By Hilary Metcalfe
In those first weeks (and months) of breastfeeding, I lived in loungewear. Not just any loungewear—clothes that made me feel comfortable, capable, and a little more like myself.
Because here’s the truth: when you’re nursing around the clock, the last thing you want is tight, restrictive clothing, awkward fastenings, or anything that makes feeding harder than it needs to be. At the same time, constantly wearing baggy, stretched-out T-shirts can make you feel disconnected from yourself.
Breastfeeding mums deserve clothes that are soft, breathable, and easy to nurse in—without sacrificing style. Whether you’re looking for a cosy wrap cardigan, buttery soft leggings, or a functional-yet-chic nursing top, these UK-based brands offer the best in sustainable, stylish, and mum-friendly loungewear.
1. The Softest, Most Supportive Nursing Bras
A good nursing bra is a game-changer. It needs to be soft enough to sleep in, stretchy enough to accommodate fluctuating breast sizes, and supportive without feeling restrictive.
Best UK Nursing Bra Brands:
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Bravado Designs – Wire-free, ultra-comfortable bras that adapt to size changes.
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Boob Design – Sustainable, TENCEL™-based bras with easy nursing access.
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Hotmilk Lingerie – Feminine, lace-trimmed options that don’t sacrifice comfort for style.
✔ Stretchy & breathable
✔ No underwire = no clogged ducts
✔ Clip-down or pull-aside for easy feeds
2. The Best Loungewear Tops for Effortless Nursing
A breastfeeding-friendly top should be soft, stretchy, and easy to lift or unclip—without looking like traditional maternity wear.
Best Nursing-Friendly Tops:
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The B Shirt – Sustainably made, ultra-soft tank tops with built-in nursing access.
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Boob Design – Stylish wrap tops & layering pieces made from GOTS-certified organic cotton.
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Frugi – Beautiful, ethical nursing tops in fun prints.
✔ Discreet feeding access
✔ Double-layer or lift-up panels for modesty
✔ Soft enough to sleep in, stylish enough for daytime wear
3. Cosy Wraps & Cardigans for Layering
Perfect for snuggling up with baby, a lightweight wrap cardigan or kimono adds a layer of warmth without restricting movement.
Best UK Wraps & Cardigans:
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Hush – Oversized, soft-knit cardigans that are easy to throw on over nursing tops.
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Desmond & Dempsey – Elegant yet relaxed wrap-style robes and dusters.
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Panda London – Bamboo-fabric loungewear that’s breathable and sustainable.
✔ Warmth without bulk
✔ Flattering, draped fit
✔ Doubles as a light blanket during night feeds
4. The Ultimate Soft & Stretchy Leggings
Leggings are a new mum’s best friend—but not all leggings are created equal. The best ones offer a high waist for gentle support, buttery-soft fabric, and enough stretch to accommodate postpartum changes.
Best UK Loungewear Leggings:
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Boody – Bamboo-fabric leggings that are breathable, antibacterial, and thermoregulating.
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Love Leggings – High-waisted, full-length leggings designed specifically for postpartum comfort.
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Isabella Oliver – Sustainable leggings with extra stretch for postpartum recovery.
✔ Gentle compression for postpartum belly support
✔ Non-see-through, soft fabric
✔ Perfect for lounging, walking, or yoga
5. Sleepwear That’s Nursing-Friendly & Luxuriously Soft
Night feeds become so much easier when sleepwear is nursing-accessible and ultra-comfortable.
Best UK Sleepwear for Breastfeeding Mums:
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Desmond & Dempsey – Chic, breathable pyjama sets with button-down tops for easy feeding.
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Hush – Super-soft nightdresses and loungewear sets.
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Frugi – Ethical, organic cotton nightwear designed for nursing mums.
✔ Easy pull-down or button access
✔ Soft, non-irritating fabrics
✔ Relaxed fit for postpartum comfort
6. The Perfect Loungewear & Tea Ritual Pairing
There’s something about wrapping yourself in a soft robe, pulling on cosy socks, and sitting down with a warm cup of tea that feels instantly calming.
That’s why the best loungewear gifts pair beautifully with a moment of nourishment and relaxation—like a mug of The SABI Breastfeeding Herbata.
✔ Infused with moringa, oat straw & fennel to support milk flow
✔ 100% organic, plastic-free, and sustainably sourced
✔ Perfect for sipping during night feeds
Gift Idea: A soft nursing-friendly robe, a pair of bamboo socks, and a tin of Breastfeeding Herbata—because comfort isn’t just about what you wear, it’s about how you feel.
Feeling Good in Your Skin (and Your Clothes) Matters
Breastfeeding can be unpredictable, messy, and exhausting—but what you wear can make all the difference. The best loungewear isn’t just soft and stylish—it’s functional, supportive, and designed to make nursing easier.
Because when a mum feels comfortable and cared for, she can focus on what truly matters—nourishing, bonding, and simply being present in this fleeting season of life.
So whether you're treating yourself or gifting a new mum, choose loungewear that says:
"You deserve to feel good, too."
HORMONAL & PROUD
Created as a brand to help women navigate the toughest moments in pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum — and practically every stage of life –– The SABI is changing the narrative around our hormones from one of taboo, embarrassment, and loneliness to awareness and even, pride. As more than a wellness brand, The SABI offers a carefully-crafted line of products to carry you through your hormonal journey, including rituals, supportive tools, and ancient herbal remedies that have been tested time and time again by women and now come backed by medicine. The SABI is a blend of science and nature conceived by women who have experienced the joys and deep struggles of bringing a child into the world, the pains of a heavy, difficult period, miscarriage, and difficulty conceiving.
We invite you to get to know your body and its cycles better –– to really understand what is going on inside. Learn to use your hormones to your advantage no matter your stage of life, and know that you can support and balance your hormone levels. We are here to help with the information, understanding and natural tools to support your body and the emotional process along with it.