Starting your breastfeeding journey can be overwhelming in itself so you certainly don’t need clothes that are hindering your experience. When choosing clothing for your breastfeeding journey it is comforting to know that you can find nursing clothes that are not only helpful, but also stylish.
Choosing the best nursing tank can help you to solve several problems in your nursing journey from being comfortable, feeling confident, and of course, offering convenience.
You likely already love tanks all on their own as a staple in your wardrobe, but once you start breastfeeding you will love them even more.
Here is everything that you need to know about finding and choosing the best nursing tank – and several of my favorite features curated just for you. Because, let’s face it, the last thing you need to worry about when starting your breastfeeding journey is scouring the internet for the best nursing tank reviews!
Related Post: What you need to know about Using Birth Control while Breastfeeding
Types of Nursing Tanks
When choosing the best nursing tank you will likely be bombarded with a variety of cuts, fabrics, and colors. However, when deciding on the best nursing tank for your breastfeeding journey you should also be aware of the different nursing tank styles that make nursing tanks different from regular tank tops and maternity tops.
This type of nursing tank is probably one of the most common, and likely one that you have seen before. This style is just like your favorite nursing bra and it has a clip-on strap that lets you fold down the top panel to easily nurse your little one.
Many of the clip-down style nursing tanks often have a built-in bra as well- making this a perfect choice for simplicity and comfort. These types of tanks are great for wearing under a cardigan, kimono, or even layering up with a larger shirt on top so that your belly doesn’t show.
This type of nursing tank usually has a variation of a v-neck or crossover. These tanks are designed in such a way that you can effortlessly pull them down to make easy access for your baby. If the best nursing tank for you is one that feels comfortable and casual- a pull-down style nursing tank will be your best choice!
You will find that many nursing tanks have some type of double layered design to them. This means that the top layer will end somewhere about halfway down, and the bottom layer can be pulled down. If you are trying to minimize the amount of skin that shows when you are nursing your little one- the double-layered design for nursing tanks will be the best choice for you.
Related Post: 27 Must-Haves on your Second Baby Registry
What Should You Consider When Choosing the Best Nursing Tank
When you have finally decided on the type of nursing tank for you, your next step should be checking for additional features as the best nursing tanks have the following features available:
- Length
You don’t want your nursing tank to be hanging to your knees, and likewise, you also don’t want a nursing tank that doesn’t cover your stomach. Taking the time to make sure the length of the nursing tank suits your needs is important when choosing the best nursing tank.
- Easy Accessibility
The entire point of a nursing tank is accessibility so you would assume they are all equal. However, it is important to make sure the design of the nursing tank makes your breast easily accessible for your nursing baby. If you must unhook a challenging clip, pull and pry layers, or twist your clothing in an unnatural way, you will not find as much success in using it. The best nursing tanks make for easy accessibility for your little one.
- Comfort
Let’s face it if it isn’t comfortable it doesn’t matter how cute or functional the nursing tank is. You likely will not be wearing it. When choosing the best nursing tank for your needs- it is important to try one (or a few) on! Comfort is important!
- Pumping Access
Something you may not think about when choosing the best nursing tank is pumping access, but this function is just as important as easy accessibility. You need a nursing tank that is not only easily accessible for the baby but one that also makes pumping super easy. Your nursing tank should provide easy access and enough of a pull down or adjustment that you can fit not only a nursing baby, but also your breast pump.
Related Post: Spectra S1 vs S2
- Adjustable Straps
If you choose a nursing tank that has spaghetti straps, you should check to see if adjustable straps are an option. This will ensure a tighter and more comfortable fit. This is essential especially as your breasts will likely change size several times throughout your nursing journey.
- Good For Layering
Is the nursing tank you chose good for layering? Especially in the colder months, you may want to wear more than one layer. Choosing a nursing tank that allows for easy layering will help ensure you get the best use out of your nursing tank.
- Built-in Bra
Choosing a nursing tank that has a built in bra will help you with comfort and simplicity. When you are nursing and caring for a new little one the easier it is to get dressed- the better. A nursing tank that can double as a bra makes getting dressed in the morning that much easier.
- Pocket For Nursing Pads
If you are choosing a nursing tank that doubles as a bra, having pockets for your nursing pads is an important feature. In the beginning, you will often be leaking breastmilk and without a place for your nursing pads, you may find yourself soaking through your tank quickly.
Related Post: How to Increase Breastmilk After A Sudden Drop
Here are a few of the best nursing tanks for 2021
Kindred Bravely Bamboo Nursing Tank
With a roomy-but-flattering cut and side access for nursing and pumping, this unbelievably soft nursing tank is made of premium bamboo fabric.
Pros – Super soft, very comfortable
Cons– Slit is on the side vs where the breast is which isn’t as discreet when feeding.
Nursing Tops Tank Shirt Cami Sleep Bra
This breastfeeding top features a crossover style, for a convenient pullover when nursing.
Pros – Comfortable and Practical, Best for sleeping and lounging
Cons– Doesn’t offer as much coverage as other options.
Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Tank
The patented design features a unique Easyclip™ so you can wear the same tank all day for pumping, nursing, or both at the same time.
Pros – Hands free pumping access
Cons– Needs careful washing to prevent pilling.
Slimming Maternity and Nursing Cami
Soft and seamless fabric with 4-way stretch for comfort and clip-down style.
Pros – Comfortable and Functional, long enough to cover your whole postpartum belly
Cons– Fabric may roll up when sitting down.
Caramel Cantina 3 Pack Women’s Nursing Cami
Thick Nylon Spandex Material for All-Day Comfort.
Pros – Form fitting and comfortable. Long enough in length and contain large milk-filled breasts
Cons– No pockets for nursing pads and the nylon can pull.
Seamless Drop Cup Nursing Cami
Comfort, fit and support for every curve, and total smoothing coverage, day or night.
Pros – Truly seamless, 360° stretch that grows with you.
Cons– Form fitting means it may run a bit smaller than some.
Built In Bra Nursing Tank
Features an internal shelf bra for support and modesty. Best for layering under larger shirts.
Pros – Enough support to wear in place of bra.
Cons– Tight fitting around stomach
Built In Bra Nursing Tank
Unique double-layers design is perfect for breastfeeding. Easy access openings make feeding comfortable.
Pros – Unique double-layers design for convenient breastfeeding and covers up any postpartum belly.
Cons– Ease of access for the baby to the breast is not the best.
Choosing the best nursing tank for your breastfeeding journey shouldn’t be a chore! With this list of choices, and features to choose from you should be able to choose the best nursing tank with ease!
Which will you choose?
