Maternity Tank Tops Guide: Absolute Must-Have for Moms

You know how you have those two to three basics in your closet you love and just can't do without? That black T-shirt or the white wrap you always pack when you travel. Now that you've got a baby on the way, you might want to add a maternity tank or two to your wardrobe. Trust me when I say you'll wonder how you ever got by without one.

Why Maternity Tank Tops Are the Ultimate for Comfort

You can't beat maternity tanks when it comes to keeping comfortable and going about your day to day. These tank tops are made of soft, stretchy fabric meant to accommodate your growing bump with ease, and continue to fit snugly even after baby arrives.

The best part is maternity tank tops will make it easier for you to breastfeed when the time comes, because they're designed to be easy to pull down for nursing and right back up when baby's finished.

The Fashionable As Well as Functional Tank

We all want to feel good about the way we look, more so during pregnancy, and even when we're at home. A tank top is just the thing when you want to dress real quick in something easy to wear and still look great—even if baby is the only person who gets to see your look.

Well if anybody will love your style, your baby sure will, because maternity tank tops make it a whole lot faster for baby to get fed, without having to fuss over buttons or pull up a shirt.

And when the two of you step out, the versatility of a tank top allows you to pair it or wear it in lots of different styles. Tank tops are perfect for layering which will help keep you comfortable no matter the weather.

Maternity Tank Tops for Different Stages of Pregnancy

As your baby bump continues to grow, you may start to wonder just how far your tank can stretch, and whether you ought to have a different size for every stage. Your second to fourth trimester is when you'll probably appreciate a good maternity tank the most.

While tank tops are wonderfully stretchy, it's a good idea to get them in a size that matches your own now (and not your size before your pregnancy).

Bump aside, don't forget that your boobs will be changing size, too, so your tank top needs to accommodate them as well. Six to eight weeks in, you're likely to go up a cup size or two, and when baby comes and you start to feed, you can expect even more breast changes.

How To Shop for Maternity Tank Tops

1. The Right Size. When picking out your tank, you can go by your current bra size—you'll find some helpful information here when you tap "size chart". Try not to think about whether you'll be able to keep wearing this tank later on; you're getting something to wear for right now. Remember that it will continue to stretch, and is designed to stay snug even postpartum.

2. The Right Material. Breathable fabric made of natural fiber is ideal for keeping you cool and comfortable and a lot less likely to cause skin irritation. You'll also want the fabric to be sturdy as well as nice and stretchy, especially since you'll be wearing your tank for a good, long while, even after baby is born. The material should also be easy to wash.

3. The Right Fit. You'll want your tank to be comfy all around, meaning over your shoulders as well as round your breasts and bump, so it'll be great to be able to adjust it in front. When we say "right" we mean "just right"—snug, not super tight or constrictive, nor too loose so as to let the fabric shift or crumple up.

4. The Right Style. While white is probably the first color that comes to mind when you think about tanks, you do have different colors to choose from to suit your style. Black or brown is always a good idea because you'll be able to pair it with more items. You'll also want a longer tank top that stretches right over your tummy and provides extra comfort after baby arrives.

5. The Right Nursing Features. The best maternity tank will have a built-in bra with pads you can put in as you need them. Apart from the added support, this bra will make it easier for you to feed and cover up again after baby's done—even with one hand. Choose a tank that clips down for easy access.

Can You Replace Your Nursing Bra With a Maternity Tank?

So now you're probably thinking, if my tank comes with a built-in bra, what do I need a nursing bra for? See, here's the thing: tanks and nursing bras each have their advantages, and if you plan on wearing different outfits (especially to work) you may end up preferring one to the other.

While you could actually use a maternity tank as underwear already, a nursing bra does provide a lot more support, and gives you extra options for dressing up.