Wardrobe Malfunctions: What to Wear (and Avoid) After a C-Section

You’ve just come home from the hospital, moving at the speed of a tortoise, and now you have to figure out what to wear. You stare at your wardrobe, side-eye your pre-baby jeans, and quietly shut the door. Not happening.

I remember standing there, clutching my belly with one hand and holding a pair of leggings with the other, wondering if I was destined to live in pyjamas forever. I almost did. But I quickly learned that some clothes make recovery way easier, and some… should stay hidden in the back of the wardrobe for a long while.

If you’re wondering what to wear after a C-section to avoid irritating your incision (and keep your sanity), you’re in the right place.

What to Wear After a C-Section (What Your Belly Will Thank You For)

High-Waisted EVERYTHING
If I could marry high-waisted leggings, I would. After my C-section, I lived in them. The first time I tried to wear low-rise underwear, I made it halfway across the room before turning back to change.

Why it Works: High-waisted underwear, leggings, and joggers sit above your incision, offering gentle support without pressing directly on your scar.
Bonus: They hold everything in, which feels surprisingly nice when your abs are MIA.
Mum Hack: Maternity leggings aren’t just for pregnancy – they’ll be your best friend postpartum.

Loose, Flowy Dresses & Tunics
I used to love tight dresses… until I realised that wearing anything fitted post-C-section feels like inviting chaos. Loose, flowy dresses became my go-to, giving me comfort and making me look like I had my life together (even when I hadn’t slept in three days).

Why it Works: No pressure on the incision, no waistband drama – just breezy comfort.
Pro Tip: Button-down dresses are a win for easy breastfeeding or skin-to-skin. Plus, they hide those big maternity knickers you’ll secretly love.

Oversized T-Shirts & Soft Pyjamas
If there was a uniform for postpartum recovery, oversized T-shirts and soft pyjamas would be it. I practically lived in my husband’s shirts for weeks – partly for comfort, partly because laundry was not a priority.

Why it Works: Soft fabrics and loose fits mean no irritation.
Top Tip: Loungewear sets are a dream. Buy more than you think you’ll need.

Postpartum Medical Grade Care Suits
I know the thought of compression sounds meh, but trust me – a light postpartum care suit feels like a blessing. The first time I sneezed without one, I thought my insides were falling out. After that? I wore one every day.

Why it Works: Reduces swelling, provides gentle belly support, and makes laughing, sneezing, and coughing slightly less terrifying.
When to Start: A week or two post-surgery, once the initial tenderness subsides.

What to Avoid (Learn From My Mistakes)

Low-Rise Anything
I put on low-rise underwear once. The elastic sat directly on my incision. It lasted all of ten seconds before I yeeted them into the laundry basket.

Why to Avoid: Anything that rubs or sits on your scar will drive you mad. Stick to high-waisted everything.

Tight Jeans (At Least for Now)
I know we all want to squeeze back into jeans eventually, but trust me – postpartum is not the time. I attempted it once, and I swear I felt my incision protesting.

Better Option: Jeggings – they look like jeans but feel like leggings. Best of both worlds.

Buttoned or Zipped Trousers
Post-surgery, I tried to zip up a pair of trousers for a doctor’s appointment. Halfway through, I decided wearing pyjamas out might just be acceptable.

The Lesson: Anything that requires bending, sucking in, or lying down to zip – save it for later.

Scratchy or Tight Fabrics
If it feels itchy or stiff when you try it on, take it off immediately. Your belly deserves soft, breathable fabrics – not a scratchy waistband reminding you of your surgery.

Postpartum Wardrobe Must-Haves

High-Waisted Leggings (3 pairs) – Comfortable and supportive.
Loose Dresses (2-3) – For when you need to feel like a human again.
Oversized T-Shirts (4-5) – Comfy and practical.
Supportive Postpartum Underwear (5 pairs) – The bigger, the better.
Light Compression Garment (1-2) – For gentle support.
Open-Front Cardigan or Robe (1) – Perfect for surprise visitors.
Soft Slippers or Slip-On Shoes – Because bending down to put on trainers is a full workout.

Choose Comfort Over Cute

I promise – you’ll get back to your regular wardrobe eventually. But in those early weeks, comfort is your best friend. If it’s soft, stretchy, or loose, you’re on the right track.

Anything that feels like it’s working against you? Toss it aside. Healing comes first.

✨ Want more postpartum tips? Sign up for my newsletter and grab your FREE 7-Day C-section Recovery Guide – packed with real advice from someone who’s been there. 🖤