The Best Postpartum (and Ethical) Dresses For The Minimalist Mama: Introducing Dwell + Slumber
Every mama is oh-so delightfully different. And I think the same can be true of every mama’s postpartum journey too.
For me, there were so many emotions. It was a potpourri of joy, tears and healing—all while trying to navigate new baby-care (and self-care) routines.
Before baby “R’s” arrival I had put aside a handful of my favorite go-to comfy clothes (robes, sweats and pj’s). I figured I’d be donning them occasionally during the healing process and then transition back into my normal wardrobe.
Turns out my healing journey was a bit more extensive than I had anticipated, and months into motherhood I still couldn’t bring myself to wear tighter fighting clothes. It was robes/sweats/pj’s all day every day. Luckily, I do freelance graphic design from home—so I could get away with my lax wardrobe. But, still, by the end of the day I just kept feeling a touch frumpy.
I was chatting with Hazel about the dilemma and she suggested grabbing a few Dwell + Slumber “Cocoon” dresses.
It was a game changer.
Honestly, I loved not having something tight around my life-bearing woman-parts. At the same time, it was oh-so-nice to have some nursing-friendly dresses that I can lounge in and still feel lovely in.
Anyways, here’s the C&C review and an overview on Dwell + Slumber:
What I Love | First off, my minimalist self loves that these dresses aren’t just ideal for postpartum wear. They are stretchy enough to be bump-friendly too. Honesty, I really just see these cocoon dresses as an investment in your entire mommyhood journey—from first trimester mornings, to fourth trimester late-night snuggles.
The dress design itself looks rather effortlessly chick with the v-line silhouette, snap buttons (easy nursing access) and some deep pockets. When I wear the dress out and about, I usually add a hem knot or a belt to give the dress a bit more shape.
Dwell + Slumber was started by two freshmen roomates, Jade & Nicole, who wanted to create comfy (and fair-trade) lounge dresses. Nicole lends her skills as a graphic designer to keep the patterns fashionably on-trend. Jade’s manages all the US-based ethical textile product design and manufacturing. I love their blog posts (super down-to-earth style advice) and their Insta feed is packed full of how-to-wear ideas.
Good To Knows | This isn’t a tight-fitting maxi, so be prepared for lots of roomy stretch and space in the midsection of the dress. If you are under 5.3” the Cocoon dress might feel too long, so I suggest grabbing Dwell + Slumber’s Caftan dresses instead—the Caftan it gives you more of a size range instead of the “one size” only option.
Also, these dresses aren’t for the dryer. Dryer = Pilling. Hang dry and you’ll be happy.
Price | $60
Ingredients | 92% rayon, 8% spandex jersey
Ethics | Dwell + Slumber dresses are ethically made in the USA and support fair labor practices.
Sustainability | I searched and searched but I couldn’t find too many details about Dwell + Slumber’s ecofriendly initiatives. Fingers crossed they share more details with online and via social soon.
C & C Overall Review | I swear by these dresses (and Hazel does too). Find a color (or pattern) you love and invest in one, pack it in your hospital (or at-home-birth) bag and enjoy the loungey-goodness. Also, as a total plus, Dwell + Slumber makes some oh-so-cute baby gowns in matching colors if you want to capture some mommy/baby matching photos.
Do you have postpartum or maternity wear that you swear by? Have you found any wonderful eco-friendly and ethical alternatives? We want to hear all about it. DM us on Instagram @CalmandChic and share what brands we should try out next.
XOXO,
Lemon
