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20 Nursing-Friendly Dresses That Make Breastfeeding Much Easier

You’ll be living in these.

By and Alexandra Ilyashov
nursing dresses
Courtesy Storq & Hatch

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One thing they don’t tell you when you first have a baby (or rather, one of the many surprises of being a first-time parent) is how much time you’ll spend breastfeeding or pumping if you decide to go that route. Babies eat All. The. Time. Like, every 2 to 4 hours for 20 to 45 minutes each session. I’ll let you do the math on exactly how much time you’ll spend nursing during those first few weeks, months, or years of the baby’s life, but it’s a lot. Something everyone does tell you though? How busy your life suddenly gets after baby’s big arrival. And since life doesn’t slow down from there, you gotta be prepared to nurse anytime that hunger strikes. Enter: nursing dresses.

Like your favorite nursing bras, nursing-friendly dresses make breastfeeding as comfy and convenient as possible, no matter where you are. Some of the options below aren’t exactly maternity clothes, but they have all the flexibility and ease of nursing dresses, and you’d never know the difference. Others on this list could even work as pregnancy outfits before baby arrives.

Our top picks for the best nursing-friendly dresses of 2023:


So whether you wear them when you’re pregnant, when you’re nursing, or long after you’re finished with both, you’re gonna want to check out the 20 nursing dresses ahead.

Not just a nursing dress, consider this the nursing dress. You can sleep in it, lounge it, and go in public in it—what else do you need? It’s got a comfy built-in shelf bra, lots of stretch, and the straps have clips that are easy to pop off with one hand.

Nothing about this screams “maternity” and yet it totally makes sense for a nursing dress if you think about it. The ruched fabric allows room for a changing belly, and the buttons in the front make it easy to uncover only where you want.

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With this maternity outfit, you get a tank dress and a matching cropped shrug that doubles as a nursing cover. Three things for the price of one? Yes, please.

This faux-leather fabric is basically waterproof, which is key when handling babies and milk. The shirtdress silhouette is polished and functional, since the buttons allow easy nursing access. And how good is that pistachio green hue?!

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Technically, it’s not a nursing dress, but this cool little ribbed number could totally work as one, thanks to the perfectly placed layers and cutouts. Loving the rich chocolate shade and versatile midi length that'll work with everything from boots to chunky loafers to sneakers, too.

This Stretchy Cardigan Dress

STAUD Shoko Sweater Dress

Shoko Sweater Dress

Sweaters are always a good idea. Wear this cool striped sweater dress as a long cardigan with jeans or leggings, or wear it alone. Either way, this stretchy staple is perfectly practical for nursing when you need.

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Never mind the easy-access, button-up front on this stylish lil nursing dress, and the ultra-breathable material. Um, did you see it has pockets?! The main drawback to dresses, typically, is the lack of places to put things, and as a mom, you need to keep a lot of things on you at all times.

This sleek fitted sweater dress will show off your curves and make it easy to nurse, thanks to the low-cut neckline and buttons all the way down. Besides this luxe, versatile camel hue, it comes in a gorge lipstick red, if you're more into a statement shade than a neutral.

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You’d never know it, but this airy cotton floral option is a romper designed with a discreet front button placket. It's barely detectable when not in use but super easy to pop open when you need. Also awesome? The breezy cut means maximum airflow for sticky summer days.

Wrap dresses, FTW! The adjustable waist tie is not only a must for a growing belly and changing body, in general, but is also particularly helpful when you need to loosen the top to nurse.

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Sometimes you just want to wear a sweatshirt, know what I mean? If you’d rather not show your midriff every time you have to nurse, this genius two-piece dress with a stealth overlay on top is the answer. Plus, it's really a three-for-one look: you can wear (and wash) the chambray denim skirt and gray cropped sweatshirt components separately. Genius.

Normally, high necklines are a no-go for nursing, but this sleek sleeveless design different. The sash around the waist isn’t there just for looks—untie it, and you’ll find an easy-access slit underneath. It's perf for the office, date night, a wedding with cocktail attire dress code...the list goes on.

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Got a big event to go to and can’t wear your fave nursing clothes? This comfy, buttery-soft, stretchy gown with a flirty slit is basically loungewear in disguise. The off-the-shoulder silhouette is not only chic AF, it means easy access for nursing. Win-win!

This V-Neck Multitasking Dress

Hatch The Visitor Dress

The Visitor Dress

This aptly named dress is what you should throw on every time someone shows up to meet the new baby, and you don’t have the energy to put together an outfit for yourself. You'll love the French terry material that feels like a fancy sweatshirt, and the relaxed fit and midi cut is comfy enough to sleep in, literally.

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The only problem with pullover sweatshirts is how tricky it can be to nurse in one. A quarter-zip neckline will fix that, and the A-line silhouette on this soft jersey knit number adds polish and versatility to this wear-everywhere style (without compromising comfort, duh).

Similar to a quarter-zip except with buttons, this shirtdress is a tad dressier than the sweatshirt dress before—but offers the same kind of flexible neckline.

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This Maxi Maternity Dress

Eloquii Satin Maxi Dress

Satin Maxi Dress
Now 50% Off

When you’ve got a special occasion not long after welcoming a new baby, you’ll want to find a dress, like this one, that offers all the function and flexibility you need to nurse or pump throughout the night.

Doesn’t this button-up nursing dress just look comfy? If you *must* change out of your pajamas, change into this dress instead.

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Can you have too many button-up options when you’re nursing? (The answer is no. No, you cannot.)

Can we take a moment for this gorgeous eyelet-trimmed stunner? It’s floaty, it’s fancy, and it’s freakin’ perfect for nursing with a low neckline and adjustable wrap waist. In addition to this dreamy pale blue hue, it comes in seven more shades, from neutrals to other pretty pastels.

Headshot of Brooke Shunatona

Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan.com.

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