Breastfeeding in public can be awkward and uncomfortable for the shyer among us. I’ve tried using a nursing cover but found all the fumbling stressful. Plus, my baby hated it.
That was when I found the 2-shirt method. It was a eureka moment for me and it led me down the path of looking at how I can nurse in public without revealing more than I want to.
In essence, you can breastfeed in a shirt by wearing 2 layers – a regular shirt on top and a nursing tank underneath. You can also wear a nursing shirt that is designed specifically for breastfeeding.
Let’s take a deep dive:
What you need to breastfeed in a shirt
For the 2-shirt method to work, you’ll need to layer two tops:
A loose shirt or t-shirt on top
Look in your cupboard for loose or stretchy t-shirts that you can easily pull up. If you don’t have one that fits your post-partum body yet, buy one like this that you can continue wearing later when you’re back to your regular size:
Check it out on AmazonYou can also wear a shirt or blouse that has buttons down the front as your top layer:
Check it out on AmazonThe underlayer
Nursing tank
A nursing tank is the perfect underlayer. Choose one like this Cake Maternity Toffee Nursing Tank, with a built-in bra that you can easily clip down:
Check it out on AmazonCheck out the best nursing tanks and camis on Amazon.
Other options for underlayers are:
Regular stretchy cami or tank
If you are choosing to wear a regular cami, you’ll need to make sure it is low-cut and stretchy enough to pull down under your breasts. You can even wear a cami that doubles up as shape wear:
Check it out on AmazonNursing bra with naked tank
If you have larger breasts or need more breast support than a nursing tank can give you, wear a nursing bra with clip-down cups underneath. Kindred Bravely has an amazing busty range for large breasted moms:
Check it out on AmazonCheck out my review of the best nursing bras.
To cover your tummy area from being exposed, you can wear a open-busted tank like this one:
Read my review of The Naked Nursing Tank.
Or a belly band that functions as a body shaper as well:
The 2-shirt method
- Wear both tops, with the stretchy regular t-shirt over the nursing tank.
- When you need to breastfeed, lift the outer t-shirt over your breasts.
- If you are wearing a button-up shirt, undo the buttons to your navel.
- Lift your baby to the level of your breasts and unclip your tank bra.
- Let your baby breastfeed to their heart’s content.
- When they are done, clip your tank up before you lower your baby.
- Pull your shirt over your nursing tank.
- And you’re done!
Check out this video on how you can use the 2-shirt method with t-shirts you probably already have in your closet:
Benefits of the 2-shirt method
- It doesn’t get easier than this
- You don’t need to use nursing covers
- You can almost always find some tops in your wardrobe to make it work
Disadvantages
- Wearing 2 layers can make you too warm in summer
- It doesn’t work well with bulky winter sweaters
- You still show a little breast in that gap between your baby and your pulled-up outer shirt
If you want to wear only one layer of clothing or don’t want to show any skin at all:
Wear a nursing shirt
There are plenty of affordable maternity brands offering nursing tops and dresses. These nursing gear are specially designed to flatter post-partum bodies and have easy-access nursing flaps for breastfeeding without showing skin.
Check it out on AmazonCheck out my favorite nursing tops for summer.
To wrap up
The 2-shirt method is an easy way to breastfeed discreetly in a regular shirt. But if it’s too warm for double layers, a specially designed nursing top is your answer.
Check out my review of some plus-sized nursing tops that are uber flattering.
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