How to Build a Nursing Capsule Wardrobe

You love to look good, and that includes a stylish wardrobe. If you’re like most breastfeeding moms, you want to feel comfortable nursing wherever your baby is hungry, and nursing-friendly clothes are, of course, the easiest way to do that. But does it really make sense to overhaul your entire closet for this relatively brief period in your life? Enter the breastfeeding capsule wardrobe.

Whether you consider yourself a queen of personal style or simply want to look put-together during your breastfeeding months, nursing capsule wardrobes give you the ability to nurse your baby comfortably and confidently while looking and feeling great. Plus, for those who value simple living (hey, Marie Kondo fans!), capsule wardrobes allow you to maximize the value of a scaled-down closet.

What Is a Capsule Wardrobe?

If you’re anywhere on Instagram or TikTok, you have probably seen or heard the phrase “capsule collection” floating around in recent seasons. You may be familiar with it from clothing drops by high-end brands or from personal style influencers showcasing their closets. And while it is true that the “capsule” concept has captivated these spaces, this is one trend that you can take advantage of.

In a nutshell, a capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of 10-20 pieces that can be easily mixed and matched. Ideally, it will include pieces that can be dressed up or down for different occasions and styled to match your mood of the moment. The advantages of capsule wardrobes are huge. In addition to being space-efficient, you also get a healthy dose of mental calm by simplifying your wardrobe.

What are the Benefits of a Nursing Capsule Wardrobe?

You might be thinking, “Ok, makes sense, but is it worth the investment for nursing clothes?” The answer is, absolutely. Post-partum can be a beautiful season of life, but let’s be real, it is no walk in the park! In terms of time and mental energy, you are adjusting to so many new demands and stresses. Trying to decide how to put together a decent outfit each day from a mess of ad-hoc pregnancy and postpartum clothes should not be one of them, right?

When you’re running on more coffee than sleep, you want getting dressed in the morning to be a simple and joyful experience. The last thing you want to wrestle with is a wardrobe that doesn’t work for your new reality. A breastfeeding capsule wardrobe helps you streamline your morning routine and eliminates the frustration of having “nothing to wear”. With your own collection of versatile, cute, and functional nursing-friendly pieces that work well together, you’re ensuring that you’ll always have the perfect thing in your closet to face the day ahead. 

What Pieces Should a Nursing Capsule Wardrobe Contain?

So, let’s jump into the good stuff. How do you choose what goes into your breastfeeding wardrobe? While your exact picks might vary depending on lifestyle, climate, and personal taste, here are a few essentials that every nursing mama’s closet needs.

1. Easy-Access Tops

Let’s start with the most obvious. Nursing tops are non-negotiable for today’s breastfeeding mamas. Why? Because they unzip below or around the breast, they allow you to conveniently and quickly nurse your baby or pump milk without uncovering your stomach or balancing a blanket over your baby’s head. This is huge for comfort, especially when you consider that you’ll be feeding your little one around 12 times a day in the first weeks!

Keep your nursing capsule wardrobe stocked with 5-7 nursing tops that you absolutely love. We suggest a few tees, tank tops, and blouses. The quantity of each may depend on the time of year you’re breastfeeding and what level of formality your day-to-day requires.

2. Comfortable Pants

In postpartum, you’ll want a selection of pants that are flexible enough to change with your body and can rise to multiple occasions. Opt for 3-4 pairs, mixing slacks, leggings, and jeans or jeggings that all work with your nursing tops. Be sure to look for pants with a wide belt and elastic fit, which will ensure you stay comfortable and supported as you heal from birth.

3. Layering Pieces

Layers are a girl’s best friend, at least when she’s nursing. Keep 2-3 cardigans or pullovers in your nursing capsule wardrobe. These are great for body temperature fluctuations and in the event of any possible leakage. We recommend choosing a few options that can easily be mixed and matched with a variety of outfits.

4. Nursing Dresses

Dresses make getting ready simple! With just one piece, you’ve got an entire outfit! We recommend having 2-3 nursing dresses in your breastfeeding capsule wardrobe. At Nursing Queen, we offer a wide range of silhouettes and styles, including mini, midi, and maxi options, as well as casual to semi-formal designs.

5. Bras & Underwear

A good nursing bra is the secret weapon of every happily nursing woman. Select about 4 nursing bras with good padding, in colors that will blend with your tops and t-shirts. Many women also recommend including postpartum underwear in your nursing capsule wardrobe for stomach support and leakage protection.

6. Comfy & Cute Loungewear

Some might argue that all good postpartum clothing should be as comfortable as loungewear, regardless of the occasion. While we definitely want to prioritize comfort as our bodies heal, there is something to be said for those ultra-casual outfits that are just for home. They tell your mind, “Hey, girl, you’re free to relax now.” Add a sweatsuit or two to your breastfeeding capsule wardrobe and keep the rest of your clothes fresh for showing off to the world.

7. One or Two Wildcards

Maybe it’s a postpartum jumpsuit, a structured blazer, or a boldly patterned kimono. A “wild card” is any piece that helps you bring that main character energy. It’s absolutely possible to build a practical nursing capsule wardrobe that can be easily mixed and matched while still incorporating those items that make you feel uniquely you!

Getting Started

Ready to start building your own nursing capsule wardrobe? Follow these simple steps to get started!

1. Audit Your Closet

Use the categories above as a reference point to identify gaps in your current wardrobe. Decide how many of each item you’ll need before you start shopping.

2. Pick a Color Palette 

Think about the season, the energy you want to give, and your calendar. Lots of people recommend neutrals for capsule wardrobes, but there’s no reason you can’t throw in a few colorful pieces as well. The key is harmony within your chosen palette of your nursing capsule wardrobe.

3. Shop With Intention

Once you have your color palette and “must-haves” list, you can follow your fashion bliss with confidence, no regrets.

4. Reassess Monthly

Your body is changing constantly after birth, and your lifestyle probably is, too. Give yourself permission to reassess your wardrobe needs from time to time and adjust accordingly.

Feel Yourself

A breastfeeding capsule wardrobe isn’t just about practicality. It’s about maintaining your sense of style and control through this new, sometimes chaotic, season of life. It’s about feeling like yourself and giving yourself the gift of calm, even if it’s just for five minutes in front of the mirror. 

And when you slip on your favorite nursing tank or ultra-comfy dress, and feel that much more put together than five minutes before, you’ll thank your previous self for showing that care. Welcome to postpartum nursing, mama! You got this!