Are you tired of sacrificing beautiful clothes for comfortable ones during your breastfeeding journey?
We’ve spent years breastfeeding, so we know the challenges of finding the best nursing dress for a party, the comfiest one to wear on casual days, or the perfect pick for easy-access pumping at work.
Like they say, if you look good, you feel good. And breastfeeding doesn’t have to interrupt your fashion game. You can look and feel amazing without having to starve your baby.
We’ve abandoned any frumpy tent-style maternity/nursing combination dresses, dresses with a super-obvious or gaping nursing panel, and dresses that look sexy but require contortionist moves to breastfeed in. Our final list contains all the best nursing dresses for every occasion.
Check out these 20 stylish, comfortable, and practical nursing dresses, and read on to find out what we love about each of them.
- Slim and elegant
- Fashionable
- 15+ colors and prints to choose from
- Tie closure
- Simple but stylish
- Cool comfort lace sleeves
- Modal material
- Soft and stretchy
- Discreet feeding design
- Easy access openings
- No snaps or zippers to fuss
- Maximum softness and breathability
- Breathable fabric
- Generous round neck design
- Discreet feeding design
- Ultra soft fabric
- Versatile and functional
- Hassle free comfort for busy moms
- Elegant design
- Classic look
- Variety of colors to choose from
- Discreet feeding opening
- Slim nursing wear
- Made of stretchy material
- For nursing easily and modestly
- Made in the USA
- Made for high style and comfort
- Multiple designs
- Pull on closure
- High quality soft and stretchable material
Different Types of Nursing Dresses
All nursing dresses have a feature that allows you to breastfeed without removing clothing, but the dresses have different ways of letting this happen. These are some of the breastfeeding openings you might find in nursing dresses.
Zipper
Zippers are placed naturally within the dress top, often to the side of the breast, concealed within the folds of the fabric. Simply unzip the opening to reveal your breast and feed your little one.
Buttons
Most dresses that button up the front will work to nurse your baby — even those that aren’t made specifically for nursing. With this design, you unbutton as many buttons as needed to give your baby access.
Stretchy Neck
Stretchy nursing dresses allow you to pull the neckline down for feeding. These are some of the comfiest nursing dresses and the most convenient as they don’t require any extra unfastening that can be challenging when you have a baby in your arms.
Double-Layer
The double-layer feature is similar to many nursing tops. These dresses have an added layer of fabric near your bust that you lift to reveal your breasts for feeding.
Crossover
The crossover dress is sometimes referred to as a wrap dress and has two pieces of fabric that overlap in the front. Simply pull one side down to expose your breast for feeding.
Buying Guide
So you’ve decided you want to take the plunge into the feminine world of nursing dresses. Here are some things you need to keep in mind.
Length
You want to make sure the dress is a comfortable length for you. Shorter dresses often look dressier, but they may be trickier to sit in comfortably when nursing your baby. You don’t want to be trying to tug the bottom edge of your dress down while holding a sleepy, nursing baby.
Long dresses are often more comfortable, but if the hem reaches your feet, you’ll have to consider whether you feel safe carrying your baby around while wearing heels or if you’ll have to risk tripping on stairs. Find your happy medium.
Material
While snug-fitting fabrics may look a little more professional, stretchy fabrics allow your breasts to breathe and continue to fit while they fluctuate in size. And looser fabrics make it easier to change positions while holding or feeding your baby.
Feeding Opening
Carefully consider what type of nursing access you prefer. If you wear a nursing bra that fastens near your shoulder, it’s best to avoid nursing dresses that don’t allow you to reach the clasp easily.
If your bra fastens between your breasts, you should probably look for a nursing dress that allows access from the bottom, rather than a size-zipper style so you don’t have to reach down the front of your dress to unclasp your bra.
Ease of Access
If your baby tends to be impatient at feeds, avoid dresses with complicated openings or clasps, and opt for those with stretchy necks or an easy-access flap. You don’t want to be dealing with a screaming baby in a crowd while you try to unfasten your dress opening.
Support
Most women pair their nursing dress with a nursing bra, but some nursing dresses have built-in bras. If this is something you are interested in, ensure it offers legitimate support. Big-breasted mamas — you know who you are — this is not the route you want to take.
Color
If you are prone to leaky breasts, a darker dress color may be your friend because it can help mask leaks. If you choose lighter colors, use breast pads to prevent that wet-shirt look.
Fit
Remember that your breast size and body shape will continue to change over the months after birth. If you plan on wearing your nursing dresses for more than one event, make sure they allow for these changes.
Product Reviews
We’ve found some styles to fit every lifestyle and occasion.
Best Casual Nursing Dresses
Liu & Qu Sleeveless Nursing Dress
If you’re looking for a nursing outfit you can dress up or down, this is a great option. The subtle design makes it appropriate to pair with your favorite heels or sneakers.
The soft material is lightweight, making this perfect for warmer weather.
The nursing aspect is discreetly hidden with vertical access panels on both breasts that you push over when you are ready to nurse.
Ekouaer Short-Sleeve Pleated Dress
This dress is great for casual wear! Although it’s meant to be a nightdress, it’s nice enough to wear as an everyday nursing dress. This means ultimate comfort! You can wear this around the house, grocery shopping, running errands, or to bed. You’ll look put together in every situation.
The crossover design allows you to nurse easily, and there are lots of cute prints and color options for you to choose from. It’s affordable enough that you could buy one for every day of the week!
BerryGo Boho Wrap Dress
This nursing dress is a cute and trendy summer dress option, and we adore the wide selection of fabric prints!
The sexy leg slit allows for airflow on warm days, but the maxi length provides plenty of coverage when seated. The wrap style makes it a great fit for women of all sizes — during pregnancy, while nursing, and beyond — and provides easy breastfeeding access.
Add some strappy sandals and a wide-brim sun hat, and you’ll have the perfect nursing dress for any summer event.
Glamix Summer Casual Nursing Dress
This extra-soft dress is not only comfortable, but it is practical.
The knee-length hem and stretchy material will flow gracefully over your figure without being too tight or constricting.
The double-layer nursing panel makes it easy to breastfeed, so you can wear this dress around the house or on the go and still have ease of access.
This nursing dress comes in several prints and colors. Some are casual enough for a day on the beach, while you can pair others with heels and accessories for more formal events.
Best Nursing Dresses for Special Occasions
Sweet Mommy Nursing Formal Dress
This dress comes in several fabulous colors, and it looks like your typical formal dress.
It’s one of the most discreet nursing dresses because the nursing feature is hidden under your armpit via a zipper.
If you were to look at this dress, you would never know it is a nursing dress. The flattering colors, intricate lace, and beautiful bow make this a great option for special occasions.
Sweet Mommy Nursing Tule Dress
If you are looking for a figure-flattering, flowing nursing dress, check this out!
The soft fabric comes in a range of modern colors, and it allows you to breastfeed your baby discreetly. The dress utilizes the crossover design, but it also has a double layer for additional security.
This dress offers room to grow and will fit during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, and beyond the baby stage.
Jezero Ruched Maxi Dress
If you are looking for a floor-length nursing dress, this is one of the best options we’ve found. The style is simple yet elegant, and you can wear it as both a maternity and nursing dress.
It utilizes the crossover design, so you can easily pull one side of the top across to reveal your breast for feeding.
You can cinch the adjustable waist tie to fit the dress as tightly or loosely as you like.
LaClef Maxi Nursing Dress
This dress is simple yet trendy, and it is sure to keep you comfortable. You can wear this dress during pregnancy or for nursing.
The crossover design allows you to quickly and discreetly prepare to breastfeed your baby.
You don’t have to compromise style for comfort because this classic dress is made of super soft material to help keep you comfortable.
Best Nursing Dresses for Large Breasts
Bearsland Short Sleeve Dress
This nursing dress is super flowy throughout — including the bust line — and it’s one of the comfiest nursing dresses on the market for women of all sizes!
The side-open nursing access makes for quick and easy feeding sessions, even when your baby has totally lost their patience.
We especially love the pockets — the perfect addition to any comfy dress.
Wear it as it is for a cool summer lounge dress. Add jewelry or accessories to dress it up. Or pair it with an infinity scarf, leggings, and boots for cold-weather outings.
Ouges Floral Maternity Dress
This dress uses the pull-on nursing design and has pockets to store some essentials.
A benefit to this style is that the bust line is made of stretchy material that allows you to have extra room for larger breasts.
You won’t have to worry about your dress becoming too constricting if your breasts fluctuate in size because the material will work with you and keep you supported yet comfortable.
Another inexpensive option with multiple prints, you can purchase one or several to extend your nursing-wear collection.
Bearsland Sleeveless Nursing Dress
This sleeveless dress is excellent for summer occasions and casual wear.
The double-layer feature makes it less constricting than other nursing dresses. It doesn’t have any annoying elastic that cinches under your bust line, so it better accommodates larger breasts.
The double-layer nursing access offers a more fitted look in the bodice, while the skirt remains comfortably loose and flowy.
Quinee Short Sleeve Nursing Dress
This cute short-sleeve dress is super simple, yet flattering. You can dress this up for a special occasion or wear it for casual use.
The top fits like a t-shirt, and this nursing dress is available in a variety of sizes and colors, so you can find one that best fits your personality and body.
Nurse easily and discreetly with the double-layer feature by simply lifting the top layer.
Best Plus-Size Nursing Dresses
Savi Mom Nursing Nightgown
This dress is zipper- and button-free for no-fuss nursing and is comfortable in all situations. You can wear this soft, flowy dress as a nightgown, around the house, to the beach, or out and about.
You will be able to easily breastfeed your little one by using the easy-to-access vertical opening on both sides of the breast.
Savi Mom Plus-Size Dress
This short-sleeve dress provides comfort and modesty. The T-shirt style is casual enough to wear at home, but the solid-color design adds a touch of formality, so you can get away with wearing it to church or for a night on the town. Simply accessorize to dress it up or down.
This is a perfect option for moms seeking an alternative comfort outfit that helps them feel a little more put together.
The vertical opening makes it easier to breastfeed anytime and anywhere because you don’t have to undo any clips or buttons.
Kissmay V-Neck Coctail Midi Dress
This adorable wrap dress comes in a print to suit any style — from cheerful florals to casual plaids, you’re sure to find an option to suit you.
Although the dress wasn’t designed to be a nursing dress, the wrap style provides easy nursing access and ensures a great fit even during pregnancy. It comes in sizes up to 24 plus and accommodates bust sizes up to 52 inches. The adjustable ties cinch under the bust and add some shape to the fit.
This dress sits just below the knees, making it a breathable summer option while still offering some modesty. Pair it with leggings or tall boots for cool-weather wear.
Udderly Hot Mama Nursing Dress
Every mama deserves the option to dress up and feel good. This dress is a fabulous plus-size option because it is fitted without being too tight, boxy, or overly flowy.
This dress is perfect for any special occasion or night out. You will be able to easily breastfeed your little one with the use of the double layer and crossover feature that allows discreet access to your breast.
Best Nursing Dresses for Work
Bearsland Nursing Work Dress
This nursing dress is great for the workplace because it is both professional and stylish. It is long enough to wear to work, and keeps the girls well hidden.
Although your breasts are totally out of view, this dress allows you to nurse or pump discreetly with its layered opening and drops right back into place when you’re finished.
Hello Miz Nursing Dress
This dress is great for the mamas who love to have many choices. If this style suits you, you’re in luck because it comes in more than 25 patterns and colors. With options to suit a formal business environment, lunch meetings, conferences, or casual wear, you’ll be sure to find a great fit for any event.
With a handy crossover design, this dress enables you to pump at work quickly or nurse at home.
Hello Miz Asymmetrical Nursing Dress
This dress has an asymmetrical design that is fashionable and inviting for the work environment.
Simply lift a piece of fabric to reveal an inner layer, making your breasts accessible for nursing or pumping. The extra layer of fabric also allows for privacy when pumping at work.
Bearsland Nursing Dresses
This dress utilizes the double-layer design fashionably. It’s not immediately recognizable as a nursing dress, as many other layered-style options are.
The length and style of this dress make for work-appropriate attire. There is an extra piece of fabric within that looks like a tank top but lifts for you to nurse or pump.
Nursing Dresses FAQs
What Are Nursing Dresses Called?
They’re typically just called “nursing dresses.” They’re the unsung heroes of the breastfeeding wardrobe, combining style with snack accessibility.
What to Wear While Breastfeeding Other Than Nursing Tops?
Button-down shirts, V-neck tees, or wrap dresses are all fabulous choices. Essentially, anything that provides easy, stealthy access to the milk bar.
The Bottom Line
Our top pick for the best nursing dress is the Liu & Qu Nursing Dress.
This dress can be both casual and dressy. It’s comfortable and practical. Every mom needs a great go-to dress in their arsenal, and this one has many quality features that sets it apart.
You can quickly and easily breastfeed your little one with the vertical nursing panels. The material is super soft and stretchy. And the mid-length style suits all settings.
