Last updated on February 8th, 2024 at 11:23 am
Pumping tank tops offer comfort, support, and easy access to the “goods” and are a must for twin moms. We’ve gathered all the info on our favorite pumping tank tops so you don’t have to. Check out which one is best for you.
Pumping tank tops are a critical part of any postpartum pumping journey. Any item of clothing that makes a new twin mom’s life more streamlined and a little bit easier is a must-have. Enter the pumping tank top.
What’s the difference between a Pumping Tank Top and a Nursing Tank Top?
A pumping tank top is essentially a traditional tank top that allows easy access to your breasts without exposing your entire upper body. It is not the same as a traditional nursing tank top, as it actually has a pumping bra hiding under the top layer of fabric. No need to take your shirt off and then wrangle yourself into a pumping bra to start pumping milk. Pumping tanks are a true all-in-one. Plus, they are meant to free your hands so you can do other important things while pumping (like eating, shopping online, or just scrolling through your latest Instagram feed).
Nursing tank tops are typically designed for skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby, so they have wider openings in the front for easy access when breastfeeding.
Why should you use a Pumping Tank Top?
A great pumping tank simply makes life easier. And when you’re pumping several times a day (including in the middle of the night) – those seconds (and aggravation saved) make a big difference. Pumping tank tops are available in many styles, including clip-downs, double-layered tops, pull-down styles, tanks with built-in bras, and more. You can wear them alone, under layers, or with an open cardigan or button-down shirt.
If you are going to be pumping in an office environment, the pumping tank is a must. You can wear it under your work-appropriate sweaters, button-downs, or blouses. Allowing easy access throughout the work day and without all the fumbling around and going topless to put on a pumping bra.
What to Look for in Pumping Tank Tops
The most important qualities of great pumping tank tops are ease of use, comfort, and coverage.
Ease of Use
You don’t need to be fumbling with clips or straps in the middle of the night while potentially holding one of your two babies. The ability to unclip and access your breast easily is key. The mechanism needs to work smoothly and reliably, preferably with one hand!
Comfort
Like any new mom, you want to be comfortable. Your body has just been through a whole lot and will continue to go through a lot as you enter the fourth trimester/postpartum period. Soft, breathable materials that are machine washable are key in a great pumping tank. One’s breasts are very sore (especially at the beginning of any breastfeeding journey) and should only be covered in the softest of materials.
Coverage
Coverage is also important: you need to feel good and supported in this tank. You will be wearing it a lot, even while sleeping. It shouldn’t dig into your skin or be too short or distracting in any way; remember, it’s supposed to make your life easier, not more complicated. It needs to hold the pumping flanges or wearable pump securely as well, so hands-free pumping is not just a dream but a reality. Secure hands-free pumping allows you to do other things with your hands, like soothe babies, return emails, or make yourself a snack. These tanks need to be well-constructed and sturdy. If the material is too flimsy, there is literally no point in wearing it.
Twiniversity Tip: You’ll want to have at least 3 of these pumping tanks in your closet. You will have milk spilled on you a lot (and spit-up), so it’s best to have a few clean ones on hand so you don’t have to stress about laundry.
Our Favorite Pumping Tank Tops
Sublime Hands-Free Pumping Tank by Kindred Bravely
This is my personal favorite pumping tank! I had four of them during my twin postpartum pumping adventure. I love this brand and its array of products designed specifically for pregnancy and postpartum life. This Sublime Hands-Free Nursing & Pumping Tank Top is a true game-changer.
It features Kindred Bravely’s Easyclip™ design, so you can wear it all day and night for pumping, nursing, or both at the same time. With a smooth silhouette and an extra-long, hip-length cut that offers ample coverage, this tank combines comfort and coverage.
This tank top is made of super soft, stretchy, and supportive fabric that is truly cozy on postpartum skin and nipples. It fits all major breast pump brand parts and wearable pumps, making it a real added value to any new mom’s wardrobe. Available in Black and Beige, it can seamlessly work under your clothing, whether it’s casual or more office-appropriate. It is available in sizes S-XXL and in two different bust sizes (A-D and E-I) for a truly personalized fit.
Click Here to purchase
Everyday Pumping & Nursing Tank Top from Storq
Storq came on the scene a few years ago, and we love what they stand for sustainable, style-forward, supportive pregnancy, and postpartum design. This tank top is another double-duty tank. You can pump in it, you can nurse in it, or you can do both at the same time. It has an easy-to-use unclip feature to allow quick access to the pumping bra and also fits the majority of pumping brand flanges and wearable pumps. We also love that it’s available in three different colors (black, beige, and soft pink), giving you a few more styling options.
It’s best suited for cup sizes A-E, so if you are E cup+, this may not be the best choice for you.
Click here to purchase
Basics Postpartum Pumping Tank Top from Ingrid + Isabel
The technical fabric in this tank has built-in cooling minerals to prevent overheating. Meaning it wicks away moisture and dries super fast. Between postpartum hot flashes and spilled breast milk, this is a big deal! The “one and done” drop-cup design lets you wear a smoothing base layer, nursing cami, or hands-free pumping tank without wardrobe changes.
The team at Ingrid + Isabel knows what they’re doing: this tank is also super soft and supportive. Unlike the Storq option, this one is washing machine-safe (making your life easier), but they do recommend line drying.
Disappointingly, however, it is only available in sizes S-XL.
Purchase here
Worried about breastfeeding twins? What To Do When You’re Breastfeeding Two is an on-demand online breastfeeding twins class made just for YOU! This course was created by Twiniversity in partnership with Judy Teibloom-Mishkin, IBCLC. Click here to learn more…
Super Mom Pumping Tank Top from Simple Wishes
The brand that created the New York Times’ favorite Pumping Bra has created a terrific pumping tank top as well. Slightly less expensive than the options above, this style is super soft and supportive where it matters most. Its design is similar to its counterparts, with easy clip-down functionality for both nursing and pumping. Bonus? Its fabric is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, so you can have the utmost confidence and peace of mind. It can also be machine washed and dried (on the lowest heat setting) for ease of use. Available in three neutral shades, giving you great wardrobe versatility.
It is, however, only available up to size XL.
To purchase, click here
Busty Amelia Pumping Compression Tank – Full Length by Davin & Adley
Finally, a great pumping tank top that is suitable for the plus-size community! As mentioned, many other pumping tanks are only offered up to size XL, but this pumping tank was specifically designed to support those with fuller busts and fits busts up to 47-50 inch band sizes.
Its design is a bit different from the others listed; instead of clipping down the cami to access the pumping bra, you actually pull it up. The extra fabric from the cami provides additional support to the pumping parts to create a stable hold, enabling true hands-free bliss.
This is a truly great option for those with extra ample busts!
Click here to purchase
No matter which tank is best for you, you’re sure to find the perfect pumping tank top that fits your needs. The styles highlighted above offer something for everyone: from petite to plus size and from basic black to soft pink. From Storq to Davin & Adley, there is a pumping tank top out there that will make your pumping session more comfortable and easier.
Serena Roberts Houlihan is a mom of three, including identical twin boys. She is the co-founder of Le Wren, a gifting service specializing in supporting loved ones during tough moments. She now lives in Houston, Texas, but is a proud native New Yorker.
