What to Wear When Breastfeeding in the Summer

Looking for tips on what to wear when breastfeeding during the summer? Check out this awesome resource for nursing clothing to wear when it’s got. No more ugly nursing clothes. Here are exactly the type of tops, dresses, and essentials you need to have a fun and pretty summer while breastfeeding!

I spent 3 summers in a row nursing a baby. Pre-kids, I looked forward to summer as a time to wear flirty dresses, fun sleeveless tops, and strapless rompers.

But dressing in a way that is both cute, cool, and comfortable as well as easy to nurse in can take some thought.

Confession: I am not a fan of nursing clothes.

I bought a few nursing tanks after Ryan was born but didn’t like the fit. Even more, I never found nursing specific clothes that felt fun and interesting rather than just function and dated.

So I don’t wear them. Instead, I wear strategically chosen “normal” clothes that I know will work for breastfeeding both at home and while we’re out.

Today I’m sharing my experience with all of you nursing mommas. No spending a million dollars on ugly nursing clothes!

What to Wear When Breastfeeding in the Summer

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The Essentials for breastfeeding in the summer:

Disposable Nursing Pads 

Here’s the thing, my friends. Heat + breast milk = a rank disaster. Protect your bra when out with breast pads (even if you’re at a point where you don’t really leak anymore! Trust me.) and toss them after each feeding. Seriously, you don’t want to walk around smelling like spoiled milk. (if you insist on using washable pads, I like these Bamboobie ones since I’ve never had a problem with leaking through them, like some other washable ones (Washable Nursing Pads)

Shelf Tanks 

I’ve written about my deep love for shelf camis (an article of clothing I once loathed) for new moms many times on this blog, but seriously if you’re a nursing mother, go buy 5. They are perfect for layering under things and slipping a strap down to nurse since you can put any shirt on top and just lift to feed while still being totally covered. The Gillian O’Malley ones form Target are my favorite.

V or Scoop Neck T-Shirts 

99% of the time you’ll find me in a came and a looser v-neck because it’s the easiest thing on the planet to nurse in without going out and buying a full set of clothes specific to nursing. I like these one’s from Target because they’re made well but also are cheap, so when I don’t feel bad when I inevitably need to buy a new white one once a month. Oops.

Nursing bra

A nursing bra that YOU like and find comfortable is so important. With Ryan, I wore sports bra type ones since I was deathly afraid of plugged ducts (got mastitis twice anyway, so who knows) and read underwire causes them. This time, I was tired of having unsupported boobs (It’s been 2 years.) so I got this lightly lined one and went back 2 days late for another. They’re cheap, super comfortable, and I haven’t had anymore plugged ducts than normal – I get a lot of them regardless since I sleep on my stomach.

A backup top

Really, all moms of babies should have one of these with them at all times, but especially in the summer. If you’re baby spits up on you or you leak all over your shirt, you are going to smell in the summer heat. Plain and simple. I throw an extra t-shirt in my bag to change into when Owen inevitably projectiles on me.

Find more breastfeeding essentials here

Quite Clearly Charismatic Maxi Dress // Kimchi Blue Rita Wrap Dress // Summer School Cool Shirt Dress
Knit Maxi Dress // Botanical Breakfast // Kira Asymmetrical Floral Maxi

Summer Nursing Dresses

Obviously, everyone loves a good dress in the hot summer days, and nursing mommas are no exception. Obviously, dresses with fun exposed backs, no straps, or high necklines might not be the best options. But, they’re still doable!

Check out my guidelines and picks below to find your perfect dress.

What you’re looking for in dresses for breastfeeding

• Soft material with a V or low scoop neck that can easily be pulled down or pushed aside. Structured fabrics don’t work that well.
• Wrap tops are a nursing mom’s best friend. It’s like they were made to be pushed aside to breastfeed in. Beware that some have deep necklines. But that can be fixed with a pin or tape. Remember to remove pins before nursing, obviously!
• Buttons. Dresses with a few working buttons on the top can be easily unbuttoned to allow for easy access.
• Thin straps that can be pulled down. This is my preferred method, hence my love of camis. I just pull the strap down, undo my bra and have at it. I realize this leaves you a bit more exposed. So, this may not be the best option for moms who like to be more covered up. You could also add a cardigan or something similar, though, to remain covered.
• Dresses you can wear a “normal” bra with. Nobody wants to see your nursing bra, no matter how cute it is. Make sure that whatever dress you choose doesn’t have aspects that in normal circumstances would need a fancy bra. Exposed back or backs with very intricate straps come to mind.
• Length. This is a personal preference but beware of the length of your dress. Kids require bending and moving on your part. While I’m all for moms not wearing “mom” outfits, there is a reason mom outfits exist.

Summer Nursing Tops

Are Mew Ready to Rock? // Nostalgic Status Button-Up Top // Cafe au Soleil Sleeveless Top
Welcoming Wednesday Wrap Top // Beaches Be Shady Tank // Paige Off The Shoulder Ruffles Blouse

What you’re looking for in breastfeeding tops

• Loose and able to be pulled up. A great option that may be overlooked is a shirt that can be pulled up to nurse and wearing a cami underneath. It’s the best way to get a lot of use out of pre-baby clothes.
• V or Scoop necks.
• Wrap tops.
• Thin straps that can be pulled down.
• Buttons.

Bonus: Rompers!

Rompers are awesome for nursing. This is because they’re usually spaghetti strap, wrap, or have buttons so they’re easy to nurse in. PLUS, since they’re usually looser on your midsection they cover up any after baby body you might be self-conscious about. Win win.  Here are a few I’m loving:

Brenda Tie Waist Floral Romper// Anywhere and Everywhere Romper // So Field With Joy Romper
Ailish Floral Surplus Tie Back Romper // Anywhere and Everywhere Romper  // Read It and Steep Romper

I hope that this collection of tips and outfit ideas is a great resource and starting point for breastfeeding mommas – Remember, you can still dress fun and trendy while breastfeeding in the summer!!

So tell me – What is your favorite thing to wear in the summer, breastfeeding in the summer or not? Is it warm near you yet? Let me know in the comments!