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The Comfiest Postpartum Clothes to Wear in the Fourth Trimester
The Comfiest Postpartum Clothes to Wear in the Fourth Trimester
Photo by Photos by @thenaturaldoula (https://www.instagram.com/thenaturaldoula/) | @baileyjulio family @Bailey Julio

The Comfiest Postpartum Clothes to Wear in the Fourth Trimester

You have enough things on your mind; getting dressed in something cozy won’t be one of them.

author-Aimee Simeon
By Aimee Simeon and Latifah Miles
Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson
Updated On
Updated On
Our editors independently test and curate products. If you make a purchase via our links we may earn a commission.
Photo by Photos by @thenaturaldoula (https://www.instagram.com/thenaturaldoula/) | @baileyjulio family @Bailey Julio

In This Article

Robes
Matching sets
One pieces
Dresses
Pajamas
Tops
Leggings
Under layers

Styling yourself during pregnancy can be a challenge, but a fun one. What can come as more of a shock is dressing yourself comfortably after giving birth. Everyone's body, pregnancy, labor and postpartum experience is different. In my case, I spent weeks feeling sore and swollen.

While everyone's experience is unique, the care and comfort needed in the fourth trimester are universal. Being as cozy and comfortable as possible as you recover is a key part of that puzzle. The good news? There are tons of great postpartum clothes designed to support you in the fourth trimester (and honestly, long after, because who's counting?). The best postpartum clothes should be easy to put on, flow away from your body (to keep you cool during the postpartum sweats) and be so comfortable that napping in them doesn’t sound unreasonable. And aside from pure comfort, your postpartum wardrobe should allow for easy access for nursing, pumping and skin-to-skin.

From one-and-done jumpsuits to cozy matching sets that make getting ready simple, we rounded up the best postpartum cozy clothes to get you through your fourth trimester and beyond (plus, if you buy them during pregnancy, you can start wearing them now), so you can feel your best and think about, literally, everything besides getting dressed.

Robes

When we think of cozy postpartum essentials, a good robe is one of the first things that comes to mind. These are designed to grow with you in this new phase of life, with bands that sit high above a bump during pregnancy, but still keep your post-baby belly comfy (and a great addition to your hospital bag to wear after delivery). What’s more is that all of our picks are made with comfy, breathable fabrics that won’t weigh you down or make you too hot. You’ll want to wrap yourself up in these all day, every day and, hey, we don’t blame you.

Matching sets

Whether you’re lounging at home with baby or finally feel ready to take a walk or run a quick errand, matching sets take the guesswork out of getting dressed. Made with various postpartum bodies in mind, all of these sets are made with comfortable fabrics that’ll move with you throughout the day whether you’re indoors or out. We especially love that they can all be jazzed up with your favorite sneakers or accessories if you want to build on your look. Here are some of our favorites:

One pieces

When juggling baby, yourself, and the million other things on your to-do list, the last thing you need is to think of how to piece different parts of an outfit together. This is where one pieces really shine—just pull ‘em on and go about your day. If you’re expecting, we suggest grabbing a few transitional pieces that’ll have enough room for the bump while you’re pregnant but then be roomy enough for you to breathe once your little one has arrived. Some of our favorites can be worn all day in the house but can also be paired with your favorite shoes and accessories to double as a chill look. Plus, they all work if you’re nursing or pumping (either with cutouts or the ability to pull the top aside).

Dresses

During my fourth trimester, there were literally times when I wouldn’t remember if I brushed my teeth for the day. In those moments, I craved nothing more than putting on clothes that fit and stepping out for lunch or a walk with my partner and baby. I wish I had stocked up on more cute, cozy dresses that could be worn while I pumped but still helped me feel cute and put together for dinner in the neighborhood. These check all those boxes: roomy enough for your changing body, but still cute if you want to step out (or feel stylish around the house for photos with baby).

Pajamas

Comfy pajamas were perhaps the most necessary form of clothing outside of large underwear during my fourth trimester. I slept in many that were soft, buttery, and comfy enough to (almost) make me forget about all the aches and pains of fourth-trimester recovery. Best part? Almost a whole year later, they’re still the ones I reach for regularly, so you’ll definitely get the most bang for your buck. Here are some favorites:

Tops

There’s a lot going on up top after birth: the boobs, the belly and the sweating (thanks hormonal shifts). Tops that are loose enough to let a cool breeze through while also making it easy for you to pump or nurse are especially helpful in the early days but you’ll find them useful far beyond that time period. Some standouts: tank tops that fit my breast pump, and flowy tops that I could layer on top. 

Leggings

Arguably the most worn maternity item, leggings can also help you feel pulled together if you’re planning on leaving the house (even if it’s just a walk with your baby) after delivery. And while you’re recovering post-birth, the stretchy material and extra compression can help support your healing midsection. During the fourth trimester, maternity leggings can still work. Here are a few of our favorites:

Under layers

Whether you plan on breastfeeding, pumping or strictly bottle feeding (or a toss up of all 3), comfortable, breathable bras that allow your breast size to fluctuate as your milk supply regulates are essential. During pregnancy, your pelvis expands and your ligaments loosen—all of which contribute to changes in your hips and bottom half. With that in mind, new undies are in order (because there’s nothing worse than your panties riding up while you’re trying to handle your newborn).

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