questioned spending this much on a set but it was so worth it!”

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Leonisa Postpartum Recovery Support Panty Shaper
Now 30% Off
Credit: Courtesy

Pros

  • Adjustable wings

Cons

  • Panty lines

Here's a pair of postpartum undies with an adjustable belly strap that'll fit your tummy at a variety of sizes.

Glowing Review: “As a mom who had a csection I was a bit apprehensive to wear anything snug around my abdominal area. So I hesitated trying this on at first. However, it was the most comfortable piece of apparel I’ve ever used for any type of control. So easy and so comfortable to use.”

NOM MATERNITY Jojo Maternity/Nursing Hoodie
Credit: Courtesy

Pros

  • Very soft

Cons

  • Too lightweight to offer much warmth

You'd never guess this is a breastfeeding-friendly top, thanks to the hidden nursing panel.

Glowing Review:Lots of stretch in the fabric as I (we) grow. Surprised how easy/convenient the nursing access will be. Absolutely would buy again.”

Headshot of Kim Duong
Kim Duong
Deputy Shopping Director

Kim Duong is the Deputy Shopping Director at Cosmopolitan, overseeing shopping coverage online for all things fashion, lifestyle, beauty, and sex. When she's not musing about which products are actually worth your hard-earned cash, she's also writing (sometimes slightly unhinged) fashion content in print. You can find her previous writing in Refinery29, InStyle, Travel + Leisure, and StyleCaster. Follow her on Instagram for bottomless cute dog content and did-that-really-happen-to-me story times in her highlights. 

Headshot of Brooke Shunatona

Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan.com.

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