Cute Going Home Outfits for Mom (+ an unpopular opinion on what NOT to wear)

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The experiences of bringing my boys into the world were some of the most powerful and emotional of my life. After a few days in the hospital (which honestly felt like a blur of feedings, check-ins, and very little sleep), I couldn’t wait to get home. But when it came time to pack my hospital bag before I even got there, I remember standing in my closet thinking: What in the world will I wear home?

I definitely wasn’t in the mindset to write a blog post on this topic when I was newly postpartum with either of my boys, but the topic came back around recently because my content manager is expecting. We’ve been chatting about hospital bag must-haves, and it reminded me just how much going-home outfits matter—both for comfort and for feeling like yourself again.

Your going-home outfit isn’t just another item on your packing list. It’s a chance to feel like you again. Something soft, something functional, and yes—something cute. After all, you’ve likely just been THROUGH IT – and you deserve to feel as beautiful as your new baby is cute.

Whether you’re preparing for a vaginal delivery or a c-section, here’s what I’ve learned about putting together the perfect going home outfit—something that’s practical for postpartum recovery and makes you feel confident as you step into motherhood.

Going Home Outfits for Mom

I wanted my going-home outfit to check a few key boxes:

• Comfortable: Because… hello, postpartum body.
• Easy to breastfeed in: I nursed both of my babies, and quick access was essential.
• Cute enough for a photo or two: There’s no shame in wanting to look pulled together, even if I was running on hospital coffee and adrenaline.

Both times, I stuck to pieces that were soft, forgiving, and easy to get on. Nothing tight, nothing itchy, and definitely nothing I had to shimmy into. If you’re not sure what to wear yet, let’s talk through how your type of delivery can help you decide what to wear home.

Consider Your Type of Delivery

Whether you have a vaginal birth or a c-section, your comfort is priority number one. Your body has done an incredible thing, but don’t expect to bounce back overnight.

My first baby was a vaginal delivery, and my second was a planned c-section because he was breech and I had a few other complications. So I’ve packed going-home outfits for both scenarios, and the needs are very different.

After both of my deliveries, I felt like a totally different version of myself. I was sore, swollen, hormonal, and emotional in the best (and hardest) ways. And what I wore mattered more than I expected. The right clothes made me feel held—both physically and emotionally. I know many women end up with unplanned c-sections, so you could pack options for both. If you have a scheduled C-section, skip to that section and pack accordingly.

What to Wear Home After a Vaginal Delivery

A lot of women recommend wearing maternity leggings home from the hospital, and that’s exactly what I planned to do the first time around. While I loved maternity leggings during pregnancy, once I was in recovery, I realized there was absolutely no way I was squeezing into anything tight—even soft, stretchy leggings felt like too much. I was still swollen, and I just wanted space. So, it’s an unpopular opinion but I don’t recommend leggings after delivery. I ended up wearing these Vuori joggers instead, and they were the right decision. Loose, breathable, and forgiving. It was October when I brought my first son home, so pants made sense weather-wise. Had it been summer, I would have likely opted for a button-down blouse and elastic-waist shorts, or a smocked midi dress with easy nursing access – one of these nursing dresses, perhaps.

Here are more options:

• High-waisted joggers or loose wide-leg pants: The looser, the better. And an elastic waistband, of course. I loved the Performance Joggers from Vuori, and the Venice Athleta joggers have also become a favorite of mine (and the waistband would be perfect for the day or two after your baby arrives). For a wide-leg pant option, I’d do the AirEssentials Wide Leg pant from SPANX (but size up from your pre-pregnancy size), or the Nuuds Slinky Wide Leg Pant.
• Oversized button-down or nursing-friendly top: Easy access and cute. Win Win. Again, paired with shorts or pants that have elastic. Quince makes an affordable linen button-down that would work well, or a chambray button-down with a nursing tank underneath, like I wore.
• Flowy dress: Many women love this option because it’s breathable and easy to throw on—plus, it can feel a little more put-together without sacrificing comfort. The Ellie Nap Dress from Hill House is my top pick since it’s comfortable and makes me feel beautiful, no matter the stage of life I’m in.

Shoe tip: You’ll want something you can slide into without bending down. I wore Nike Air Max sneakers that I could slip on, but cushy OOFOS sandals would have worked too (or these affordable Target slide sandals). Swollen feet are no joke after delivery. There are more shoe options in this post about the best shoes for pregnancy, that will also work after delivery.

What to Wear Home After a C-Section

I had a c-section with my second, and that incision area is sensitive, so the last thing I wanted was a waistband rubbing right across it. So instead of pants, I wore a flowy maxi dress from one of my favorite brands, LAKE Pajamas (it’s no longer made). The one I wore wasn’t breastfeeding friendly, but I knew I’d change as soon as I got home. I just wanted to feel a little cute going home.

Other options I wore when newly postpartum that would work going home: 

• Flowy midi or maxi dress: No waistband, no problem. I found dresses by far the most comfortable for the first few weeks, and I lived in nightgowns. But you’ll want something a little more polished for going home. Amazon has a great knit midi dress for cooler weather. For warmer weather, the Ellie Nap Dress from Hill House is a great choice since the smocking is supportive but easy to pull down for nursing– the only caveat is that you may not be able to wear a bra with it so just wear nursing pads in the bodice. I also love this button-down shirt dress since you could easily wear a nursing bra underneath.
• Ultra-high-waisted pants (paired with a nursing tank and cardigan): If you’re more of a pants person, look for joggers or leggings made for c-section recovery. Most women swear by leggings after a c-section for the support they provide, but I could never get comfortable in them, no matter what kind I tried. Joggers with a super soft, wide waistband were the only thing that didn’t irritate my incision or feel too restrictive. The Athleta Venice joggers would be a great option paired with a nursing tank.

Shoe tip: Again, slip-ons were key. I wasn’t ready to bend, twist, or even think too hard about getting dressed. I needed easy. These Target Slides are a cute, affordable option or scan my list of the best shoes for pregnancy, that will also work after delivery.

Bras & Underwear

Let’s talk about the real MVPs: undergarments.

Postpartum underwear

I wore the mesh ones from the hospital until I ran out and then switched to the Frida boyshorts (ONLY the boyshorts – the Frida briefs are awful). They are one of my postpartum must-haves! After a few weeks, I wore high-waisted seamless briefs until my c-section incision was no longer sensitive and I could return to my usual favorite thongs. If you’re wearing pads (you will be), you need something secure. I also preferred dark colors in case of leaks.

Bras

My boobs felt tender and unpredictable—sometimes leaking, sometimes sore, sometimes rock-hard (thanks, engorgement). I packed two nursing bras: one stretchy and soft for sleeping like the Barely Zero Spaghetti Strap Wireless Bra, and one with more support for daytime (I loved the Kindred Bravely pumping bra). (If you do plan to nurse, be sure to check out my breastfeeding must-haves.)

If you’re not nursing, I’d still recommend a soft sports bra or wireless option like the Barely Zero Spaghetti Strap Wireless Bra from Neiwai (use code TERILYN15 for 15% off). You want to avoid anything tight or irritating in those first few days.

Here’s what I learned the hard way (so you don’t have to):

1. Don’t size down.

Even though you’re not pregnant anymore, you’ll still look and feel like you are for a while. Your uterus needs time to shrink, and there’s a lot of fluid still shifting around. Stick with maternity sizes or even size up if you’re unsure.

2. Layers are your friend.

One second you’re shivering under hospital blankets, the next you’re sweating like crazy. I kept a cozy cardigan in my bag, and it came in handy on the ride home.

3. Choose breathable, soft fabrics.

Bamboo, cotton, or modal all felt amazing on my sensitive skin. Stay far away from anything scratchy or stiff.

4. Think function over fashion—but don’t sacrifice both.

I felt better when I looked somewhat put-together. Even if I hadn’t washed my hair or done my brows, just putting on a cute, soft outfit made me feel like myself again.

5. Pack two outfit options.

Because stuff happens—leaks, baby blowouts, weather surprises. I brought a backup outfit just in case, and was so glad I did. Also pack an option for an unplanned c-section, just in case.

Cute Going Home Outfit Ideas

Joggers + Nursing Tank

First up, the most classic option is a pair of comfortable joggers (go with the Venice Athleta Joggers because of the wide waistband) and a nursing tank. I like this Target Nursing Tank best. Pair with sneakers you can easily slip on, or wear sandals. Throw a chambray button-down on top for another layer.

Ellie Nap Dress

If you want to feel really cute while leaving the hospital, I recommend the Ellie Nap Dress from Hill House. The smocking is sturdy and comfortable, but it’s easy to pull down for nursing. The loose-fitting skirt is ideal for hiding the diapers and pads you’ll likely wear. While Hill House dresses seem nice and dressy, they’re highly functional for around-the-house wear (I wear mine for everything), so don’t stress about feeling too fussy. You honestly could nap in one of these dresses. Opt for a dark color or pattern to hide any milk leaks. Or wear nursing pads in the bodice of the dress. Quince makes an affordable alternative, too.

Cozy Amazon Set

I’ve heard wonderful things about this cute matching set from Amazon. The top is oversized and loose, which is great for breastfeeding, and the mockneck collar makes this set extra chic. This is an excellent blend of comfortable and polished since you’re definitely just wearing sweats, but the fact that they match makes a big difference in how stylish you’ll feel.

Loose Knit Dress or Matching Set

If you want to wear a dress home, but the idea of the Ellie Nap Dress is too “dressy” for what you’re going for, you may love this Knit Midi Dress from Amazon. I didn’t wear it home from the hospital, but I lived in it for the first few weeks after giving birth. The buttons are low enough for nursing, and the loose fit hides any traces of diapers or pads. The material is perfect for spring, as it’s cozy but not too hot. You could also go the matching set route with this similar two-piece outfit.

STAUD Vincent Dress

If you want to treat yourself to a nice dress you can wear home from the hospital (and are sure to get a TON of use out of it during postpartum), this Vincent dress from Staud is a great option. It’s black so you can get away with wearing it one million times without feeling like you’ve over-worn it, and the dark color will also feel more slimming. The buttons are functional (great for nursing), and the loose fit is ideal for those early weeks when you’re still recovering from swelling. The material has a bit of stretch in it, which makes it an easy dress to wear around the house all day. (If you want more ideas of how to treat yourself, here are great gifts for new moms. Or forward it to your husband.)

Matching Quice Set

If comfort is your #1 priority, you can’t go wrong with these SuperSoft Fleece Cropped Wide Leg Pants and the matching SuperSoft Fleece Pullover Hoodie. Granted, this may be a bit too warm depending on when and where you deliver, so keep that in mind.

Final Thoughts

I know this might sound dramatic, but choosing a going-home outfit felt symbolic for me. It marked the moment I was stepping into motherhood, not just surviving the hospital stay. I wanted something that honored that transition—a little softness, a little style, and a whole lot of comfort.

So if you’re prepping your hospital bag and wondering what to wear home, let me say this: you deserve to feel good in what you’re wearing. You just brought life into this world. Dress like the queen you are—whether that’s in a flowy dress, your favorite joggers, or your partner’s softest tee.

Because yes, your baby is cute. But so are you.

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