Choosing the right nursing clothes can make breastfeeding in public significantly easier. But which type of nursing access actually works best for moms?

To better understand what breastfeeding moms prefer, Nursing Queen surveyed 113 breastfeeding mothers inside a private community and asked one simple question:

“What type of nursing access do you find easiest to use in public?”

The results reveal clear preferences when it comes to lift-up access, hidden zipper access, and pull-aside nursing styles.

This data provides helpful insight into what features make nursing clothes easier for breastfeeding outside the home.

Key Survey Results

In a survey of 113 breastfeeding moms, the most preferred nursing access for feeding in public was hidden zipper access (53%), followed by lift-up access (39%) and pull-aside styles (8%).

Survey Results from 113 Breastfeeding Moms

• Hidden zipper nursing access: 53% of moms
• Lift-up nursing access: 39% of moms
• Pull-aside nursing access: 8% of moms

Across the responses, many moms said the easiest nursing access is clothing that allows:

• One-handed access

• Quick feeding without adjusting layers

• Discreet openings

• Minimal clothing movement

These features help moms breastfeed comfortably in places like parks, restaurants, airplanes, and public events.

Survey Results: Which Nursing Access Is Easiest in Public?

Hidden Zipper Nursing Access

Hidden zipper nursing access was the highest preferred option among breastfeeding moms.

Zipper access typically features hidden horizontal or vertical zippers in the design of the garment. This allows moms to open a small section of the shirt without lifting the entire top.

Many moms said zipper access feels more discreet in public settings.

Comments from breastfeeding moms:

“Zippers are my favorite because they look like normal clothes.”

“I like zipper access because it feels more discreet when nursing in public.”

Hidden zipper nursing access is often used in nursing dresses and tops. You can see examples of nursing dresses, nursing shirts, and nursing hoodies here. 

Lift-Up Nursing Access

Lift-up nursing access was one of the most commonly preferred options among survey respondents.

Lift-up style nursing clothes typically feature an outer layer that lifts upward to reveal a hidden opening underneath. Many moms say this style allows them to feed quickly while maintaining coverage.

Several mothers said lift panels are especially helpful when breastfeeding while holding a baby or managing other children.

Comments from breastfeeding moms:

“Lift access is easiest because I can nurse quickly without fussing with zippers.”

“I like lift-up styles because they feel natural and simple to use.”

Lift-up style nursing access is commonly found in breastfeeding sweatshirts and casual nursing tops. Here you can see how nursing tees and nursing sweaters with lift-up access work. 

Pull-Aside Nursing Access

Pull-aside access was also mentioned by several moms as a simple option for breastfeeding on the go.

This style typically involves stretchy or wrap-style fabric that allows the shirt or dress to be pulled aside for feeding.

Some moms prefer pull-aside styles because they require no closures or panels.

Comments from breastfeeding moms:

“Pull-aside works great when baby needs to eat quickly.”

“Stretchy fabrics make pull-aside nursing really easy.”

However, some moms mentioned that pull-aside styles may provide less coverage in public compared to lift or zipper designs. Here's an example of a shirt with pull-aside access. 

What Makes Nursing Clothes Easier for Breastfeeding in Public?

Based on responses from 113 breastfeeding moms, several clothing features make breastfeeding easier when outside the home.

The most helpful features include:

• Easy one-handed access

• Minimal clothing adjustments

• Discreet openings

• Soft, comfortable fabrics

• Designs that look like regular clothing

Many moms said these features make it easier to breastfeed in everyday situations such as:

• running errands

• attending family events

• traveling

• sitting in public spaces

• caring for older children

Clothing designed with nursing access can help reduce stress and make feeding more convenient. This is especially helpful for moms returning to work or pumping during the day, as discussed in our guide to best nursing clothes for pumping at work.

Why Nursing Access Matters for Public Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding outside the home can sometimes feel challenging for new moms. Clothing that allows quick and discreet access can make the experience significantly easier.

Nursing clothes designed with thoughtful access points allow moms to:

• feed their baby faster

• maintain privacy if desired

• avoid lifting or removing clothing

• feel more confident breastfeeding in public

Many breastfeeding moms say the right clothing can make everyday activities much easier during the postpartum months. Since many health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control, encourage breastfeeding for at least six months, clothing that supports mothers during their feeding journey can be a significant help. 

Survey Methodology

The poll was posted in our VIP community for breastfeeding moms, where members regularly discuss nursing clothes, pumping tips, and breastfeeding experiences.

Details of the survey:

• Total participants: 113 breastfeeding moms

• Question asked: “What type of nursing access do you find easiest to use in public?”

• Response type: Poll with optional written comments

The goal of the survey was to better understand which nursing clothing access styles breastfeeding moms find most practical for feeding in public.

Responses included both poll selections and personal feedback from mothers describing their experiences with different nursing clothing styles.

FAQ: Nursing Clothes and Breastfeeding in Public

What type of nursing access is easiest to use in public?

In a survey of 113 breastfeeding moms, lift-up panels and hidden zipper access were among the most preferred nursing clothing features for breastfeeding in public because they allow quick and discreet feeding.

Are zipper nursing shirts good for breastfeeding in public?

Yes. Many moms prefer hidden zipper nursing access because it allows them to breastfeed without lifting their entire shirt.

Do nursing clothes make breastfeeding easier outside the home?

Many breastfeeding moms say nursing clothes make feeding easier because they provide faster access, more coverage, and greater comfort when breastfeeding in public.

What features make nursing clothes easier to use?

Clothing designed for breastfeeding is easier to use when it includes:

• one-handed access

• discreet openings

• minimal clothing adjustment

• soft, flexible fabrics

Final Key Takeaway

When it comes to breastfeeding in public, the easiest nursing clothes tend to be those that allow quick, discreet, and one-handed access.

Based on responses from 113 breastfeeding moms, hidden zipper nursing access was the most preferred option for breastfeeding in public because it allows quick, discreet feeding while keeping clothing in place.

Clothing designed specifically for nursing can help make breastfeeding more convenient and comfortable wherever moms and babies go.