Finding a nursing bra when you’re pregnant can be tricky. You may not know what size you will be once your baby arrives or what style will be right for you. (And if you’re wondering, yes, your boobs can get a LOT bigger.) Some moms might prefer a more structured nursing bra. Others will prefer something more like a tank that can be pulled down for feeding sessions.
No matter what you choose, there are a few key things to consider. Your family, your lifestyle, and your budget all factor into the decision about what nursing bra is right for you.
- Consider Your Feeding Choices
- Nursing Bras vs. Pumping Bras
- Nursing Bras Should Fit Your Lifestyle
- Nursing Bras Should Fit Your Budget
- Truly Mama’s Picks for Best Nursing Bras
- Best Budget-Friendly Nursing Bra: HOFISH Maternity Nursing Bra
- Best Seamless Support Nursing Bra: BRAVADO! DESIGNS Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra
- Best Nursing Tank: DAISITY Women's Maternity Nursing Tank
- Best Full-Coverage Nursing Sports Bra: Kindred Bravely Sublime Sports Nursing Bra
- Best Lace Nursing Bra: Cake Maternity Truffles Nursing Lace Bra
- Best Nursing Bra for Sleep: Suekaphin Sleeping Nursing Bra
- Best Racerback Nursing Bra: Cake Maternity Cotton Candy Wirefree Nursing Bra
- Best Nursing Bra for Hands-Free Pumping
- Best Classic Fit Nursing Bra: Motherhood Wireless Maternity and Nursing Bra
- Best Two-In-One Nursing Bra
- Best Full Coverage Nursing Bra: Motherhood Full-Busted Seamless Nursing and Maternity Bra
- FAQ
Consider Your Feeding Choices
Nursing bras would be a good investment for moms who choose the following feeding methods:
- exclusive pumping
- exclusive nursing
- a combination of pumping and nursing
All of these choices require different things from your nursing bra. Consider your plan for breastfeeding, and look for bras that will make your plan as easy as can be.
Nursing Bras vs. Pumping Bras
While many pumping bras double as nursing bras, nursing bras don’t always do the same. The difference between the two is how you access the breast.
Nursing bras are designed for quick access to the breast so mamas don’t have to completely undress to feed their child. Some nursing bras have a clasp at the strap to reveal the breast, while others are made from stretchy material that easily pulls aside.
Pumping bras have slits over the nipple where the pump flanges fit. These bras are designed to keep the flanges in place, allowing the user to pump hands-free. For pumping bras that double as nursing bras, you’ll see the clasp at the strap.
If you decide to combine nursing and pumping, it’s a good idea to look for a pumping bra that doubles as a nursing bra. And even if you choose to nurse exclusively, having one bra that can accommodate a breast pump is not a bad idea.
Nursing Bras Should Fit Your Lifestyle
Nursing bras are ultimately bras. Yes, they allow you to feed your baby, but you’ll also wear them for the entire day. They need to work for your lifestyle, too. Like regular bras, nursing bras have specific styles and different support levels you need to consider.
When choosing a nursing bra, look at your average day as well as your feeding choices. Are you heavy into sports or running? Are you going back to work pretty quickly postpartum? What styles of clothing do you wear most often? All of these are key considerations when looking for a nursing bra because your bra should work with your lifestyle, not against it.
Consider the bra’s fit—do you want full coverage or a classic fit? And most of all, consider your comfort. Breastfeeding requires so much of your time. The least you can do for yourself is find a comfortable bra.
Nursing Bras Should Fit Your Budget
Whether your breastfeeding journey is long or short, a nursing bra is an important investment. Depending on the brand and design, nursing bras can range greatly in price. However, they provide you with much-needed support during a time when your breasts are undergoing major changes.
There are great nursing bra options out there at all price points. It’s worth the research to find one that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Truly Mama’s Picks for Best Nursing Bras
Best Budget-Friendly Nursing Bra
This soft, seamless, wire-free nursing bra gets high user rankings for comfort and quality. It comes equipped with extenders and expandable clips to support many body sizes and shapes. As a nursing bra, it features a clip-down clasp for easy access to the breast and full coverage cups.
The HOFISH Maternity Nursing Bra is designed to support single or double wearable breast pumps. It does not support pumps with flanges.
While many of the reviews speak to this bra’s value, customers are mixed on its fit and support. Some mention the cups and the band feel big and the straps are too long. Others say that the material changes over time, stretching out and offering less support.
Specs
- Available in sizes S to XXL
- Handwash only
- V-neck
- Removable pads
- Certifications: OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100
Best Seamless Support Nursing Bra
BRAVADO! DESIGNS Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra
The Body Silk Silk Seamless Nursing Bra is one of the most inclusive bras in maternity wear. Their regular sizes fit B to G cups, while their plus-size options are specially designed to support G to J cups.
Not only is this seamless nursing bra one of the softest on the market, but it hits the sustainability factor, too! Made from recycled nylon, the BRAVADO! DESIGNS nursing bra is stretchy and wire-free to adapt to changing breast sizes. The front clip at the strap drops down completely to offer more skin-to-skin contact while nursing.
Customers gave high ratings for durability, comfort, and support, noting that the bra gives good support for regular activities. This bra also features removable, molded pads which provide fuller coverage. Customers mentioned these pads give more support for DD cups on up.
Specs
- Available in sizes XS to XXL (cups sizes B to J)
- 70% recycled nylon, 20% virgin nylon, 10% spandex
- Machine wash
- Certifications: OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100
Best Nursing Tank
DAISITY Women’s Maternity Nursing Tank
Maybe you want a break from bras during the day, or you don’t want to sleep in a bra at night. This soft, seamless nursing camisole from Daisity is a must-have for nursing mamas. Some days, you just don’t feel like wearing a bra, but when you’re nursing, your girls need that support. The Daisity Nursing Tank features adjustable straps that you can wear over the shoulder or cross-back style for additional support.
The seamless design cuts down on irritation while the one-handed clasp gives easy access to the breast. Customers love the thick, supportive material and the elasticity of the fabric. For women with larger busts, camisoles can be tricky. But one reviewer had nothing but positive things to say:
“I have tried several nursing tops and as a woman who is well-endowed, I can happily say this finally fit the bill. The straps are nice and thick (but not so much that they’re uncomfortable) and the fabric is stretchy enough but supportive enough. It’s not AS supportive as a full bra, but it’s pretty darn good. I think my only complaint is that [the] neckline is a little low and shows a fair amount of cleavage. But I am so glad I found these. I was a 32G pre-pregnancy (closer to 34H now), and the large fits perfectly. It provided enough stretch soon after delivery when I still needed more room in the belly and still fits me now that the belly is reducing in size. Highly recommend.”
Specs
- Available in sizes S to XL
- 92% Nylon, 8% Spandex
- Hand wash only
Best Full-Coverage Nursing Sports Bra
Kindred Bravely Sublime Sports Nursing Bra
This is the perfect sports bra for active moms of all bust sizes. It offers full coverage and a snug fit that best suits low-impact activities like walking, yoga, hiking, barre, or Pilates. The racerback style, adjustable straps, and removable pads ensure the best, most supportive fit for your body.
For bustier women, the Kindred Bravely Sublime Sports Nursing Bra is specially designed with wider straps for maximum weight distribution. It also features expanded fabric in the cups to ensure a full-coverage fit. The fabric also has a tighter knit compared to the regular fit. This offers more support for larger breasts.
While most reviewers had no problem with the fit, a portion complained that it was too tight. However, Kindred Bravely offers a disclaimer that the bra is meant to fit snugly. If you are in between sizes or prefer a looser fit, the brand suggests that you size up.
Specs
- Available in sizes S to 2X
- Supports cup sizes A to I
- 54% Nylon, 36% Polyester, 10% Spandex
- Hand wash
Best Lace Nursing Bra
Cake Maternity Truffles Nursing Lace Bra
Just because you’re nursing doesn’t mean you have to wear your grandma’s bra. Lacy nursing bras are a thing, moms! This Truffles nursing bra from Cake Maternity has a beautiful, French-inspired lace overlay to make you feel empowered and confident during your breastfeeding journey.
The cups are made from soft cotton where they touch the skin, and they provide a slight lift with their molded light foam padding. These pads are removable, and Cake Maternity recommends you swap them out for cotton nursing pads for maximum leak absorption. This bra is also compatible with nipple shields and electric breast pumps.
The reviews were mixed on the cup sizing. Some customers thought they fit perfectly, while others felt the cups ran small. Some complained the brand didn’t offer sizing large enough for bustier women.
Specs
- Available for cup sizes 32B to 38G
- Hand wash only
- Underwire
- Oeko-Tex certification
Best Nursing Bra for Sleep
Suekaphin Sleeping Nursing Bra
Wireless and pad-free, the Suekapin Sleeping Nursing bra offers light support and comfort while you sleep. These bras are designed with soft, breathable fabric for a chafe-free wearing experience. Rather than a clip at the strap, you access the breast from the cross-front fabric. No clips digging in while you sleep! The moisture-wicking material ensures you stay cozy and dry, and the adjustable straps make for the best fit for your body.
These bras were personally recommended by a friend with a seven-month-old. She said these were her favorite nursing bras to wear around the house or to sleep in. One Amazon reviewer gave it five stars for comfort:
“These are comfy and stretchy while still providing a little support. They hold everything in place but offer easy movement and aren’t restrictive in any way. I like that they have a neckline comparable to a regular bra while being lightweight. These will be great for the summer heat! They also wash well.”
Specs
- Available in sizes M to XXL
- 92% Nylon, 8% Spandex
- Machine wash
- Available in 9 colors
- Certifications: OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100
Best Racerback Nursing Bra
Cake Maternity Cotton Candy Wirefree Nursing Bra
Made from high-quality Nilit Softex microfiber, the Cotton Candy Nursing Bra from Cake Maternity offers soft and cooling comfort. The durable Nilit yarn is designed to retain its shape after multiple washings.
This bra features double layers, full coverage, shaped cups, and structured panels to give the maximum support while remaining wire-free. Featuring a 4-way stretch, this racerback bra adjusts to your changing body as you move from pregnancy to postpartum.
Specs
- Available in sizes S to XL
- 61% Nylon, 29% Polyester, 10% Elastane
- Hand wash only
- Available in 7 colors
- OEKO-TEX CERTIFIED
Best Nursing Bra for Hands-Free Pumping
Simple Wishes DLITE Hands Free Pumping Bra
Pumping mommas know that hands-free is where it’s at! This pumping bra has you covered, whether you’re pumping in the car, at the office, or at home. This bra is designed to work with breast pumps from various brands, turning any pump into a hands-free pump to allow mamas to complete other tasks while pumping. It’s definitely a must-have for exclusively pumping mamas. Information on proper sizing can be hard to find, so we recommend looking at reviews for suggestions from mamas with similar body types about what size will be right for you.
Specs
- Available in sizes S to XL (B to G cups)
- 93% Modal, 7% Elastane
- Machine washable
Best Classic Fit Nursing Bra
Motherhood Wireless Maternity and Nursing Bra
This nursing bra from Motherhood gives a classic bra look and feel with functionality for breastfeeding. Made from a soft nylon and spandex blend, this bra offers full coverage and wireless support with a clip-down front for nursing.
Customers give this bra points for comfort and quality. Some reviewers felt the band was too tight, so be sure to check out Motherhood’s Bra Fit Guide to learn how to get your proper measurements.
Specs
- Available in cup sizes 32B to 40G
- 83% Nylon / 17% Spandex
- Hand wash
Best Two-In-One Nursing Bra
Momcozy Adjustable Pumping and Nursing Bra
Are you telling me this bra gives the option to pump and nurse with one bra? Count us in! The dual functionality of this nursing bra is a game-changer that can save you so much time. The support is great, and it holds your pump securely in place on the breast so there is no need for adjustments while pumping. Mamas rave about this bra as their absolute favorite for breastfeeding and pumping alike.
Here’s what one Amazon reviewer had to say: “This is my very first nursing/pumping bra and I’m proud to say I made a fantastic choice! Pre-pregnancy I was a bra size 32DD. I got fitted halfway [through] my pregnancy and was a 34DD. I have no idea what size I am currently but I will say that a 34DD isn’t comfortable for me anymore. I followed the chart for 34DD for this bra and got SIZE MED. I adjusted the shoulder straps and it fits great. Today is Jan 26 and I’m due Feb 21. I’m 36 weeks preggo and can’t wait to pump for my baby boy! Definitely [going to] buy more! Hope this helps!”
Specs
- Available in sizes XS to XXL
- 93% Cotton, 7% Spandex
- Comes in 6 colors
- Machine washable, hand wash recommended
Best Full Coverage Nursing Bra
Motherhood Full-Busted Seamless Nursing and Maternity Bra (D+ cup sizes)
This Motherhood bra was voted best maternity and nursing bra by Harper’s Bazaar, The Bump, and What to Expect! Best for cup sizes D+ and beyond, you get supportive, seamless coverage with this clip-down nursing bra. The soft, stretchy material makes it ideal for everyday wear or even sleep!
Fitted with removable pads, this bra offers medium support for full-busted women in pregnancy and beyond.
Specs
- Available in sizes S to XL
- 93% Nylon, 7% Spandex
- Comes in 2 color options
- Machine washable
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sleep in my nursing bra?
Yes, you can sleep in your nursing bra overnight! This is a common practice for those who want to wear nursing pads to prevent leaking. There are many nursing bras that work well as sleep bras, and provide easy access for late-night feeds. Look for a bra that will stretch to provide adequate room for your breasts to fill up more while you and your baby are sleeping.
Do I need to size up when buying a nursing bra?
No you don’t, but you also shouldn’t buy a nursing bra with a cupped size while pregnant or in the first few weeks, because your breast size can change quite a bit in the early months of pregnancy. When you first start nursing, your breast size will change dramatically, so an incorrect cup size may cause pain as your supply regulates. Look for a seamless bra or lightweight sports nursing bra in the first few weeks, then find your true nursing cup size with a professional fitting after 8 weeks.
