The best nursing bras that are actually comfortable
Some have underwire, but more commonly, they look more like a yoga or sports bra (more on this later!). One for larger busted mamas who prefer a softer structure from your underwear, this simple nursing bra will support you throughout the trimesters. It’s wire-free and designed to be discreet under your clothes, but the full cup will give you extra support as your breasts grow during pregnancy. Easy-release clips provide quick access for nursing once your baby arrives, and best of all it comes in a twin pack, so you get two bras for the price of one. Especially in the early days, breastfeeding moms can benefit from the support of wearing the best nursing bra 24/7. This soft, pull-over style is comfortable enough to wear while you sleep, and it has pull-down nursing access so you don’t have to deal with any clips.
The band is also stretchy and wide to help prevent any discomfort. Later on, it gives you medium support and creates a smooth silhouette thanks to the thin, removable pads—no potentially clogging underwire. Like our main underwire pick, which is also made by Hotmilk, the Show Off is über-adjustable, with six rows of hooks, the maximum number we saw on the bras we considered. “With the extra-long band, I was able to adjust it to get a great fit,” said our 36DD tester. “Love that there are so many hooks so I’ll be able to wear it when I’m pregnant again and need some more room.” In larger sizes, the Show Off has wider straps to add more support.
The soft and stretchy material is able to accommodate your changing bust size from pregnancy through your breastfeeding journey. Between nursing and pumping, our tester used this bra for eight months and raved about the silky, stretchy fabric and incredibly comfortable fit that made her breasts feel secure while keeping mastitis at bay. We rated the overall fit for this bra a 5, because our tester was able to wear it from the day her baby was born to the day she was ready to wean. Through all of the physical post-partum changes, the Do Anything bra was able to keep up. Also keep in mind that as your milk comes in, it can make your breasts larger. And that means you need a bra made from stretchy material that can accommodate those unexpected changes.
When you’re breasts start secreting milk, you need a bra with a big cup size to accommodate your breasts comfortably. Now you can celebrate your fabulous breasts in style and feed your hungry baby too with this gorgeous underwired nursing bra from New Zealand brand Hotmilk. It’s made from soft microfibre fabric to ease sore nipples while the cups are lined with cotton for comfort. And for extra support, the wider straps won’t dig into your shoulders. But best of all it still manages to look stylish whatever your bra size. Natori is a top performer in our non-nursing bra tests thanks to its comfort, fit, support and stay-in-place capabilities.
While you’re not pregnant, breastfeeding means you might find that you sweat more. So, features such as moisture-wicking fabric, breathability, and even the ability to comfortably insert nursing pads can all make a difference in your comfort. This four-pack of stretchy bralettes from Caramel Cantina is a smart and affordable solution that’s available in a wide range of color combinations. And instead of fumbling with clips, you’ll appreciate the easy slip-down, criss-cross cups that are paired with a supportive higher back design. Better still, the simple silhouette looks smooth under clothing with a v-neck shape that works with most necklines. Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting.
However, you definitely should avoid wearing an underwire bra while sleeping. A good nursing bra can not only provide essential support — much like a traditional bra — but can also make it easier to quickly nurse your little one. This is good, because you may find that baby goes from hungry to hangry in an instant.
