Converting Normal Tanks to Nursing Tanks

I don't know about you all, but I have spent a ton of money on nursing tanks.  This was the case after both of my children.  One tank top alone doesn't seem too bad when looking at the price.  But, to get several colors that will work under all of your outfits starts to add up quickly!  This second time around, I only bought two nursing tank tops.  But, I only had a black and a grey.  I wanted more colors, however, didn't want to buy anymore!  I refuse to keep throwing money out the window like that when I can spend a fraction of the money and get multiples!

I kept seeing pins on Pinterest about converting your regular spaghetti strapped tank tops into nursing tank tops.  You can do this with any of them, but I prefer the kind without the shelf bra built in.  Too many layers on the ladies while nursing gets uncomfortable (for me!).

You start by taking your regular tank top and cutting off the strap at the base in the back.  Then, leave a couple of inches in the front.  I should have taken photos of this, but please forgive me.  You will make a VERY TINY loop of the remaining couple inches of strap.  Go smaller than you might think.  You only need enough to fit over the clasp on your nursing bra.  Sew this down and VOILA!  You've converted your tank into a nursing tank!

See the small loop?  It should be tiny otherwise it will slip down your bra.

This is the loop slipped over the clasp on my nursing bra.

This is the nursing tank on, attached to the nursing bra.  I wear these under other wide strapped tanks, tshirts, etc.   But, it makes it nice when I am out and need to nurse.  I can slip up the over-shirt without exposing my belly and easily unclasp my bra (taking that side of the tank with it) and nurse my little one.  This way, nothing is exposed.

I'm so thrilled with the results.  I've made several already!  I have a lavender, a black & white stripped, a black, a grey, a cream/white, and a tan.  I'm thinking about getting more colorful ones since all (but the lavender) are neutral colors. 

OH!  And I should mention...  you can obviously convert any tanks that you already own.  This would be the most cost effective.  However, I didn't have a lot to work with, so I bought my tanks from Forever21.  They were $1.88!  That's WAY cheaper than any nursing tank top that you'll find in the stores.   Also check places like Platos Closet, or any second hand retail store.  The lavender tank I got from a resale store for $1.00.

Shopping Cheaper-Shopping Smarter

These sweaters were something of an unplanned purchase.  We were out buying stuff for our son because he needed his wardrobe updated for the cooler weather.  We hadn't been to Marshalls or TJMaxx in a long time, so decided to make that our pit stop. I had assumed that I would be able to find some nice shirts for my son, but at a marked down price.  Well, I did find some very nice sweaters and long sleeved shirts (and we did buy them), but they were pretty much the same price as where we'd normally buy them. Don't get me wrong, they probably were marked down in comparison to the original store they were sold at, but for a child that is growing out of his clothes every season, I'm not buying him department store tshirts at $30 a pop. There is absolutely no point in my eyes. If you choose to do that for your own child, more power to you. Lesson learned, though. I found that just some of the adult shirts and jeans actually save me money. 

The first sweater I picked up is a loose, open knit J.J. Basics.  The coloring seems rather off in the photo.  In person it is coral and turquoise, which seems strange for a knit sweater, but is a fun "pop" for the chilly months.  It keeps it bright and from becoming drab. In the picture it looks kind of murky, but it isn't in reality. The back is slightly longer than in the front.  Not a lot, just a touch.  I like that this sweater is a bit slouchy and doesn't hug the body too much.

This next sweater is another open knit.  It is in a deep grey and is made by the brand Wearing Your ❤ On Your Sleeve.  I can't really find anything about this brand when I try to search for them.  If anyone knows anything about the brand, let me know.  They're a mystery to me!  This is another that is cozy, even though it is open.  It is snug where it needs to be, but doesn't cling all along the torso.  Just how I like my sweaters!

This last sweater is one from American Eagle Outfitters. When I saw it on the rack I thought it looked loud and a bit obnoxious but something about wanting to add color to my wardrobe for the colder months made me pick it up anyway.  I'm glad I did.  When I tried it on, it was oddly interesting...in a good way!  It was cute and fun!  It has a 3/4 length sleeve and is, obviously, much thicker than the first two sweaters.  It cuts shorter as well, but nothing that you'd have to worry about your stomach suddenly showing or anything.  Not quite that short. Though, for my own personal comfort, I probably will still have a longer white tank under it, as I do for all of my shirts that cut at that length.  Once I hit mommy-mode, I don't ever chance the "lean over and accidentally flash the tops of your delicates" incident. 

I also bought a new pair of jeans, but for some reason in the transfer of the photos, the image only half transferred so I just deleted it.  They weren't anything special.  Just trust me when I say they were a skinny cut, dark wash blue jean. :-)