While I may not be a mama yet, I am surrounded by incredible mothers that are looking for modest pieces that also feel stylish. Here at The Main Street Exchange, we have created pieces for all the moms who want to feel modest, beautiful, and confident in their clothing.
Our goal is to empower and affirm you in every stage of life, and that is why we have created a variety of maternity and nursing-friendly pieces so you can feel beautiful through them all.
Model is wearing the 'Ashley' Flutter Sleeve Garden Floral Maxi Dress
NURSING DRESSES VS. NURSING-FRIENDLY DRESSES
I'd like to start with a few clarifications on nursing dresses versus nursing-friendly dresses. What is the difference between the two?
Nursing dresses and tops are specifically designed for moms who are breastfeeding or pumping regularly. These are more likely to be made with hidden zippers, overlays, or hidden slits.
Nursing-friendly dresses and tops are made for anyone but include features that make them also work well for a nursing mom. This includes wrap dresses or anything with buttons or quarter-zip necklines.
Model is wearing the 'August' Nursing Friendly Floral Knee Length Dress
MATERNITY DRESS VS. NURSING DRESS
Are maternity dresses and nursing dresses interchangeable? That depends.
Some designs, like those made from stretch fabrics or roomy waistlines, work great for both – particularly if we're talking about dresses created for the first and second trimesters of pregnancy.
A maternity dress with a simple bodice that doesn't include any nursing-friendly features (e.g., buttons, hidden zippers), or one that is designed for late-term pregnancy wouldn't work well for nursing.
If you can find a few dresses that work for pregnancy and nursing, that’s great! Not only does it mean a simplified wardrobe, but it also increases the amount of wear you can get from items, therefore making them more cost-effective. We’ll talk more about this later.
Model is wearing the 'Amanda' Striped Maternity Nursing Friendly Dress
NURSING DRESS DESIGNS
1. Buttons
Nursing dresses with buttons generally have them down the center of the bodice. Buttons are a very popular nursing design for several reasons. First, buttons provide easy access for your baby, while also giving you a lot of security in the fit. As a bonus they add a simple, lovely detail to your dress!
2. Hidden Zippers
One way to design a dress specifically for nursing is to include hidden zippers or snaps at opportune locations. Hidden zippers are usually located on each side of the bodice and worked into the natural design. For example, they are often placed under a ruffle or pleat. Hidden snaps can be used to secure an overlay design or an opening at the bottom of the bodice. One very important aspect of snap closures is their strength. Make sure the snaps are strong enough that they won’t burst open under normal movement or pressure.
Model is wearing the 'Ashley' 3/4 Sleeve Nursing Friendly Floral Midi Dress
3. Overlay/Tiered
Another common design for nursing dresses is the overlay or tiered design. The bodice of the dress includes an extra layer of fabric that offers coverage while still providing nursing access. This design is cute and discrete, an easy win for mom and baby.
Model is wearing the 'Rachel' Nursing Friendly Midi Dress in Sea Green
4. Quarter-Zip Neckline
While this design is probably more common in sweaters and tops, it is also found in dresses. This design is very versatile but is probably not a great choice for the early toddler stage when babies tend to pull on everything.
5. Stretchy Neckline
A simple, versatile option, a stretchy neckline is a great option if you don’t want to be bothered with hidden openings or fastenings. The one downside to using a neckline this way is that it could stretch it out causing the dress to wear out more quickly.
There are other designs that didn’t make our list, but these are some that you are more likely to come across. The design is a significant part of what makes a good nursing dress, but not all of it. So, what should you consider when searching for the best nursing dress for you?
Model is wearing the 'Montgomery' Cotton Gauze Ruffle Hem Maxi Dress
ELEMENTS OF A GREAT NURSING DRESS
We all have different tastes and lifestyles and that affects what we are looking for in a nursing dress. One person may love something completely different from the next, and that is okay!
However, there are at least six key elements to look for when choosing the best nursing dress for you!
1. Functionality
If the dress doesn’t function as you need it to, it wastes your time and money. Make sure the openings are the right size for you and that you can easily open and close them. For example, if the buttonholes on a dress are too small, it causes difficulty and extra stress. Does the design give you the level of coverage you want? Do the wash instructions match the amount of time you want/have to invest in cleaning it?
2. Versatility
Versatility is a huge asset in any dress, but especially for you as a nursing mom. As we mentioned earlier, finding a dress that works for both pregnancy and breastfeeding/ pumping is almost like getting two dresses for the price of one. This diminishes the problem of needing to purchase a new wardrobe for each stage of motherhood. Styling versatility is another thing to look for in a good nursing dress. Not only does this simplify your wardrobe, but it also means you choose your dresses more intentionally. In the end, you are more likely to love your wardrobe!
A good nursing dress will fit well. What does that mean? With a good fit, you get the coverage you want and feel secure in your dress. For example, a poorly fitted wrap neckline is more likely to gape than one that fits well. A fabric with some stretch also plays into how well the dress fits!
3. Length
It's important that your dress is a comfortable length. If it’s too short, you’ll need to be conscious of your hemline while nursing, which simply adds stress. You also want to be careful about wearing long dresses that could be a tripping hazard.
4. Fabric
As we already mentioned, stretchier fabrics mean you can move more comfortably. They are also more forgiving and maintain a good fit even as your bust size goes through changes.
5. Comfort
Choose a dress that you feel comfortable in and that matches your style. Being a mom doesn’t mean you need to dress in a way that you don’t like! There are beautiful, comfortable dresses out there, so there’s no need to settle!
WHY SHOULD I INVEST IN NURSING DRESSES?
This is a really important question for at least two reasons.
First, changing your wardrobe to fit your stage of life can be expensive. If you already bought a new wardrobe for your pregnancy, it may feel discouraging to buy lots of new clothes once again. This is where investing in versatile dresses is a great choice.
Second, it's good to set some expectations for your wardrobe. If you know why you’re investing, you’ll feel more comfortable with your decision to do so.
So why should you invest?
- It simplifies the nursing process. When you wear a dress that’s designed so you can feed your baby with ease and comfort, it means less stress for you.
- Dresses are simple to wear. This is true no matter what stage of life you’re in. Dresses are wonderful because not only are they beautiful, they are simple, one-piece outfits.
- It’s discreet. Wearing a nursing dress generally means you can feed your baby more discreetly. This allows you to feed your baby in a wider range of locations without feeling vulnerable or exposed.
- You’ll feel more confident. Let’s face it. You feel confident when you’re dressed for the occasion - whether it’s the office, Sunday morning, heading to the gym, or feeding your baby!
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If finding a beautiful nursing dress has been a challenge for you, you’ve come to the right place.
At the Main Street Exchange, we want to provide you with clothing that is flattering, functional, and modest for every stage of your life! Browse our Mama section, which includes dresses, skirts, and tops that are maternity and nursing friendly.
And we offer more than clothing for mamas! Stop in with your friends of all ages to browse our wide selection of beautiful, modest clothing options including
- Demin
- Skirts
- Athletic skorts
- Layering tops and leggings
- Dresses
- Tops and cardigans
- Plus sizes
- Girls items
- And more!
Behind the clothing, we desire to create a space where women like you feel understood, valued, and empowered. We believe that when women are confident and fulfilled, they are better equipped to step into the dreams God has placed in their hearts.
Visit us online at our website, in person at 3000 Lincoln Hwy East Gordonville, PA 17529, or speak to us by phone at 717-598-8309.
