Astrid Glass, founder of Tapered, is saving the world.

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Okay, that might be an overstatement, but she is making sure your T-shirts stop annoying the heck out of you.

We’ve all been there. You’ve just found the perfect shirt, you wear it once and golly it’s amazing. Then you wash it. Ru-roh! The garment that emerges from the spin cycle bears little resemblance to the sweet tee you remember. And it’s back to the drawing board.

Astrid had had enough, and she decided to put an end to all that nonsense. With her perfectly flattering, tapered T-shirts that don’t shrink or fade, she’s managed to take that one (looming) worry off your plate: What will you wear today? Well, the perfect tee, of course!

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Postpartum, it’s even harder to find clothes that make you feel good. Why settle for good? We want GREAT!

Here, Astrid shares her 4 secrets for combining fashion + comfort when dressing your post-baby body.

1. Focus on fabric.

Not only do high-quality fabrics look and lay better on the body, they also feel better. Your postpartum hormones will be wreaking havoc on your body temperature, so fabrics that retain heat are a major no-no. Look for sweat-wicking, easy-washing fabrics that are thick enough to provide a flattering silhouette.

Astrid Glass: It’s time to put aside that dry-clean-only clothing and fall in love with washable fabrics again. For everyday looks, grab washable, soft cotton basics (think button-down tees, leggings and casual dresses for warmer months) that you can dress up or down for any occasion.

2. Focus on fit.

It’s been said that the difference between a great outfit and a horrible one is one inch of tailoring. The lesson? Fit is incredibly important to how your body looks in clothing. It affects everything from comfort to proportions and should not be underestimated.

Astrid Glass: Before baby, those clingy tops that showed off the baby belly were spot on. After baby, that fit might be less than ideal. Now, loose, flowy tops like tunics and button-downs are great for a more polished look. For casual days, layers such as a tee paired with a long, open cardigan work really well to disguise the post-baby belly.

For bottoms, leggings and pants or skirts with elastic waistlines provide the most comfort for new moms. Keeping it slim on the bottom and blousy on the top makes for a flattering silhouette on any figure! When ready, ease back into a soft, stretchy jean with a higher waist to conceal lumps and bumps.

3. Focus on flexibility.

You spent nearly 10 months growing your baby. Now it’s time to spend time with them, nibbling on toes, kissing noses, and booping belly buttons. Not to mention changing, nursing and the endless ups and downs that come with having a new baby. If your clothes don’t move with you, you’ll end up feeling like that tailored shirt is actually a straightjacket.

Astrid Glass: There is nothing more frustrating than an outfit getting in the way of quality time with your child. Try to avoid the pencil skirts and dresses without give, or fabrics that are too stiff to get on the ground for some tummy time.

If nursing, dresses and tops with front buttons can provide easy access without having to disrobe.

So happy to have a day without this insane summer heat. Cheers to being outside without intense sweating! #summer #outside

A photo posted by Astrid Glass (@taperedcollection) on

4. Focus on color (or lack thereof).

It’s not secret that neutrals are a thing. And we’re not talking your grandmother’s beige. From navy and black to white and camel, neutrals in the 21st century are chic, modern and flexible.

Astrid Glass: While it might seem boring, black is indeed slimming and can also hide myriad issues (spit-up, spills and general baby mess). Keep colors neutral to make getting dressed a breeze and outfits interchangeable. For all seasons, a colorful scarf is a woman’s best accessory to add that pop of color you need, while also providing a privacy screen for nursing or, in a pinch, a blanket for your babe.

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More Motherly Insights from the founder of Tapered

How do you make your mornings run smoothly?

Each morning is a bit of a fire drill. I try to keep things running as smoothly as possible by setting up the breakfast station each evening. My kids are old enough to make themselves food, so I provide bowls, plates, silverware, cereal and bagels. It’s all ready to roll, making the morning routine a little more predictable and less about food choices.

I usually set out clothes for my kids the night before, except for my daughter, who would prefer to pick her own looks. And homework, papers, etc. are lined up on the counter each night ready to go out the door.

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The life hack or tip that changed my life…

When I had my first child, I lost my keys constantly. If I did have my keys, they were always somewhere inconvenient in my purse, and I would jostle a baby around trying to find them to open the door, close the door, get in the car, etc. After losing my keys for the millionth time (it’s easy to forget keys when you have children!), I finally put my house and car key on one of those coil rubber key chains and kept it around my wrist. I lived like this for about eight years before finally graduating to putting keys back in my purse. I always could find my keys and they were easily accessible at all times!

What superpower have you discovered as a mom?

Mood Changer! It’s amazing the power a mom has to change a child’s mood. They look to us for everything, and can go from sad to happy in seconds with a hug. A tantrum can be avoided with a simple challenge instead of a showdown. I try to remember this power and use it for good!

This quote inspires me…

“If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.” —Katharine Hepburn

To me, Motherly means…

…all my love, all my life. It’s a saying from a birthday card my parents gave me for my first birthday and later hung on my bedroom wall. After having my own children, I can truly say I understand that “motherly” means a life of love.

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Haley Campbell is the founder of Beluga Baby and creator of the ultimate bamboo baby carrier. She is a regular contributor to Motherly and is an avid advocate for entrepreneurs, and for the new generation of mothers making the world their own.

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