Modest Nursing-Friendly Outfits for Breastfeeding Hijabi Moms
You’re a breastfeeding mom who just wants nursing-friendly clothes that are modest AND functional. Is that too much to ask for?
Well, the good news is that I’ve been researching this for a while. Most clothing sellers don’t list their abayas and dresses as “nursing-friendly” even if they are, so it takes a LOT of searching and trial and error to find just what you need. Here is my ultimate list of breastfeeding-friendly clothes for Muslim mamas with reviews (I’ll keep updating as I find more Insha Allah!) that ship within/to the US.
My go-tos are breathable open abayas with top to bottom zippers, pockets on both sides, and cuffed sleeves. I usually prefer zippers to buttons because they’re easier to open and close one-handed. I also lean towards dresses and abayas with cuffed sleeves which make it much easier to do diaper changes, general baby care, and honestly anything. While it’s challenging to find all of these features in one abaya, I try to go for at least one or two features for convenience, especially with everyday wear abayas.
Note: this list doesn’t include open abayas/kimono-style abayas since those are generally pretty easy to find, but pretty much all open abayas are nursing friendly.
Aabideen Thyme Green Essentials Abaya
Nursing Access: buttons at the top
Pockets: both sides
Fabric: polyester
I love this flowy abaya for an elevated everyday wear on a cooler day. The buttons are not too difficult to open and close, and the pockets make the outfit a staple. The fabric is not as breathable as I’d like so I tend to avoid it on warmer days.
Shukr Clothing Shirtdress Abaya with Godets
Nursing Access: buttons at the top
Pockets: both sides
Fabric: modal, cotton
Color Options: dark maroon, jadeite, mauve shadows
This is a beautiful long, flowy abaya well-designed with extra pleated fabric around the hips for a modest fit. The fabric is lightweight and breathable without being see-through and it has pockets. You can wear this on its own or paired with a kimono-style over abaya. It also comes in multiple colors.
Hijabeed Simple Plain Abaya with Front Zip for Everyday Wear
Nursing Access: zipper at the top
Pockets: on one side only
Fabric: comp crepe (lightweight, breathable)
Color Options: black, navy blue, pink, dark chocolate, dark purple, emerald
These abayas are great for everyday wear. They are lightweight, breathable, and have a pocket on the right side. The zipper at the top allows for easy nursing access. I love the way it is cut and designed with extra fabric flow around the hips for a more modest look. I do think the chest area could be a little looser so you should size up. They also have multiple colors to add to your wardrobe!
Lumos Modesty Nursing Friendly Abaya
Nursing Access: hidden zipper beneath chest
Pockets: on both sides
Fabric: lightweight, breathable cotton/linen
Color Options: coffee brown, truffle, dark green, charcoal grey, beige, butter yellow, plum
I LOVE this abaya. It is super duper loose and modest, lightweight and airy (I would wear this on the hottest day), has pockets and cuffed sleeves (so easy for diaper changes and general baby care), and comes in so many colors. There is a hidden zipper below the chest area for nursing access. I only wish it was a double zip so you could open it from both sides. As it is, you can only open from one side so you may be more exposed if you are feeding from the opposite side of the zipper. This dress is also great for plus sizes and would be an ideal maternity dress for pregnant hijabi mamas looking for a comfortable flowy outfit. I wore this for Eid and my baby’s first Ramadan party with a fancy over abaya.
PrettyGarden Smocked Square Neck Swiss Dot Tiered Long Sleeve Dress
Nursing Access: stretchy pull down fabric
Pockets: on both sides
Fabric: lightweight, breathable cotton
Color Options: gray green, army green, black, brick red, brown, dark army green, dark blue, dark green, dusty pink, khaki, navy, red, wine red, grey purple, rose red, purple blue, light blue, beige, pink
This is not a Muslim-specific dress but it has all the features I look for in a modest, breastfeeding-friendly outfit, even cuffed sleeves! It also comes in so many different colors. I would recommend sizing up for a more modest fit.
Lumos Modesty Nursing-Friendly Abaya Dress/Long-Sleeve Slip Dress
Nursing Access: side zipper on both sides
Pockets: none
Fabric: polyester
Color Options: pink, dark gray, black, coffee, taro, military green, light green, light gray
I consider this abaya to be a staple in my wardrobe even though I don’t wear it much since it’s not super breathable and doesn’t have pockets. However, it works great as a slip dress paired with my kimono-style open abayas, especially for more formal occasions. I also wore the beige dress for my newborn photo shoot 7 days post-partum as well as my baby’s aqiqah party. The abaya can be worn together with an over abaya or on its own since it is very loose. The cuffed sleeves are also very convenient.
Vitabaya Clear Lace Rose Dress Abaya 3 Piece Set
Nursing Access: zipper at the top center
Pockets: none
Fabric: polyester
Color Options: royal blue, black, silver (pictured above)
This is a great Eid outfit for post-partum. It doesn’t have pockets, but it’s comfortable while still stylish and easy to breastfeed in. Since it comes with separate pieces, you can rewear both layers with different pieces in your wardrobe to customize new outfit look. The sleeves are a little wide and not super convenient for diaper changes and baby care, but the outfit overall works for special occasions and parties.
Bonus: matching dad and boy thobes from CoolShey.