There’s a world of difference between a good bra and a bad bra, and once you’ve found a brand and style you love, it’s likely to become your standard.
Though you may have considered simply seeking out a larger cup size as your breasts grow during pregnancy, nursing bras are an option designed specifically to offer extra comfort to pregnant and nursing moms.
They’re usually made of soft fabrics with no underwire, and they have front clasps, flaps or elasticity that makes breastfeeding simple. We took a closer look at some of the best nursing bras out there to show you what styles are available and which features are most helpful for nursing moms and their babies.
| Nursing Bras | Award | Our Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kindred Bravely Racerback Bra | Our Top Pick | |
| 2 | Desirelove Multicolor Nursing Bra | Best Spill Prevention Bra | |
| 3 | iLoveSIA Dnursing | Best Budget Buy | |
| 4 | Bravado Silk Nursing Bra | Best for Large Breasts | |
| 5 | Kindred Bravely Seamless Bra | Best Wireless Bra | |
| 6 | Kindred Bravely Sleep Bra | Best Overnight Bra | |
| 7 | Simple Wishes Pumping Bra | Best Hands-Free Pumping Bra | |
| 8 | Gratlin Full Sling Bra | Best Padded Nursing Bra | |
| 9 | Hofish Seamless Bra | Best Full Coverage | |
| 10 | Leading Lady Lace Bra | Best Comfortable Tank Top |
In this article:
What’s the difference between nursing bras and regular bras?
While larger sizes of regular bras can be worn during and after pregnancy, nursing bras offer comfort and functionality that makes them an option new moms often prefer. Wondering which features differ between regular and nursing bras?
- Nursing bras are often made of soft, breathable material that’s designed to be extra comfortable for mom during a time when breasts can be sore and chafe as well as reduce pressure on breast tissue which can lead to milk duct issues
- They also usually lack an underwire, making them more comfortable for mothers and safer for babies. Additionally, underwires and restrictive bras don’t allow for easy fluctuation in breast size that occurs during the early weeks or months of breastfeeding. This added pressure or restrictive shape can contribute to plugged ducts or mastitis.
- Most importantly, nursing bras have either slide-away fabric or drop down cups that allow mom to breastfeed her baby without having to remove the garment.
Related: 10 Genius Ways to Save Money on Nursing Clothes
How do nursing bras work?
Moms of new babies know that anything that facilitates comfort and discretion while breastfeeding is a blessing. Nursing bras do just that, allowing you to breastfeed while keeping a bra on and making caring for an infant just a bit easier. They usually work in one of two ways.
- Drop-down cups fasten at the shoulder and disconnect to fold down, allowing mom to breastfeed without removing the bra
- Slide-away fabric cups, like those seen in sleep bras, are a bit more loose and can be pushed to the side easily to facilitate nursing
What types of nursing bras exist?
Just as there are different types and styles of standard bra, nursing bras are not just one type of garment. Many moms choose to have a few different nursing bras that can be worn at specific times or with specific outfits. Looking for a nursing bra style guide?
- Sports nursing bras: Perhaps the most comfortable, most breastfeeding sports bras are styled just like standard sports bras but feature breastfeeding flaps that make feeding baby easier and more discreet
- Soft cup nursing bras: It’s likely that this style is most similar to the bra you wore before pregnancy, featuring a full coverage support cup with a clasp either between the breasts or at the shoulder strap to facilitate breastfeeding
- Tank top nursing bras: Camisoles with tank tops built in aren’t new, but the maternity version can come in handy in a big way; generally, this style uses flaps to allow mom to breastfeed when necessary, but is indistinguishable from a regular tank top when worn
- Underwire nursing bras: Less common but available, underwire nursing bras are just like regular underwire bras, but utilize either front clasps or fabric flaps to allow breastfeeding
- Sleep nursing bras: Before pregnancy, the idea of wearing a bra to sleep may seem extreme, but the light support provided by sleep nursing bras is perfect to allow moms to slumber comfortably while also feeding baby when necessary without needing to disrobe
- Pump friendly bras: When breastfeeding moms are at work or on the go, needing to pump is an unavoidable reality – breast-pumping bras make the process a lot more discreet and simple, letting mom pump double or single while hands-free
Related: 10 Best Nursing Covers for Breastfeeding (2021 Reviews)
When should I buy a nursing bra, and how many of them will I require?
It’s natural to be excited about your pregnancy and eager to buy all the things you’ll need to care for baby, but it’s best to wait until later in pregnancy to begin choosing your nursing bras. By the time you’ve reached eight months, your breasts have undergone most of the changes that pregnancy will cause. There’s still a chance that they will become more engorged when baby arrives and breastfeeding begins, so it’s best to start with one in your estimated cup size so that you can test the waters and see what’s comfortable and what’s not.
Buying nursing bras isn’t a numbers game as much as it is a matter of style preference. Having a variety available can make life easier, as a sports bra is good for a jog, an underwire gives a supportive boost for a night out, a soft cup is ideal for every day wear… you get the picture. Options can simplify things for new moms, who already have plenty to think about.
Editor’s Choice
Our opinion
Style: Sleep bra
Colors: Pink
Opens: Pulls aside in front
Adjustable Straps: No
Padding: No
Size Range: XS – XXL Busty
Getting a decent night of sleep when you have a newborn can be a challenge, and breast pain and tenderness don’t make it any easier.
The barely-there support that the Kindred Bravely French Terry racerback bra (check price on Amazon) offers can help you rest comfortably at night, an the full-coverage cups simply pull aside to allow breastfeeding without any hooks, clasps or wires. It’s extremely soft and comfortable, with wide straps that are especially good for minimizing upper back pain.
What They’ll Love:
- There’s no wires, clasps or hooks to fidget with, so wearing and nursing are both simple
- It’s a full-coverage pick with wide straps, but it’s comfortable and breathable, so it’s also good for yoga
Best Spill Prevention Bra
Our opinion
Style: Soft cup
Colors: Black, pink and beige three-pack
Opens: At the shoulder
Adjustable Straps: Yes
Padding: Yes
Size Range: S – XL
Bra accessories are a game-changer. If you haven’t discovered them before pregnancy, there’s a good chance you’ll keep using them afterward, because they can create seamless transformations and simplify wardrobe solutions.
Desirelove’s (check price on Amazon) multicolored three-pack of drop-cup nursing bras is accompanied by three-packs of like-colored bra extenders and racerback strap converters. Extenders can prevent a tight band from digging into your flesh and creating both discomfort and an uneven silhouette; meanwhile, racerback converters join the straps together in the back, giving a nice lift and some additional support. Buying accessories separately at a lingerie shop can get pricey, so this set really takes the struggle out of nursing bra comfort and style.
What They’ll Love:
- It’s a three-pack that features black, pink, and beige/nude bras, so there’s something for every outfit
- The set comes with three-packs of both bra extenders and racerback strap converters, so comfort and style are easy to achieve
Best Budget Buy
Our opinion
Style: Soft cup
Colors: Black, nude and pink three-pack
Opens: At the shoulder
Adjustable Straps: Yes
Padding: Yes
Size Range: S – XXL
Multi-packs of garments are a godsend to new moms, who will already be dealing with enough laundry from baby. We love this three pack of Dnursing bras from iLoveSIA (check price on Amazon) because of the color variety – pale pink, black, and beige/nude.
They take the legwork out of finding your favorite style and size in the shade you need to accompany an outfit. There’s no jabbing underwires in these extra-comfortable soft cups, which detach at the shoulder to make it easy for you to feed baby discreetly. They feature foam padding, molded for shape and comfort, which can be removed when you prefer.
What They’ll Love:
- It’s a three-pack that includes pale pink, black, and beige/nude bras, so it hits three birds with one stone wardrobe-wise
- The straps and padding can both be adjusted to mom’s liking, and nursing clips at the shoulder make it easy to breastfeed your baby
Best for Large Breasts
Our opinion
Style: Soft cup
Colors: Black
Opens: At the shoulder
Adjustable Straps: Yes
Padding: Yes
Size Range: XS – XXL
The struggle is real for ladies with a full bustline. Bras can be expensive and hard-to-find, and when your body changes during pregnancy, finding a bra that can contain the madness is no easy task.
Full-cupped soft-cup nursing bras are some of the best picks for accommodating large breasts, and Bravado Designs’ silk seamless nursing bra (check price on Amazon) runs up to size XXL – that means it can accommodate up to a J cup in traditional bra size. The drop-away cups of this pick are easy to access and allow for easy nursing and plenty of skin-to-skin contact.
What They’ll Love:
- It’s a great pick for women with a naturally large bust, as it can accommodate up to a J cup in traditional bra size
- The drop down cups make life easier for nursing moms, plus they help to maximize skin to skin contact with baby
Best Wireless Bra
Our opinion
Style: Soft cup
Colors: Gray
Opens: At the shoulder
Adjustable Straps: Yes
Padding: No
Size Range: S – XL
The wide lower band, full cups and durable adjustable straps of this seamless nursing bra from Kindred Bravely (check price on Amazon) provides all the support that most new moms require without using pesky, uncomfortable underwires. It features removable padded foam cups which offer additional modesty and comfort, and the material is stretchy and soft, so it stays comfortable throughout the day. The drop down cups make breastfeeding a cinch, and it wears well under everything from athletic wear to a nice dress.
What They’ll Love:
- There’s no underwires, which can be uncomfortable, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- The straps and padding can be adjusted, and the drop down cups allow discreet nursing
At a glance
- Naturally large breasted women may want to buy a size up, as this pick can run tight
Best Overnight Bra
Our opinion
Style: Sleep bra
Colors: Gray
Opens: Pulls aside in front
Adjustable Straps: No
Padding: No
Size Range: XS – XXL Busty
Before pregnancy, the idea of wearing a bra to bed probably sounded absurd. By the time you reach your third trimester, however, you’re likely to find yourself reaching for picks like this extra soft organic wireless sleep bra (check price on Amazon) from Kindred Bravely. The extra support it offers can reduce discomfort, helping you ease into a good night’s sleep. Once baby is born, the full-coverage sleep bra cups pull aside to allow you to breastfeed with no hassle. The simple racer-back strap style requires no adjustment, and there’s plenty of room in the sleep bra to accommodate breast pads if needed.
Editor’s note: Sleeping in a nursing bra also allows you to comfortably hold breastmilk pads in place to catch any excess milk leakage. Nighttime hormones often increase your milk production during the night and extra letdowns or leaking can lead to soaked pajamas and sheets if you aren’t wearing pads in your bra.
What They’ll Love:
- There’s no adjustment or fussing needed for wearing or breastfeeding, as this pick is totally clasp and wire free
- It’s extra comfortable and great for wearing during sleep, as it gives gentle support and allows easy nursing
At a glance
- Women with smaller busts may find themselves falling out of this bra, which has extra material in the cups
Best Hands-Free Pumping Bra
Our opinion
Style: Pumping Bra
Colors: Pink
Opens: Zips in the front
Adjustable Straps: Yes
Padding: No
Size Range: XS – L
Moms who’ve pumped know exactly how much of a time-sink it can be without the right equipment. Sitting perfectly still holding the bottles to prevent spillage can be frustrating, which is why we love this hands-free pumping bra from Simple Wishes. (check price on Amazon). A pumping bra holds the flanges firmly in the proper position, which ultimately helps increase the amount of milk you are able to pump. This one has a basic front-zipper design that allows you to perform single or double pumping hands free. The 10″ Velcro back panel is adjustable, making this bra great for any body type, and it works with all the major brands of breast pump on the market, including Ameda, Evenflo, Medela and others.
What They’ll Love:
- It gives you your time back, freeing up your hands to do other low-intensity activities while you pump
- It’s designed to work with all major brands of breast pump, so compatibility issues are practically nonexistent
At a glance
- Some wearers may find the Velcro panel in the back uncomfortable and wish to wear something under it
Best Padded Nursing Bra
Our opinion
Style: Underwire
Colors: Mulberry pink
Opens: At the shoulder
Adjustable Straps:Yes
Padding: Yes
Size Range: 32C – 42G
It’s not likely you’ll want to wear an underwire constantly while you’re pregnant and nursing, but having one on hand that’s designed to make breastfeeding easier is big-time helpful. This padded underwire maternity bra (check price on Amazon) from Gratlin has drop down cups that simplify nursing, but it also gives a stylish lift and curve that’s especially great for formal events when traditional soft-cup nursing bras might not cut it. It has a generous size range and fully adjustable straps, making it a go-to underwire for breastfeeding moms.
What They’ll Love:
- It lifts and shapes the bust with light padding, but has drop down cups to allow baby to nurse discreetly
- It has a generous size range, from 32C – 42G
At a glance
- Some wearers may find the straps of this bra difficult to adjust
Best Full Coverage
Our opinion
Style: Soft cup
Colors: Beige
Opens: At the shoulder
Adjustable Straps: Yes
Padding: Yes
Size Range: S – XXL
Wider bands and sides can make bras more comfortable, especially during pregnancy and while breastfeeding Hofish (check price on Amazon) offers up a super soft three-pack with side widening and full coverage drop-down soft cups. As we’ve noted, they’re ideal for discreet breastfeeding, plus baby benefits from the skin to skin contact they can offer in a big way. It’s a great pick for accommodating your changing shape, with removable molded foam cups for modesty and style. The set also comes with three-packs of bra extenders and racer-back strap converters, so it’s easy to modify these bras to your comfort and preferences.
What They’ll Love:
- It’s a three-pack, so you’ll always have the option to have extra clean bras as backup
- It has widened sides and fuller coverage than some other nursing bras, offering maximum comfort and support
At a glance
- The adjustable straps may become loose and require tightening as the bra is worn throughout the day
Comfortable Nursing Tank Top
Our opinion
Style: Underwire
Colors: Baked Blush Tone Quail
Opens: At the shoulder
Adjustable Straps: Yes
Padding: Yes
Size Range: 34B – 40DD
T-shirt bras are soft and cozy, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be highly functional. This pick by
Leading Lady (check price on Walmart) has all the comfort of a t-shirt bra with the lifting and shaping capacity of an underwire and the discreet breastfeeding convenience of a nursing bra. That makes it especially good for those times when you need to look great, but personal comfort and your baby’s needs still need to be prioritized. It’s a bit more provocative than other maternity bras, too, so you’ll feel like you’re already back in your pre-pregnancy lingerie.
What They’ll Love:
- It combines the coziness of a t-shirt bra with great nursing functionality and the support and shaping of an underwire and padded cup
- It’s less utilitarian-looking than some maternity bras, which can be a confidence booster
At a glance
- It runs small in the cups, so if you’re between sizes, think up, not down
Best Bralette
Our opinion
Style: Sports bra / bralette
Colors: Black, beige and white three-pack
Opens: Slides up or down
Adjustable Straps: No
Padding: Yes
Size Range: S – XXXL
Strapless bandeau bras are fashion lifesavers in the summer months, when tank tops and shoulder-baring dresses are the norm. It can be hard to find comfortable picks that are designed for both maternity and breastfeeding, which makes it even more convenient that this SHETOP (check price on Amazon) offering has three bandeau bras
in white, beige/nude, and black. They feature removable foam pads which create structure and offer extra modesty, and the bra slips up or down easily to allow mom to nurse her baby.
What They’ll Love:
- They’re strapless, so they’re great for wearing with tanks, boat-neck tops and shoulder-baring dresses
- It’s a three pack in multiple colors, so you’re covered in just about any outfit
At a glance
- Because there’s no straps, there’s also no significant back support offered by these bras
Best Plus Size Nursing Bra
Our opinion
Style: Sleep bra
Colors: Black with white accents
Opens: At the shoulder
Adjustable Straps: No
Padding: No
Size Range: S – XL
When it comes to staying comfortable during pregnancy, dressing to accommodate your body type is essential. Wide lower bands and racer-back straps make this – sleep bra by Bravado Designs (check price on buybuyBABY)
comfortable especially great for plus-size ladies, as it’s less likely to feel too constricting or leave indentations. It lifts and supports the bust without wires or hooks, and features drop-down cups that simplify the breastfeeding process. It’s soft and breathable, and features a Cotton/Modal/Spandex blend that’s exceptional at keeping moisture away from your skin.
What They’ll Love:
- It’s one of the best picks for plus-size moms, because the wide band offers comfortable support without hurting skin
- It’s made of a Modal fabric blend, which has great moisture-wicking capacity and is very soft
At a glance
- There are no pockets for milk pads, although they can simply be placed inside the bra
Most Comfortable
Our opinion
Style: Sleep bra
Colors: Gray with black and white accents
Opens: At the shoulder
Adjustable Straps: Yes
Padding: No
Size Range: S – XL
There are a lot of uncomfortable things about pregnancy, if we’re being honest. Nausea, heartburn, muscle aches, sore boobs – you name it and moms face it during those nine months and beyond. Nursing bras are the last thing that should be a source of discomfort for new moms, and the – maternity and nursing sleep bra from Bravado Designs (check price on Target) highlights your need for both comfort and functionality. It’s made of a soft fabric blend that draws moisture away from your body, has fully adjustable straps, and the drop-away cups take the struggle out of nursing, whether you’re at home in bed or on the go.
What They’ll Love:
- It feels like a sleep bra but wears like a soft-cup, so it’s good both at home and away
- The size range can accommodate women ranging from B to G cups, which is significant for a nursing bra
At a glance
- The hooks that fasten the drop-down cups can be loud, which may bother some babies
Best Sports Nursing Bra
Our opinion
Style: Sports bra
Colors: Black
Opens: At the shoulder
Adjustable Straps: Yes
Padding: No
Size Range: S -L
Your infant might not have you chasing them around quite yet, but when you’re geared up for a workout, a maternity sports bra can make your life just a bit easier. Kindred Bravely are experts at creating functional, supportive undergarments for pregnant and breastfeeding moms, and their sublime support sports bra (check price on eBay) features a racer-back design, adjustable straps and a wide lower band which keeps it securely in place. It also has fold-down cups, so if your post-workout cooldown involves a 6 PM feeding, the process will be totally hassle-free.
What They’ll Love:
- It’s a supportive sports bra that makes it easy for moms to nurse their babies discreetly
- TIt’s breathable and features moisture-wicking, making it a perfect bra for low intensity workouts
Our top pick…
The value of a good night’s sleep to a new mom is immeasurable, and a bra that makes it easier to both rest comfortably and feed your baby without a struggle is one you’ll keep coming back to. The French terry cloth material of this soft and durable bra (check price on Amazon) is cozy against your skin and baby’s, and the slide-away cups mean there’s no wardrobe changes necessary for nursing. It’s extra supportive thanks to wide, soft straps, and it’s cute to boot, winning this pick our editor’s choice award.
