Best nursing bras
There are a number of items that can make breastfeeding a little easier, but none are quite as important as a nursing bra. Allowing you to bare one or both breasts at a time to feed your baby, the best nursing bras are comfortable to wear when you're breastfeeding and in between feeds. They should also allow for quick and easy access to your breasts, because every second counts when your hungry baby is crying.
Many nursing bras have a clasp that unhooks where the strap and cup meet, allowing you to pull the cup down for quick access to your breast. Others have a crisscross front with soft cups that you can push aside when it's time to nurse or pump. There are even some combination bras that allow you to pump or breastfeed while wearing them (or pump on one side and nurse on the other).
How we chose the best nursing bras
- We considered feedback from members of the BabyCenter community who have tested a wide range of nursing bras.
- We spoke to two moms on the BabyCenter editorial team, who tested several of these nursing bras during their breastfeeding journey.
- We selected nursing bras that had overwhelmingly positive reviews from community members and BabyCenter editors on the fit, level of support, and ease of use.
Best nursing bra overall
Bravado Designs Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra
Moms rave about the Bravado nursing bra, which is designed with soft-as-silk stretchy fabric that molds to your changing body during pregnancy and postpartum. It's comfortable and supportive, with a wide band that won't dig into your sides and removable foam cups that give better shape and support than similar wire-free stretchy bras.
Fans of this bra say it's comfortable and looks good: "Even without an underwire [the bras] don’t give a uniboob at all," says one BabyCenter Community member. They also like the generous size range: "I’m a bigger size (40 F/G), and they work great for me and have no underwire which is amazing," says one BabyCenter Community member, while another says "I am a 32H and have had the hardest time finding nursing bras in my size. Finding this one was like a miracle for me!"
Try this bra available in a neutral hue if you like, or opt for a more unique option like jade green or midnight blue. Bravado also has a couple of color options that may work as "nude" for moms with darker skin tones, and some shades are available in sustainable fabric like recycled nylon and organic cotton.
Heads up
Sizing is a little confusing: there are standard sizes small to 2XL and then a small, medium, and large "full cup" size range for women that's called "plus" on some retailer sites. See Bravado's size chart for help.
Moms say
"I have a Bravado bra and I love it. They're pricey but well worth the comfort. I was a 36D before pregnancy and these are the only ones that fit."
"My Bravado nursing bras are pretty amazing. My little guy weaned last month and it's time for regular bras, but I don't want to stop wearing these."
"My go-to is Bravado seamless. I'm around 32H, and these are really comfortable and fit well. Just check the size guide on their website."
"It's really comfy and has removable pads to hide the nips."
Specs
- Size range: Band sizes 30-46, cup sizes B-J
- Material: Nylon, spandex
- Color options: 9
Best nursing bra for large breasts
Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime Seamless Nursing Bra
As women with larger breasts know, having a fuller cup doesn't always mean you're bigger all around. This is why women with larger cup sizes appreciate that Kindred Bravely’s Simply Sublime bra comes in a "busty" option, with band sizes between 30 to 46 inches and cup sizes ranging from F to I. "I've got the small band/big cup issue (30H before pregnancy), and the Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime nursing bra in size small-busty is the only one I've found that both gives enough support and doesn't cause quad-boob from spilling out over the top," says a BabyCenter Community member. Another says that when she buys bras with standard sizing, "I'm either spilling out of the cups or the band is way too loose, but the busty sizes really help."
Well-endowed moms also say that this bra is supportive, despite the lack of underwire. "It's the only bra I've worn this pregnancy that feels comfortable and is flattering,” a 30G mom says. Other moms agree, saying this bra is soft and comfortable. One final strong point: This bra comes in three shades of beige and brown, so women with dark or medium skin may find a nude tone that works for them.
Heads up
This bra, like all Kindred Bravely bras, comes in "busty" and "regular" sizes; make sure to check the size chart to see which one works best for you.
Moms say
"I definitely had [a uniboob problem] with the Bravado Body Silk bra that I heard such good things about: within an hour of putting it on my boobs were both spilling out over the top and pushed together (therefore sweaty), plus the band was riding up my back like crazy. Bra nightmare! But with Kindred Bravely the cups are big enough and stretchy enough that the girls stay where they should, at least for me."
"Kindred Bravely! Super soft and nice. I think I got the 2XL busty. I'm a 42-44 DDD+, and I have room in them to grow with engorgement."
"I was hesitant at first due to price but last pregnancy I purchased cheaper bras and was miserable with them. I purchased one this time and have went back and purchased two more because I absolutely love these. I’m already wearing them because they are so comfortable."
"Bigger size here too, so hard to find when many are like XL or XXL max, really only fitting to DD or so. These are a lot bigger and they're quality. Worth the splurge $ wise."
Specs
- Size range: Band sizes 30-46, cup sizes B-I
- Material: Nylon, spandex
- Color options: 5
Best plus size nursing bra
Motherhood Maternity Seamless Clip Down Nursing Bra
Motherhood Maternity's Seamless Clip Down Nursing Bra is a favorite of plus-size moms because of its generous sizing (with bands up to 46 inches and cup sizes to G) and reasonable price. But they particularly love all the comfy details: wide straps that don't dig into your shoulders, a very gently ribbed band that hugs your body lightly, and gathers in the center that gives your breasts shape without discomfort.
Plus-size moms on BabyCenter's Community give this bra the thumbs-up for comfort, with one saying: "It’s honestly the most comfortable bra I’ve ever had (even not nursing) and the only bra I’ve ever had that I’m not dying to take off." One thing to be aware of: the lack of underwire may create a bit of a uniboob effect.
Heads up
This bra only comes in black, beige, and gray.
Moms say
"I love the fact that there’s no underwire and they are giving me enough support."
"I love these for soon after birth, while I’m at home and leaking milk."
"I have a few of these and I wear them everyday. Super affordable and sooo much more comfortable than anything with underwire."
"At night I wear the Motherhood Maternity seamless clip down nursing bras. Those are about $25 but they do run sales, buy three get one free. They are fine to wear around the house and sleep in but I like the Bravado bras better while I’m out and about."
Specs
- Size range: Band sizes 34-46, cup sizes B-G
- Material: Nylon, spandex
- Color options: 3
Best supportive nursing bra without underwire
Auden Women's Wirefree Nursing Bra
For those moments when you'd like more shape and support but don't want to be poked by wire, you can’t go wrong with the Auden nursing bra. "Even though Auden is wire-free, it still gave my boobs shape and structure which I felt they were lacking in the postpartum/nursing phase," says Leah Rocketto, Associate Commerce Director for BabyCenter, while a Community mom says approvingly that this bra "holds the girls up very well and is slightly padded."
How does this bra support without wires? Molded, padded cups and fabric that's less stretchy than you'll find on bralettes. For this reason, the Auden bra is sized using a band measurement and a cup size, which is handy for women whose cup and band measurements don't necessarily match up. Other minor details make this bra more convenient: sewn-in padding instead of removable cups that you may forget to remove before washing, and plastic hardware that clips the straps together: "For some reason I own a lot of racerback-style tops so it was especially helpful that I didn't have to buy separate bras," says Leah.
Heads up
Sizing is limited.
Moms say
"It runs true to size!"
"Love the price point and comfort!!"
"I have the Hofish nursing bras from Amazon and they are good too but have the cups that come out and they annoy me. I’d recommend the Auden ones to anyone looking for comfort."
"Auden nursing bras from Target have been amazing! I am spilling out of my regular 34DD bras and even the wireless Auden bra has great support and is comfortable for sleeping.
Specs
- Size range: Band sizes 32-42, cup sizes B-DDD
- Material: Nylon, spandex
- Color options: 8
Best nursing sleep bra
Kindred Bravely French Terry Racerback Nursing & Sleep Bra
You may expect something like a terry cloth towel given this bra's name, but the material is actually a knit that's smooth on the outside, softer and textured on the inside. It's "so light and comfortable, you forget you're wearing a bra," says BabyCenter's Leah Rocketto. Even so, she found the level of light support appropriate for the day, too: "I could go for walks around the neighborhood without needing to change my bra," she says. "Obviously I wouldn't wear it for high-impact exercise, but it's perfect coverage and support for getting a little fresh air in the yard or around the block with your baby in tow."
The crisscross front won't demand much of you in the wee hours, either: "The pull-aside was easy to manipulate during those bleary-eyed middle of the night feeds," says Leah. And – this is particularly crucial – it will hold nursing pads in place so you don't wake up in a pool of breast milk.
Heads up
Unlike most nursing bras available only in neutrals, this bra comes in four floral shades (and neutrals as well).
Moms say
"Kindred Bravely's French terry sleep bra is great for lounging/sleeping, and their sublime bra is great for every day/out of the house wear."
"So soft and comfortable and supportive but not confining. I’m a 34G when NOT pregnant and honestly wish I’d found these earlier for lounging around."
"I like Kindred Bravely soft bras, I can’t do the regular bras anymore, nothing else feels as comfortable."
Specs
- Size range: Band sizes 28-42, cup sizes B-I
- Material: Rayon, spandex
- Color options: 12
Best nursing sports bra
Wanayou Women's Zip Front Sports Bra
This bra is as hard-working as you are, with moderate support that makes it suitable for yoga, Pilates, and other low- to medium-impact workouts. The racerback style doesn't show under workout clothing, and the zipper on the front makes it easy to open up the bra for your baby.
"They were super-cheap and I liked that I could put them on with the intention of working out at some point during the day, because let's be honest, I wasn't going to work out if I had to change bras to do it," says Robin Hilmantel, BabyCenter's Senior Director of Strategy and Growth. She says she still wears these bras even though she's past the nursing stage: They're that comfortable.
Heads up
The top of the zipper is covered with a bit of fabric that prevents the zipper pull from digging into your skin, but also may show underneath t-shirts and other clingy tops.
Specs
- Size range: Band sizes 30-44, cup sizes B-DD
- Material: Nylon, spandex
- Color options: 5
Best nursing and pumping bra
Momcozy Hands-Free Pumping Bra
With slits in the cups that allow you to insert flanges from leading pump makers like Medela, Lansinoh, Spectra, Evenflo, and Philips Avent, Momcozy’s combo bra makes it possible to pump one breast while nursing with the other, pump both breasts at once, or nurse on one side only. Momcozy's clasps are easy to unhook, and the cups fold comfortably and completely down when you want access to your whole breast; leave it clasped for pumping support.
Moms like the comfort: "The straps are really good and sturdy, with good stretch but still supportive." The bra comes with an extender in case you find you need a little extra room at any point in your nursing journey.
Heads up
Some moms say the fabric is flimsy and doesn't provide enough nipple coverage.
Moms say
"I use a Momcozy pumping bra; works well with my Spectra pump."
"I breastfeed and pump at home and this bra made everything so much easier and it's only $20."
"I got this one from Amazon and I love it! It’s both a nursing and pumping bra and it’s really comfortable."
"Momcozy Hands Free Pumping Bra. On Amazon. $20 bucks. Gets the job done."
Specs
- Size range: Band sizes 32-42, cup sizes A-E
- Material: Cotton, spandex
- Color options: 3
Best affordable nursing bra
Hofish Seamless Maternity Nursing Bra
Many moms say these Hofish bras are super comfortable – and provide enough support and coverage for even the bustiest woman. One BabyCenter Community member loves them for their super-stretchiness: and says the "elasticity allows the bra to stretch and move with your body, providing a comfortable and secure fit throughout the day. The seamless design of these bras also means that they are smooth and undetectable under clothing."
Another BabyCenter mom praises the Hofish nursing bra for its comfort, but also for its structure. “ The padded cups are a good shape and look good under clothes." These bras are a major bargain, too: They come three to a pack, and each set includes three clips for converting the bras to a racerback style and three matching bra extenders to help you get the best fit as your body changes.
Heads up
The size range is quite limited on this bra.
Moms say
"They're super comfortable but give support and coverage, too."
"I just bought a three-pack of the Hofish bras and am really impressed with the quality and price."
"The Hofish brand on Amazon is great. Their nursing bras are better than Motherhood Maternity in my opinion."
"I was seriously impressed with the quality and material. So soft and comfortable. The price is great when you factor in that most nursing bras are over $20 apiece and that is on the low end."
Specs
- Size range: Band sizes 30-42, cup sizes A-D
- Material: Nylon, spandex
- Color options: 3
Best sexy nursing bra
Momanda Wire-Free Lace Bralette
Moms turn to the Momanda bralette when they're tired of feeling like a milk machine and ready to feel like a sexy goddess. This lace bralette is available in 17 colors, including powder blue and pumpkin-spice orange. And lest you worry that lace can be itchy, BabyCenter Community members say it's soft and stretchy instead. When it's time to nurse, discreet clip-down cups provide easy breastfeeding access for your baby.
Heads up
Momanda warns on its website that these bras run small and advises ordering a band size up.
Moms say
"Cute supportive bra - Momanda lace plunge bralette."
"Momanda is a brand with beautiful lace nursing bras and bralettes and they are mostly around $25!!!"
Specs
- Size range: Band sizes 32-40, cup sizes A-E
- Material: Polyester, nylon, spandex
- Color options: 17
What to know about nursing bras
If you're planning to nurse your baby, then it’s worth investing in a good nursing bra or two. First of all, it's difficult and uncomfortable to try to finesse your breast out of a regular bra, even a stretchy one. Second, a comfortable nursing bra may contribute to a positive breastfeeding experience. As the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Mayo Clinic note, bras that are too tight can cause clogged milk ducts. Sometimes the clogged ducts can develop into mastitis, an inflammation of the breast tissue that causes flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, and body aches.
If nursing bras don't suit you, some moms prefer to use nursing tank tops instead, which have clip-down clasps like nursing bras, and usually provide light support, while keeping your midsection covered as you nurse.
How many nursing bras do I need?
Three, say experienced moms: one to wear, one clean in the drawer, one in the wash. Nursing bras get dirtier a lot faster than their non-nursing counterparts: your milk may leak, your baby may spit up, and you may find you sweat more postpartum. Unless you love daily loads of laundry, err on the side of more rather than less to give yourself a break.
Do I need a separate pumping bra?
Not necessarily. Pumping bras hold your pump's breast shields and bottles in place so you can free up your hands. But some nursing bras with clip-down cups do an adequate job of this.
What size nursing bra should I buy?
It's a good idea to get fitted or measure yourself) when you're around 36 or 37 weeks pregnant, and buy a nursing bra based on that size. You should buy bras with plenty of room to grow, because your breasts may change dramatically about three days after birth, which is when your milk "comes in."
Breast size fluctuations will settle down after a few weeks of nursing, and your rib band size will begin to return to pre-pregnancy measurements. You might stay at your pre-pregnancy rib band size but at a larger cup size until you finish breastfeeding, although as you've often heard by now, every woman is different, and every pregnancy (and postpartum experience!) is different.
Can I wear an underwire bra while nursing?
Many women like the extra support offered by an underwire. But even if you've worn underwire all your life, you may find it uncomfortable during nursing. The AAP, Mayo Clinic, and other experts note that underwire bras can contribute to mastitis and plugged milk ducts.
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AAP. 2019. American Academy of Pediatrics. "Clogged Milk Ducts." https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/Clogged-Milk-Ducts.aspxOpens a new window [Accessed September 2022]
AAP. 2019. American Academy of Pediatrics. "Mastitis." https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/Mastitis.aspxOpens a new window [Accessed September 2022]
Mayo. 2019. Mayo Clinic. "Managing plugged ducts, mastitis when breastfeeding." https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/managing-plugged-ducts-mastitis-when-breastfeedingOpens a new window [Accessed September 2022]