What to Wear After a C-Section: From Underwear to Workwear (2024)
I frantically dug through my hospital bag, looking for one more outfit, hoping I’d thrown an extra forgotten outfit in there.
I came up empty.
Exasperated, I grabbed the maternity skinny jeans I’d been admitted in and attempted to wrangle them on. How could jeans that were loose on me at 37 weeks pregnant suddenly make me feel like I was trying to squeeze into my younger sister’s pants?
If you’re like me, the last thing you need after a cesarean section is to feel uncomfortable in your clothes. You’ve got to care for yourself and a new baby after major surgery. Clothes need to be easy.
That’s why I’ve compiled this list of the best clothes to wear after a C-section (from underwear to workwear). On this list, you’ll find every clothing item you’ll need for the next year of postpartum recovery.
What to Wear After a C-Section
Packing Items That Won’t Leave You Frustrated
You won’t feel your best at the hospital. Comfortable clothes are essential. Your incision and entire abdominal area (belly button and below) will be sensitive. Opt for loose clothing and tops that provide easy access for breastfeeding.
Here are a Few Options:
- Loose or maternity dresses
- Loose pants*
- Nursing options that clip down (a nursing tank with an open-front sweater is a great choice)
- Opt for disposable panties instead of mesh underwear
- A Great nursing bra (My favorite is always the Kindred Bravely nursing bra (find on Amazon). It’s especially great if you’re larger than a DD, for their “busty” option.)
Related: Packing Your C-Section Hospital Bag & The Best Hospital Pajamas After a C-Section
Staying Cozy at Home
Stay comfortable in the early days and heal from your major abdominal surgery while you’re at home with Baby.
- Nursing gowns are an excellent option for c-section moms. My favorite is the Kindred Bravely Oversized Shirt (find on Amazon).
- Loungewear with high or loose waistbands can work too.
- Pick up loose-fitting tops that are easy to open up or lift so you can nurse around the clock.
- High-waisted underwear: Choose a high-waisted, comfortable pair. I love the Kindred Bravely Postpartum Panties (find on Amazon).
- Nursing Bra: The Kindred Bravely French Terry (find on Amazon) is super soft.
- A soft robe to throw on for visitors.
Other Essentials
- Belly Binder/Postpartum Girdle
- Stool Softeners
- Pain Relief (Medication, Heating Pad)
- Pads
Related: All the Items You Need Postpartum (After a C-Section)
The Essential Errands
When you leave the house for doctor’s appointments.
- Leggings (maternity or postpartum) or yoga pants
- These Kindred Bravely Leggings (find on Amazon) were a favorite of mine during pregnancy and postpartum.
- Joggers (Kindred Bravely Bamboo Joggers (find on Amazon) or Old Navy High-Waisted Jogger Sweatpants)
- Loose tops that are nursing accessible*
- A nursing-accessible dress*
*Nursing-accessible: Brands like Kindred Bravely (I love this brand) and Latched Mama (I don’t love this one), make tops and dresses for nursing. But you can also wear non-nursing clothes that you can lift, open up, or pull down.
Related: The Best Pants to Wear After a C-Section
When It’s Time to Exercise
This may be later, but you’ll want workout gear that is nursing-accessible and doesn’t bother your incision.
Consider This
At six weeks old, I successfully laid my baby down for the first time since his birth. What could I do in my free moment? There were a million things, but I chose a quick workout.
Dressed in three pull-on sports bras and a tight top, I jumped on my treadmill, eager to return to my regular workout routine.
With just 5 minutes left, I heard crying. No! Maybe he’d settle back down.
I jumped off the treadmill one minute later to my inconsolable baby. I quickly realized there was only one thing that would help, and it was under four layers of clothing.
After that, I reevaluated my workout gear.
Workout Clothes Post C-Section
Tackling Officewear
If returning to work after having a baby wasn’t stressful enough, you also need clothes to wear.
I’ve found a few items that are great for a business-casual environment and pumping at work.
- Pants with a stretchy waist are a good choice throughout your first year postpartum.
- Tops that give you quick access for pumping. Button-down shirts or loose shirts work great.
- The Kindred Bravely Nursing and Pumping Bra (find on Amazon)
Related: Breast Pumping Tips for New Moms (including how to pump at work).
What to Avoid After a C-Section
Jeans/Structured Pants
Jeans are not a good idea after a C-section, maternity or otherwise. Any button-and-zip pants put pressure on your lower belly, which can be painful for months after a C-section. Typically, around 4-6 months postpartum, you can comfortably try jeans.
Note on maternity clothes: Many women continue to wear maternity pants after they have their babies. Unfortunately, the seam for the panel tends to rest right on your incision, making them a non-option for C-section mamas.
Compression Garments
Avoiding anything advertised as compression is essential even long after you feel recovered. I remember wearing a pair of compression leggings at six months postpartum. They felt fine when I put them on, but my entire lower belly was sore and aching after a few hours. These types of items put too much pressure on those sensitive areas.
Remember, not just the external incision site causes discomfort, but all of the layers that they cut through inside. You don’t want anything pressing against those tender areas.
Low Rise Pants
I once read a post that raved about low-rise jeans for postpartum. Clearly, this mom had a vaginal birth. Even at 1-year postpartum, I still have some discomfort in the area around my scar, which is right where low-rise pants sit. When your C-Section scar is fresh, you won’t want anything anywhere nearby.
Related: C-Section Recovery Essentials
Whether you’re preparing for your scheduled C-Section, just had an emergency C-Section, or just trying to get dressed postpartum, use this list to help you find some comfortable solutions. No one should have to wrangle a pair of jeans after a C-Section.
New Here?
I write about being a new mom, navigating mom life, and raising readers. If this sounds like the place for you, subscribe for support for your mom. Because I believe no one should have to face motherhood alone. As a bonus, when you subscribe through this link, you’ll get my C-section recovery plan with steps to help you recover quickly from your C-section.
