While recovering from a C-section, finding clothes that are comfortable, functional, and aren’t tight is so important. The area around your incision can be tender and might be sensitive for a while. Wearing the wrong clothes like tight waistbands or rough fabrics can irritate the incision site, impede healing, and just leave you feeling uncomfortable. Here are the essential pieces of clothing you should have in your wardrobe as you’re recovering.
Best Postpartum Clothes For C-section Recovery
After a C-section, “your abdomen will be sore for several days or weeks.” It’s important to “avoid bottoms with buttons, snaps, and zippers [because] these items can irritate your C-section incision. Loose clothes are a must-have for your post C-section wardrobe.”
The best postpartum clothes for a C-section recovery are soft, light, and breathable and help:
- Reduce irritation and pressure on the incision site.
- Support your abdomen.
- Make breastfeeding or pumping more convenient.
- Fit your body as it fluctuates.
High-waisted Underwear & Bottoms
For bottoms and underwear, the most comfortable ones are high-waisted without any buttons, snaps, or zippers. This helps the incision heal and avoids irritating it.
What to look for:
- Soft, breathable fabrics that allow air circulation and are gentle on sensitive skin.
- Stretchy yet supportive.
- Avoid underwear with seams that could irritate your incision.
Our comfortable maternity and postpartum underwear is made with a super stretchy, ultra-soft modal blend, and its wide non-elastic waistband won't pinch or dig. We also have the best soft and stretchy extra high-rise leggings with a waistband that can be worn over your incision or just below the bust, so it’s C-section friendly.
Loose Pajamas & Loungewear
Comfortable sleepwear is so important when you're recovering and caring for your newborn. Choose loose-fitting pajama sets or shirts that don't add pressure to your midsection.
What to look for:
- Soft, stretchy elastic waistbands that are non-restrictive and can be worn comfortably over the incision.
- Modal fabrics because they’re extra gentle on healing skin.
Our silky soft pajama set is made with CloudLuxe MicroModal fabric and is perfect postpartum because they’re luxuriously cozy, breathable, and cooling to the touch which helps with night sweats! Don’t forget about an oversized tee that can double as a nursing nightgown as well as a shirt when lounging around. It’s silky soft, breathable, cool to the touch, and luxuriously cozy. The button-down front allows for easy nursing access.
All-In-One Hands-Free Nursing & Pumping Bra
All of these items pair perfectly with our Larken X⎯an all-in-one nursing and hands-free pumping bra. It’s wire-free without weird holes, elastic, zippers, and clips. This nursing bra is designed for softness and accessibility, and is so comfortable that you’ll want to live in it 24/7!
Clothes To Avoid After A C-Section
- Tight-fitting waistbands that cut into your sensitive abdominal area.
- Rough fabrics like denim that can irritate your incision or cause unnecessary friction.
- Full-body shapewear that is overly tight and might create pressure on the healing site.
Investing in a few postpartum wardrobe staples can help you feel more comfortable while you heal as well as help with nursing and/or pumping. Congratulations on your new bundle of joy!