Styles and design · 8 October 2026 · 3 min read
What to wear back to work after maternity leave
What to wear back to work after maternity leave: a few smart pieces for your shape now, discreet front access for expressing or feeding, and easy-wash fabrics.
InspirationA small set for the shape you have now
Going back to work after maternity leave, aim for a small set of smart pieces that fit the shape you have now: a few tops or kurtas with discreet front access if you will be expressing or feeding, trousers with a comfortable waist, fabrics that go in the washing machine, and one layer that pulls everything together. You do not need a full new wardrobe, and you do not need to squeeze back into what you wore before.
Bodies change after a baby in ways that are different for everyone. This article is about clothes only; anything about health or recovery belongs with your midwife or doctor.
Front access that looks like ordinary workwear
If you will express milk at work or feed during the day, the most useful detail is an opening you can use without taking anything off. The goal is that nobody can tell. Our guide to nursing-friendly kurtas shows how these openings are placed.
- A full button front. A shirt, a kurta with a long placket, or a button-front dress opens easily and looks like normal office wear. Our shirt dress has buttons all the way down.
- Concealed side or front zips. Hidden in seams or under a pleat at the bust, so the outside looks plain.
- Wrap and crossover tops. One side lifts or folds back.
- Avoid back zips, one-piece dresses without a front opening and high, closed necklines that would need the whole garment pulled up.
- Add a layer: a cardigan or long open jacket gives privacy and covers any leaks.
Waists and ease that forgive
Your waist and hips may settle over months rather than weeks. Trousers with an elasticated or partly elasticated waist stay comfortable as your shape changes, and a kurta with a little extra room through the middle looks neat while it does. Our note on maternity kurtas and adjustable fits covers adjustable details, and ease explained shows how much room looks relaxed rather than baggy.
Measure yourself shortly before you order, not from memory. Today’s measurements are the right ones for clothes you will wear next month.
Fabrics that survive the nursery drop-off
Mornings now include breakfast, nappies and someone else’s sticky hands. Choose washable cotton or cotton blends over anything that needs dry cleaning, and small busy prints or mid to dark colours that hide marks. Our guide to washing machine settings for kurtas shows what most everyday fabrics can take.
A starter set, and when to order
Three tops or kurtas with front access, two pairs of trousers in neutral colours, one dress and one layer give enough combinations for the first weeks back. Add more once you know your routine.
Through custom stitching you can describe the openings, waist and fabric you want, and the details are agreed in writing before cutting. Production takes 5 to 7 working days from approval and full payment, and shipping time is separate, so request a quote a few weeks before your return date.
Common questions
Should I wait until my shape settles before buying work clothes?
You can, but most people need something to wear on the first day back. Buy or order a small set that fits now, with forgiving waists, and add to it later.
Which neckline is easiest for expressing milk at work?
A button front, a wrap or a concealed opening at the bust is easiest. Avoid high closed necklines and dresses with back zips, which have to be pulled up or taken off.
Do nursing openings look obvious?
They do not have to. Openings hidden under a placket, a pleat or a seam look like an ordinary top from the outside.
