You’ve just had a c-section – and whether it was planned or unexpected, your body’s been through something big. 

As you start to heal, comfort is the name of the game – and that starts with what you're wearing. 

The right C-section-friendly clothes can make a real difference to your postpartum recovery as you 'cuddle, feed, rest and repeat' through those early days and weeks.

Here's your ultimate midwife- and mum-approved guide to what to wear after a C-section.

While your new baby likely has piles of washed and perfectly folded outfits ready and waiting for them, your postpartum wardrobe feels like more of an afterthought. Hard relate. But when you're recovering from major surgery, what you wear Caesarean can make all the difference to your recovery and sense of self.

You’ve just had major surgery and you’ve got a newborn to care for — the last thing you need is clothes that add to any discomfort. 

Most mums stay in hospital for 1–2 nights after a C-section, so it’s worth packing your hospital bag with soft and easy clothes for that immediate post-op period.

While you might want to get out of the hospital gown ASAP, Midwife Vic, founder of C-Section UK, recommends keeping it simple:

“Opt for light, breathable, soft fabrics — and remember, you’ll likely have a catheter in for the first 6–24 hours. We can thread the bag down a trouser leg if needed, but most women find it easiest to stick to a nightgown or oversized shirt straight after surgery.”

By the end of week one, you might be ready to swap nighties for something that feels a bit more you — even if it’s just for that first lap of the block with baby.

The priority? Clothes that stay clear of your wound and don’t rub or dig in.

Your bump won’t disappear overnight, so stick to maternity-friendly or oversized fits.
Go for breathable, natural fabrics (you’ll thank yourself during those postpartum sweats) and pick heavier fabrics that help disguise maternity pads.

Dark colours are your friend too — they’ll help you feel more confident while your body’s still healing and you’re managing postpartum bleeding.

"You may find that clothing is irritating," says Midwife Vic. "It could be that your torso just feels plain weird due to the nerve hypersensitivity, or you might find the area around your wound is totally numb. The changes to your lower abdomen might also mean clothing sits differently on your body, so opt for high waists (or no waists!) where you can. Jumpsuits and empire-waist dresses are ideal."

Hello waistbands, hello goodbye gowns. As you approach your baby’s one-month birthday (any excuse to celebrate), it’s still best to avoid anything rubbing on your scar — but it’s also time to embrace the joy of C-section trousers.

Think soft, comfortable trousers with high, elasticated waistbands that sit well above your scar and make moving (and sitting) that much easier.

We all know postpartum recovery doesn’t magically end at six weeks — but this milestone can be a turning point. You might be easing back into gentle movement, driving again, or simply feeling more up for getting out and about with your baby.

By now, your wound will likely have healed into a scar, which might open the door to more styles starting to feel good again.

You don't need to swerve tighter options all together either, just because you're healing from a C-section. "You can wear tight clothes after a Caesarean," says Midwife Vic, adding: "Pairing loose cotton shirts with leggings might just be your go-to for those first few of weeks!"

"Light compression can be helpful for scars," Midwife Vic continues, "but what you're wearing needs to be breathable and made of light material, so no heavy denim. Light compression leggings for short periods of time may offer support around the scar and abdominal area. I would alternate wearing tight clothes with soft, looser clothing to give your wound breathing space."