We Asked, What Do New Mums Even Wear?

We asked the mums in our lives for the answer.

Two months post welcoming baby Archie, the Duchess of Sussex attended the polo (happy birthday BTW, your Royal Highness). In a khaki shift and gold-rimmed Ray-Bans, I mentally added her outfit to my hypothetical holiday packing list even though there is no pre or post partum in my life RN.

As I wishlisted those Ray-Bans, it got me thinking: what do new mums even wear? What do you throw on after 30 minutes of sleep in a 24 hour cycle? For a day (and night) of breastfeeding? And right after the whole birth thing?

To find out – and in the hope that it might be of some use for anyone headed down the Mum path – we checked in with some of the mums on our team for the down-low. They came back to us with a whole lot of athleisure, oversized totes, button-down shirts and a few surprises...

Nicole Adolphe, Head of Style
“What do new Mums wear? The real truth? Nothing tight or body hugging as you don't want someone to ask when are you due when you've already had the baby.”

Also on Adolphe’s list: PJs and fitness gear.

“Exercise tights are so comfy and a nice big sweater or oversized tee with your maternity bra underneath is perfect,” she tells us. “Some days, I pushed the pram around the streets the entire day as if I stopped, my baby started crying again ... so I had to keep on pushing.

“When going out to meet a friend for lunch, a wrap dress was my go-to – it offers easy access for breast-feeding – and a pair of sneakers or comfy ankle boots. Pretty floaty tops over stretchy jeans were also a favourite with flat sandals.”

Rachel Evans, Head of Fashion
“Beforehand, you only think of getting through your daily without splitting your clothes featuring your big belly,” she laughs. “I never even thought of breastfeeding attire … until I had to.”

Her go-to’s? T-shirts, sure, and button-up shirts, of course.

“I liked oversized cropped style to easily pop bub under your top,” Evans tells us. “I also wore dresses I could adjust to being loose on straps so you could still have easy access.”

Also: “Sneakers for sure” and a belly / back strap “It’s the best thing ever!”

And for home?

“I was surprised … I genuinely desired a classic mum robe and slippers to vege in.”

But her MVP?

“My Rains raincoat! I purchased one realising it’s hard-slash-impossible to push a pram and hold an umbrella! It lives in the pram now so if we ever get caught I’m set. Ha. Also I love rain walks! Recommend to any mumma as a must.”

Fiona Murchsion, Head Of Content & Social
Murchison stocked up pre birth on athleisure.

“I was so pleased post birth that I had done this,” she tells us. “I went for a comfy pair of drop crotch joggers and tees were go-to items around the house … and, sometimes, out of the house.”

“Loose tops or shirts and skirts / shorts were the best (I had a summer baby) and perfect for breastfeeding as you can lift a top easily and not flash too much at passersby. I lived for these soft cotton maternity bras too that I used to sleep in as well, they were like soft hugs for your boobs - amazing.

“Shoe-wise, I discovered the importance and convenience of slip-on footwear for getting out of the house quickly while carrying a baby and a bag bigger than them full of their accoutrements. Naturally, I treated myself to a pair of loafers - essential, ha!

“Boyfriend jeans were the favourite once I could get my head around squeezing into denim again. After all the activewear and loose clothes, jeans made me feel like normal again.”

Here's a few of their selects...