When you’re breastfeeding every outfit comes with the question, “Are my boobs accessible?” Not exactly a requirement you’ve looked for in previous seasons of life. (Probably.) But these days, it’s all boob all the time and let me tell you–nursing tank tops are where it’s at.

Personally, I can’t think of any article of clothing I’ve owned that worked harder than my nursing tank tops. I nursed two littles for approximately three decades each (OK, four years and two months total but who’s counting?) in frigid Vermont and wore one every single day. Keeping my belly covered while breastfeeding wasn’t just about modesty, it was about not freezing every time my little eating machines needed me.

But no matter where you live, a nursing cami is essential. They’re perfect for layering, great for sleeping and the right styles can even work solo. And, unlike nursing shirts which lock you into a single look, a tank offers much more versatility.

So, what should you look for in a nursing tank?

It obviously depends on your personal preferences but a few elements are key.

  • A built-in shelf bra to keep you supported without the extra layer of a nursing bra. (A tangle of bra and tank top straps can become cumbersome.)
  • Adjustable straps help customize the fit and keep the straps from slipping off your shoulders while you nurse.
  • If you opt for tighter styles, be sure there’s enough room in the chest when you’re at your fullest. A too tight tank can cause mastitis pretty quickly.
  • Nursing pad pockets are a must-have. Leaky boobs are guaranteed and breast pads make all the difference. Some styles come with removable pads while others require you to add your own.

No matter what your needs, there’s a nursing tank top you’re sure to love. Find it below!

Nursing tank tops

daisity nursing tank

Daisity

$33.99

Best Value: Daisity Nursing Tank Set

This super soft trio comes highly recommended by mamas for their comfort and durability. Made from a stretchy, silky nylon that’s described by one reviewer as a “more forgiving version of Spanx,” they hold up to months of regular washing. The clip-down design features convertible straps that can be worn criss-cross or over the shoulders and adjusted to fit. Additionally, the unlined shelf bra offers just enough support and easily accommodates nursing pads to soak up leaks.

kindred bravely sublime tank

Kindred Bravely

$54.99

Best Base Layer Cami: Simply Sublime Maternity & Nursing Tank

From their stylish nursing swimsuits to their cozy postpartum undies, the experts at Kindred Bravely know a thing or two about postpartum needs, so it’s no surprise their Simply Sublime Maternity & Nursing Tank is a favorite among mamas. The smooth, extra-long hip length cut offers plenty of coverage and features a built-in bra with removable padding that is perfect under everything from sweatshirts to dresses. Ruching at the center helps quell the uniboob, and it’s available in both regular and busty sizes from S-XXL.

storq soft touch nursing tank

Storq

$58

Best "Feels Like Regular Clothes" Tank: Soft Touch Nursing Tank

The newest piece in Storq’s line up of curated essentials, the Soft Touch Nursing Tank is the perfect blend of style and utility. It’s made from a luxe and smooth modal spandex jersey that provides plenty of stretch and support all while being polished enough to layer under cardigans or button downs. The hemline is just long enough to keep your postpartum belly under wraps but not so extra that it makes a bulge when you tuck it in. (This one doesn’t double as a maternity tank!) Currently it’s available in five neutral colors (black, blush, cafe, cocoa and fog) along with a fun leopard print which all pair perfectly with their cozy rib pants.

knix leakproof nursing tank

Knix

$54

Best For Extended Time Away: BlissFit Leakproof Nursing Tank

We’ve long trusted Knix to keep us confident and leak-free throughout that time of the month, so falling in love with their Leakproof Nursing Tank was easy. Made from their sleek signature fabric it comes equipped with removable pads that leverage their leakproof technology to catch an impressive amount of milk. (No more worrying you’ll have two bullseyes on your shirt before that meeting-that-could-have-been-an-email ends.) It’s wireless, the clips are easy to operate one-handed and comes in sizes that fit sizes 32A-42G.

Beyond Yoga Featherweight Easy Access Nursing Crossover Tank

Beyond Yoga

$48

Best V-Neck: Featherweight Easy Access Nursing Crossover Tank

From the second you’re nursing a real live babe, this versatile crossover tank is going to be an everyday staple. It’s made from Beyond Yoga’s obsession-worthy Spacedye fabric which is buttery soft against your (and baby’s!) skin. It’s also blissfully stretchy with a generous length that can easily be tucked in for extra security. We love the neckline which is not only convenient, it also makes it feel a little more interesting under cozy cardis.

motherhood maternity clip down nursing cami

Motherhood Maternity

$30

Best Basic: Clip Down Nursing Cami

A wardrobe staple you’ll want to snatch up in every color! Motherhood Maternity’s popular Clip Down Nursing Cami is one you’ll reach for night and day as a layering piece or on its own. The simple style is soft and comfortable without being to squeezy and made from a knit jersey that’s soft and cozy. (This style is available in plus sizes as well!)

Auden Seamless Nursing Cami

Auden

$19.99

Best Padded Tank: Seamless Nursing Cami

Similar to the above style, this one’s a 24/7 staple, but with an added perk. Along with the supportive shelf bra, the Auden Seamless Nursing Cami features convenient, sewn in padding that offers both nip coverage and leak protection. (Finally a tank that doesn’t leave you with a pile of boob pads to stuff back inside after washing!) The convertible straps are wide enough to be supportive without digging and can be worn crisscross style as well.

suiek nursing cami

Suiek

$31.99

Best Nursing Tank for Sleep: Sleep Cami

With a crisscross front and lack of shelf bra, these wireless camis are ideal for sleeping. Simply slide it to the side and get to business! For one thing, no one needs to fiddle with clips while half asleep (not to mention the discomfort of having them dig in when you roll over) but the looser fit is clutch as well. There’s a built-in pouch to hold nursing pads and since they’re made from cotton they’re breathable and lightweight enough for hot sleepers.

smallshow sleeveless maternity tanks

Smallshow

$36.99

For Moms Who Overheat: Sleeveless Nursing Tank

If nursing has upped your core temps to that of say, the surface of the sun, you’ll appreciate an option that allows you to shed layers and still feel dressed. (Something that can’t necessarily be said for traditional cami styles.) This two-tiered design features a front panel that lifts to provide easy access and looks stylish enough to wear on its own.

 

glamourmom full bust tank Motherly

Glamourmom

$59.99

Best for Larger Busts: Full Bust Long Top

With its full built-in nursing bra and adjustable elastic chest band that accommodates fluctuating size, Glamourmom’s Full Bust Long Top is a favorite among mamas with larger busts. (Size goes up to 44-48 G/I) The center ruching helps eliminate the boob-tube look (bless!) and the fuller cut keeps it from rolling up. 

undercover mama strapless nursing tank

Undercover Mama

$19.99

Best Nursing Bra Extender: Strapless Nursing Tank

If you’re looking for the coverage of tank but love your nursing bra too much (or can’t stand doubling up), this innovative design from Undercover Mama is exactly what you’ve been looking for. The strapless tank easily attaches to any nursing bra giving you the best of both worlds. No uncomfortable extra layers or a collection of straps perched on your shoulders. Win win!

anook athletics nursing top

Anook Athletics

$72

Best for Active Mamas: Maternity and Nursing Sports Tank Top

Mama-owned and founded, Anook Athletics knows exactly what pregnant (and trying-to-conceive) mamas need at every stage of pregnancy and beyond. Their Maternity and Nursing Sports Tank Top will take you from pre-conception all the way through—and past—the fourth trimester. The nursing tank top features a built-in bra, easy clips for nursing access, sewn-in bra pads that never move around, and a super soft and forgiving fabric that will adapt to your body as it changes. We love this tank for its versatility (go from nursing session to walk), quality (their products have lasted us through two pregnancies) and comfort.

odily Always-On Nursing Tank

Bodily

$58

Best 24/7 Tank: The Always On Nursing Tank

Cozy enough to sleep in, chic enough for jaunts out of the house, the super soft Always On Nursing Tank from Bodily is designed with a lactation consultant for round-the-clock wear. It’s got a square neckline which provides coverage without constriction and the built-in bra gives just enough support. Drop in your favorite nursing pads and you’re ready for whatever the day brings!

Storq Pumping And Nursing Tank

Storq

$68

Best Tank for Nursing and Pumping: Everyday Pumping & Nursing Tank

A top that multitasks as hard as you do? No problem. Storq’s aptly named Everyday Pumping & Nursing Tank is the only top you need for nursing and pumping. The soft and stretchy fabric easily pulls aside for breastfeeding and when it’s time to pump, all you need to do is un-clip! Horizontal openings accommodate a range of flange sizes and saves you from the hassle of a full costume change every time. Even better, it looks great under a cardigan or blazer. Who says nursing wear has to look like it?

A version of this article was published January 19, 2022. It has been updated.