Postpartum Wardrobe Essentials That Balance Comfort and Style
Social media would have you believe that you need to “snap back” within months after giving birth.
This could not be further from the truth—your body has gone through a lot of changes during a very short amount of time so you need to accept that it will take time for you to recover.
Even though you’re eager to fit into your pre-pregnancy clothes, it’s far better for your physical and mental health that you invest in a postpartum wardrobe so that you can take all the time you need to recover.
The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to create your wardrobe—you can just focus on a few flattering pieces that are also functional.
Balancing Comfort and Style After Baby
- Postpartum Leggings
Postpartum leggings are a must-have! They are comfortable, provide support to your strained stomach muscles, and give you a sleek silhouette.
Most leggings are made from a blend of cotton, modal, nylon or spandex. This allows the leggings to be soft and gentle on your skin while still providing enough elasticity for support.
Leggings are very versatile and can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion which means that you can use them when you go for a run or pair them with a stylish long tunic for an evening out.
Not all leggings are equally good and a review of the best postpartum leggings by independent experts and moms who have used them can help you choose the right ones for you.
- Easy-Access Tops
When you’re looking for tops to add to your wardrobe, you may be tempted to buy something that catches your eye, but if it’s not functional, you need to move on.
The last thing you need as a new mom on a night out is to have your baby screaming in hunger while you fumble with the buttons on your top.
There are a wide variety of easy-access tops from tops that pull down or pull up to ones that zip down or have discrete flaps.
Look for tops that have a good fit but are not too tight. They should be made from fabrics that are easy to wash and dry.
Choose patterns or darker colors as these are more effective at concealing unexpected leaks compared to lighter colors.
You can also pick up a couple of skin-to-skin nursing tops that are made from a lightweight material to prevent overheating.
This gives you direct skin-to-skin contact which helps to calm and relax both you and your little one.
- Flattering Dress Styles
A lot of women depend solely on shapewear to conceal their midsection after having a baby.
While clothes like postpartum leggings offer gentle compression for your tummy, tight shapewear is uncomfortable and can restrict blood flow and hamper the healing process.
Instead of depending on shapewear, you can choose dress styles that help accentuate your figure. For instance, an A-line dress is a great option because it flares out from the waist.
Peplum dresses are also a good option as they cover your stomach while accentuating your waist and hips which creates an hourglass effect.
You can go with a flared or ruffled style depending on your personal preference.
- Comfortable Shoes
Most women experience swelling in their legs, especially their feet during pregnancy and it can take weeks or even months after their baby is born for the swelling to subside completely.
Whenever possible, keep your feet elevated to reduce swelling. You also need to have at least a couple of pairs of comfortable shoes.
You can use sneakers during the day and for an evening out, use ballet flats or slip-on flats that have instep support. If you want something a little more stylish, you can look for flats with attached ribbons.
- Accessories that Showcase your Personal Style
As a new mom, with so many new responsibilities, it’s easy to lose your self-identity. This loss of identity can lead to a lot of negative feelings which can impact your mental and emotional health.
It’s hard to believe that something as simple as accessories can help you retain your sense of self but they are an expression of your personal style and individuality.
Whether you want to accessorize with statement pieces or simple jewelry is completely up to you.
Scarves and shawls are also excellent accessories because they add something to your outfit while still being functional as they provide privacy while you’re breastfeeding.
