Fact-checked by Joyce Slaton, Commerce editor and CPST
Written by
Jenn Bonicelli and Meghan Hertzfeldt | Mar 2, 2022
BabyCenter selects products based on the research of our editors and the wisdom of parents in the BabyCenter Community. All prices and details are accurate at the time of publication. We may earn a commission from shopping links.
Photo credit:
Babycenter
- Best nursing top overall: Latched Mama V-Neck Nursing Tee 2.0
- Best nursing tank top: ASOS Design Maternity Nursing Tank with Double Layer
- Best winter nursing top: Latched Mama Fleece Snap Nursing Pullover
- Best nursing top for work: Motherhood Maternity 2-in-1 Button Closure Nursing Cardigan
- Best nursing top for home and lounging: Old Navy Maternity Vintage Cross-Front Nursing Tunic Hoodie
- Best plus size nursing top: PinkBlush Draped Front Plus Maternity/Nursing Top
- Best nursing jumpsuit: Boob Amelia Jumpsuit
- Best evening wear for nursing: Envie de Fraise Maternity/Nursing Resa LS Dress
- Best long sleeved nursing top: Bearsland Women's Maternity Hoodie with Pockets
- Best nursing top for sports: Beyond Yoga Featherweight Under Wraps Nursing Overlap Tee
When you’re breastfeeding, some clothing makes things easier, and some injects an awkward note. Of course, you can pull any top up and any bra down, but most babies aren’t thrilled to have flaps of cloth dangling on their face, nor are most moms comfortable this way.
Nursing tops are specifically designed to make breastfeeding access easy while keeping the rest of your torso covered up, minimizing how much skin you expose. Instead of having to pull your entire shirt up to access your breast, you can give your baby access to your breast through a cleverly placed opening or flap.
The design of nursing tops has evolved over the years. Long gone are the unflattering old crop-top-like flaps that made it glaringly obvious you were a nursing mother. Modern nursing tops are cuter, more comfortable, and provide a more discreet nursing experience using buttons, zippers, camouflaged flaps, or wrap designs in tops, hoodies, dresses, jumpers, and any other style you can imagine.
Of course, no woman should ever feel they have to cover up. Show as much or as little as you feel comfortable with in the name of keeping your baby fed. However, some women feel more comfortable covering up, and if that describes you, there’s a nursing top out there that’ll give you the ease and comfort you need to relax into each nursing session.
How we chose the best nursing tops
Comfort, convenience, and cuteness are the three watchwords we kept in mind when hunting through the BabyCenter Community, searching through millions of posts to find the nursing tops BabyCenter moms wear and recommend to each other. Once we found the nursing tops moms review positively, we set our editorial team to the task of researching each pick to find which are affordable, good-looking, and widely available.
Keep reading to find our favorite nursing tank top, the most reliable nursing top for work, and more. And if you’re looking for more easygoing breastfeeding gear, our most-beloved nursing bras can help.
Why trust us?
BabyCenter's reviews are created based on parents' real-life experiences using products - experiences of editors and writers who are parents themselves, and also of the millions of parents and pregnant women who make up the BabyCenter Community. Our editorial team uses these insights, as well as feedback from the doctors and other experts on our Medical Advisory Board, to give you accurate and fact-based information, including the pros and cons of different products. That way, you can decide what's best for you and your family.
Learn more
Best nursing top overall
Latched Mama V-Neck Nursing Tee 2.0
Photo credit:
Latched Mama
Buying options:
$45 | Latched MamaOpens a new window |
The Latched Mama V-Neck nursing tee is in our opinion the most universally flattering and functional nursing top on the market. The v-neck hits at just the right point to show a little skin without letting your bra hang out (this 2.0 style is so named because the neckline is two inches higher than on the popular V-Neck Boyfriend Nursing TeeOpens a new window), and the double layers of the shirt have a beautiful drape that’s subtly shaped to flatter your curves.
Heads up
Some moms find that this shirt pills after some wear.
Parents say
“I love the v-necks from Latched Mama.”
Specs
- Available in sizes XXS-3X
- 95% viscose, 5% spandex
- Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Best nursing tank top
ASOS Design Maternity Nursing Tank with Double Layer
Photo credit:
ASOS
Buying options:
$23 | ASOSOpens a new window |
Perfect to wear as a layering tank or on its own, the ASOS Design double layer nursing and maternity tank is a mom favorite. Made with a soft-knit jersey, this tank has a crew neck that keeps you modestly covered right up to your collarbones, so even the most full-coverage nursing bra stays under wraps. The double layers of jersey don’t cling, so the fit is more forgiving for changing bodies, too.
Heads up
Moms have reported that this top runs large.
Specs
- Available in sizes 2-16
- 100% cotton
- Care: Machine wash according to label instructions
Best winter nursing top
Latched Mama Fleece Snap Nursing Pullover
Photo credit:
Latched Mama
Buying options:
$54 | Latched MamaOpens a new window |
In winter months, comfort and warmth are the name of the game, and for that, the Latched Mama Fleece Snap nursing pullover can’t be beat. Made with a super soft poly fleece, the pullover is available in four colors, and you’ll want them all. The panel on the front has a military flair with its double rows of stout metallic snaps, and you can undo one side at a time, or both for tandem nursing. With an oversized fit, this fleece is flattering on most body types, but particularly favored by larger busted women.
Heads up
Some moms have found that this fleece “sheds” with wear.
Parents say
“I am a fan of Latched Mama nursing clothes.”
Specs
- Available in sizes XS to 4X
- Polyester fleece
- Care: Machine wash gentle, tumble dry on low heat. Do not bleach or iron.
Best nursing top for work
Motherhood Maternity 2-in-1 Button Closure Nursing Cardigan
Photo credit:
Motherhood Maternity
Buying options:
$60 | Motherhood MaternityOpens a new window |
Motherhood Maternity’s convertible sleeve nursing cardigan is a perfect accessory for working moms, with many ways to style this versatile topper. Wear it open and loose, cinch the waist, roll the sleeves up or down, button the cardigan at the shoulder to basically turn your favorite work sweater into a nursing cover. And it looks as good with jeans as it does with work clothes.
Heads up
The fabric is on the thinner side.
Specs
- Available in sizes S-XL
- Rayon, twill
- Care: Machine wash or dry clean
Best nursing top for home and lounging
Old Navy Maternity Vintage Cross-Front Nursing Tunic Hoodie
Photo credit:
Old Navy
Buying options:
$40 | Old NavyOpens a new window |
We’ve never met a soft comfy sweatshirt that we didn’t love, which is why this nursing hoodie from Old Navy is one of our favorites. The soft-washed fleece, build-in hood, rib-knit cuffed sleeves make this hoodie a comfortable nursing staple moms can’t live without. Enjoy a discreet nursing experience with the cross-front bodice, which lifts up simply when needed and drops back into place when you’re done.
Heads up
Moms report this shirt runs large.
Parents say
“I just got some nursing tunics from Old Navy that I love!”
Specs
- Available in sizes XS-2X
- 52% cotton, 48% polyester
- Care: machine wash cold, tumble dry low.
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Best plus size nursing top
PinkBlush Draped Front Plus Maternity/Nursing Top
Photo credit:
PinkBlush
Buying options:
$35 | PinkBlush MaternityOpens a new window |
PinkBlush is stocked with a ton of plus-size maternity and nursing clothes that are comfortable, stylish, and flattering. We particularly love the empire waist on this number, which showcases your bust and then cinches your silhouette at a universally flattering point. The sides of the top easily pull aside for access, while the graceful draped front keeps you fully covered whether you wear this top alone or under a sweater. It comes in 12 sophisticated colors, including this dusty mauve.
Heads up
Care on this one is a real pain: hand-wash and it’s not dryer safe, either?
Parents say
“Pinkblush is a great website, I've ordered a ton of maternity/nursing dresses and tops from there.”
Specs
- Available in sizes 1X-3X
- 95% rayon, 5% spandex
- Care: Hand-wash cold, no bleach, hang or line dry
Best nursing jumpsuit
Named after the famous female flyer, this maternity and nursing jumpsuit is dashing enough to give you a shot of confidence at work, and soft and comfy enough to wear at home. Made of cush organic cotton jersey, the Amelia has enough room for a pregnant belly, then glides on easily postpartum, and conceals a double-layered top beneath the high waistband so you can pull it up for nursing yet remain under cover.
Heads up
To use the restroom you have to take the whole thing off.
Specs
- Available in sizes XS-XL
- 95% organic cotton, 5% elastane
- Machine wash inside out with similar colors in warm water, do not bleach, do not tumble dry, iron medium heat, dry cleanable.
Best evening wear for nursing
Envie de Fraise Maternity/Nursing Resa LS Dress
Photo credit:
Envie de Fraise
Buying options:
$51 | Envie de FraiseOpens a new window |
The Resa dress by Envie de Fraise is the perfect mix between functional and glamourous. We love that this dress comes in 16 colors and patterns and can easily be paired with heels for an evening look or with a pair of sandals for daytime comfort. The nursing system built into this dress is hidden underneath the top layer of fabric and is easily opened with one hand. Whether you are breastfeeding or pregnant, this dress is worth the investment.
Heads up
The brand suggests ordering your pre-pregnancy size.
Parents say
“Envie de Fraise, I like everything from this brand!”
Specs
- Available in sizes 2/4- 14/16
- 96% viscose, 4% elastane
- Care: Machine-wash in cold water, do not bleach, iron, or tumble dry
Best budget nursing top
H&M is one of the first places a budget-conscious mom should look for a wide variety of silhouettes in neutral, modern colors. With its round neck, square shoulders, and long sleeves, this shirt has the look of a classic French mariniere top, with an off-center double layer that can either glide easily over a pregnant belly, or be pulled aside for easy nursing once you’ve given birth.
Heads up
This top is only available online.
Specs
- Available in sizes XS-2X
- 50% cotton, 50% modal
- Care: Machine wash cool
Best casual nursing top
Seraphine Cotton Blend Striped Mama & Mini Sweatshirts
Photo credit:
Seraphine
Buying options:
$100 | Seraphine MaternityOpens a new window |
Mommy and me outfits are a fun way to twin with your little one. We love the Seraphine Mama & Mini sweatshirts because they are designed to fit well through pregnancy, but have a snap away drop-down shoulder for easy nursing access, with a modesty panel that keeps you covered while nursing. The infant version fits babies from newborn to six months and snaps at the shoulder for easier changes. Available in multiple matching designs, these sets make great gifts.
Heads up
Sizes on the website are European.
Specs
- Sizes S-XL
- 61% Cotton, 39% polyester
- Care: Machine wash warm, do not bleach, dry clean, or tumble dry. Warm iron.
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Best long sleeved nursing top
Bearsland Women's Maternity Hoodie with Pockets
Photo credit:
Amazon
Buying options:
$33 | AmazonOpens a new window |
This comfortable sweatshirt is designed to be functional for nursing moms. For nursing access, there are strategically placed zips on either side. Available in solid colors and multiple feminine patterns, moms love the comfort and functionality of this hooded sweatshirt and love that it pairs well with jeans or leggings for a more polished take on loungewear.
Heads up
Nursing flaps are unzipped from the bottom up. Hand-washing is recommended.
Parents say
“I love the Bearsland Women’s Maternity hoodie!!! It’s so soft and comfy.”
Specs
- Available in sizes S-2X
- 95% cotton, 5% spandex
- Care: Machine wash cold with like colors, hand wash recommended. Do not bleach.
Best nursing top for sports
Beyond Yoga Featherweight Under Wraps Nursing Overlap Tee
Photo credit:
Beyond Yoga
Buying options:
$88 | Beyond YogaOpens a new window |
Although long-sleeved, the Beyond Yoga Featherweight Wunder Wraps nursing tee is lightweight and breathable thanks to its light knit, with four-way stretch for ultra ease. The high-low design gives this shirt a layered look, with the bottom staying put and the top lifting up to give you simultaneous easy access and solid coverage.
Heads up
The material is thin and can snag.
Specs
- Available in sizes XS-XL
- 94% polyester, 6% spandex
- Care: Machine wash and dry
Before you rush out to the store to fill your closet with nursing tops, there are a few key considerations:
- Comfort: This is the most important thing to consider when buying a nursing top. If it’s not comfy, you’ll never wear it. What time of the year will you be nursing, in the winter or summer months? Find something that will be warm and keep you cozy or something that is more light and airy depending on the time of year you gave birth.
- Fabric: This ties in with comfort. You want something made to feel like a dream on your breasts, especially on your nipples which will be more sensitive and tender. Having a comfy fabric is key! Err on the side of light and breathable, in hot weather particularly, but when you have a baby attached to your breast, things get heated up quickly, no matter the season.
- Style: Lucky for you, you are shopping in 2022 and not back in the day. With a plethora of designers out there, you should be able to find something that fits your personal style and budget.
- Occasion: Do you need tops you can wear to work? Out of the house? Just at home? Some of each?
- Fastenings: Nursing tops come with a variety of fastening options: buttons, zips, pullover styles with material that lifts up or pulls over. Consider how you are most comfortable exposing your breast and what type of fastening you can access the easiest, likely with one hand.
- Fit: After you give birth, your body is doing a lot of things. Changing shape and size is not only normal, but it will happen in many different ways. Consider materials that are stretchy to help go with your changing shape so that you are comfortable while your body adapts.
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Jenn Bonicelli and Meghan Hertzfeldt
Jenn Bonicelli and Meghan Hertzfeldt are the authors of the book,You Can Two: The EssentialTwinsPreparation Guideand cofounders of parenting siteTwo Came True.
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