8 Nap Dresses for Pregnancy, Nursing, and Postpartum

About six months into my pregnancy—August in Atlanta and during pandemic times, no less—getting dressed was a struggle. My pregnant body was changing, and I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on clothing when I wasn’t really going anywhere. Still, I knew I needed something low-maintenance, comfortable, stylish, and versatile enough that I could wear to the occasional lunch and around the house. 

Enter the nap dress.

Nap dresses have become one of the hottest trends to emerge from the pandemic—everyone from influencers to celebrities to working moms are wearing them. If you're not entirely sure what a nap dress is—though we know the name gives you a strong hint—we're going to dive into it here. Plus, meet the mom who coined the term, learn what to look for when buying one, and find out why they are beloved during pregnancy, nursing and postpartum.

What Is a Nap Dress? 

The term was first coined by Nell Diamond of Hill House Home, who had twins at the end of 2020. “I’m a ‘dress girl’ and the Nap Dress was my dream garment—a versatile dress that could be worn at practically any place and any time and keep me feeling put together," Diamond shares. "It allows me to go from nursing to a meeting to dinner, all without changing.” 

A nap dress is typically made from a cotton blend that is comfortable enough to wear around the house but dressy enough to wear to a meeting or to date night. It is loose and flowy, often with a stretchy empire waist. No part of the dress is uncomfortable or high-maintenance: it's the type of frock that doesn't require dry cleaning or ironing. (In fact, if it gets a little rumpled, it just adds to the post-siesta vibe.)

The defining characteristic of a nap dress is its adaptability. Nap dresses have a variety of signature elements, such as smocking or stretch at the bodice, or dramatic sleeves and skirts that flare away from the body. They often come in feminine prints, like florals or gingham, and feature soft pastels.

Diamond, a mother of three, did wonder when she created it if it was something only she would care about, or if others would also want to lounge in breezy nightgown-inspired frocks. Turns out, she was on to something: Hill House Home sold $1 million worth of Nap Dresses in 12 minutes earlier this year.

Why Is It Called a Nap Dress?

“The name is a bit of a misnomer,” says Diamond. “I don’t think any parents I know have time to nap right now, but what’s great about the Nap Dress is its versatility. It’s comfortable enough to take a nap in but can also be worn at any time of day.” 

What to Look For in a Nap Dress

While only Hill House Home’s version is technically a Nap Dress (“we filed the trademark in January 2020,” says Diamond), a ton of similar styles have emerged from retailers ranging from H&M to Bloomingdales.

The key to this look is the merging of comfort and style.  Look for soft, malleable fabrics like cotton and gauze, paying particular attention to styles that are machine-washable for easy maintenance. To be on-trend, try muted shades like pastels and neutrals. Sweet nightgown-style details like smocking, ties, bows, ruffles and lace add personality. 

Why a Nap Dress Works for Pregnancy, Nursing, and Postpartum

While the dresses aren't marketed as maternity or postpartum specifically, there has been a true frenzy around nap dresses and nightgown-inspired frocks within the pregnancy and parenting community. This is likely thanks to the ease of these pieces.

Often there is a bodice that is tight enough to keep everything in, but stretchy enough to allow for a rapidly changing pregnant or postpartum body. The straps or sleeves often have stretch, as well, and pull down easily for nursing. The skirt of the dress flows away from the body comfortably. As your body changes throughout pregnancy, nursing, and postpartum, the non-structured garment flexes along with you.

These daytime nightgowns are genuinely comfortable enough to snooze in, but polished enough that you will feel put together if company comes to visit. Plus, many styles are machine-washable, which any new parent knows is a must when taking care of an infant.

What Moms Are Saying About Nap Dresses

The hype around nap dresses has reached a fever pitch, and many believe it's valid. “I was excited to buy some new clothes for after my baby arrived, but I definitely underestimated how important it was that they were breastfeeding-friendly," says Katie Coleman, a Richmond, Virginia-based mom. "With nap dresses, you don’t have to be limited to things that button up the front, which can be surprisingly hard to find.”

Melissa Rogers, a mom of two from El Paso, Texas, prefers styles from the brand R. Vivimos. “I get compliments every time I wear one," she says. "It fits my postpartum body without me feeling self-conscious and provides easy nursing access.”

New York City-based mom to a 10-month old, Maggie Gillette, agrees on the versatility. "I love the practicality and sustainability of the nap dress style," she says. "It allowed me to have a single garment that took me from maternity to nursing and beyond instead of clothes that only worked for a short amount of time like traditional maternity wear." She even wore one to the hospital when she was going into labor.

Are Nap Dresses a Passing Trend?

The excitement for them would point to nap dresses not being a passing fad, but only time will tell. “I see the Nap Dress becoming a tried and true wardrobe staple,” says Diamond, who launched kids-sized Nap Dresses under her Tiny collection earlier this year. So now you can rock adorable mommy-and-me looks.

Ready to try the trend? We rounded up the best ones to shop for to look and feel relaxed during all stages of the childbearing journey.