A lot of dresses get called nursing-friendly because they have a V-neck. That is not the same thing. What you need is a way to open or lower the front with one hand, without unzipping the back of the dress in public. Every dress here has that, and comes in sizes XXS to 6X at the same price in every size.
Features that actually work
- Functional front buttons. The easiest option. Open two or three buttons and you are done.
- An elastic or smocked neckline. Stretches down and returns to shape.
- An off-the-shoulder or stretch bodice. Eases down without anything to undo.
Features that look like they help and usually do not: a faux wrap neckline (it is stitched closed), a back zipper (you would need to take the dress half off), and boned or structured bodices, which do not give.
Button-front dresses
- Garden Rose Dress ($74.99, sizes XXS to 6X). A long-sleeve patchwork floral maxi with a button-front bodice, a smocked waist, and side pockets. The zipper is at the side seam, not the back. True to size.
- Fern Dress ($148, sizes XXS to 6X). Functional front buttons with no zipper at all, full puff sleeves, and pockets. Size up.
Elastic and stretch necklines
- Sunflowers Dress ($218, sizes XXS to 6X). A ruffle elastic neckline with smocked front and back panels, and pockets. Size down.
- Cerise Dress ($188, sizes XXS to 6X). A smocked, stretchable cotton bodice with off-the-shoulder puff sleeves.
For weddings and events
Formal dresses rarely open at the front. For a wedding, the practical options are a stretch bodice you can ease down, or a dress you can step out of in a private room. The Cerise Dress is the dressiest of the four above. If you need a gown, plan for a private space rather than counting on the dress.
Common questions
Can I nurse in a dress with a V-neck?
Only if the V-neck stretches or opens. A faux wrap V is sewn shut and will not lower far enough.
Are these dresses maternity sized too?
They are regular sizes. Smocked and stretch styles also work during pregnancy. See our guide to maternity-friendly dresses.
Do sizes above XL cost more?
No. Every size is the same price.