
How To Shop For Nursing Bras

If youβre expecting, youβve probably already expanded your wardrobe to accommodate your growing belly. But youβll soon discover that your ever-changing breasts will also need extra attention and support β throughout maternity, while nursing and even after weaning. Especially if you plan on breastfeeding, youβre going to want to purchase a few nursing bras that not only provide easy access for feeding your baby but also suit your lifestyle and fulfill your practical needs. Buying nursing bras online can be tricky, but weβve made it easy for you to get the size, style and fit you need andΒ want.
Not Your Mother’s Nursing Bras
Hereβs the best news for anyone familiar with the nursing bras from previous generations: todayβs selection of maternity and breastfeeding undergarments are not the industrial–strength, utilitarian, stiff (and boring) nursing bras of the past (i.e., they are most definitely not βyour motherβs nursing brasβ!) You can now find simple or fancy everyday nursing bras; adjustable nursing bras for daily wear; comfortable lounging or sleep bras for night nursing; sturdy sports bras for some extra support and compression; and even specially made bras that help make pumping hands-free a bit easier. Other nursing options include bralettes, camis and tank tops. Most brands offer plus sizes, as well. Whichever you choose, remember: the right fit is a must, quality is imperative and comfort is queen. And all that starts with figuring out what youβll need at different phases of your pregnancy and early motherhood to find the best maternity bra for you.Β

Maternity Bras vs. Nursing Bras β Is There a Difference?
Though the terms βnursing brasβ and βmaternity brasβ are often used to mean the same thing, maternity bras are designed to accommodate your expanding body and comfortably support your more sensitive and growing breasts during pregnancy, while nursing or breastfeeding bras are a subcategory of maternity bras specifically designed for easier breastfeeding accessibility.
How do you choose the best nursing bra for your needs?
First, consider the same factors you already take into account when shopping for bras in general. Do you prefer the firmer support of an underwire, or the ease of a wire-free, seamless style? Do you like a pretty lace trim, vivid colors and decorative fabric patterns β or are you more into neutrals?
Some women will find they can use a few of their maternity bras during the nursing phase, depending on several factors. But if youβre going to be out in public, itβs challenging to nurse discreetly unless your bra is specifically designed for it. Consider some of these brands:
- Angelina, Coobie & Dynabelly brands offer seamless, clip-down and pullover styles
- BeliBea provides bras structured for full-cup nursing and hands-free pumping
- Bravado a collection of super-comfy, semi-unstructured bras that take you from pregnancy to nursing
- Motherhood Maternity carries all styles, including sports and bralette nursing bras
- Naturana has semi-structured maternity and nursing bras
- Ruminaβs selection includes seamless nursing and pumping bras
- Wacoal features wire-free and T-shirt style nursing bras
- Third Love blends comfort with functionality
When To Buy Nursing Bras
As you go from stage to stage of your pregnancy, you will experience breast growth from weight fluctuation due to fluid retention, and your rib cage will likely also begin to expand. You may feel increased breast sensitivity as your milk ducts fill up and blood flow increases to the area. You may even contend with some skin discomfort or itchiness from stretching.
Soon after giving birth, you may experience leakage of colostrum (the highly nutritious βpre-milkβ that comes in first, just before your regular milk supply does). And during nursing, itβs common for milk to leak (letβs face it: squirt) unexpectedly. To prepare for all these changes, assess what your needs might be during each phase of your pregnancy:
First trimester
You may need to wear your roomiest bras at this time or purchase a size or two up in anticipation.
Second trimester
Your breasts will begin to grow, but not drastically. This is a good time to purchase maternity bras as needed.
Third trimester
You may go up from one to four sizes by this phase and will need to accommodate more dramatic growth. Support is especially important in the last few months of your pregnancy. You might prefer a more flexible wire support or a wire-free style. And youβll want to purchase nursing bras at this time, if you havenβt already β to be prepared for breastfeeding.
Postpartum (aka the “Fourth trimester”) and nursing
As your milk comes in and ebbs and flows β and your breasts often feel heavier β youβll need to wear your nursing bras almost exclusively. You’ll want a variety of styles on hand and probably a few of each, since youβll be doing a lot of laundry during the first few months postpartum. Seamless, wire-free and T-shirt style nursing bras are especially comforting. You may want to tuck nursing pads inside your bras to catch any leakage or to smooth over your (now more prominent) nipples.
Weaning, post-weaning or if not nursing
Your breasts will slowly reduce in size at this point and may even become smaller than they were pre-pregnancy or change shape. You can wear the bras you wore during your second and first trimester, and even possibly those you owned previously, although you may find some weight gain could affect your band size. You may need to have another fitting to purchase new sizes.
How Nursing Bras Function
Nursing bras are designed to allow you to discreetly feed your baby anywhere, without the need for removing your bra and shirt altogether. They usually feature cups that can be clipped or folded down or pulled to the side for easy, one-handed access. When choosing the best nursing bras for you, youβll want to consider these additional features and factors:Β
- Lift-away layered straps with snap clasps, to allow for convenient nursing
- Panels you can fold down or pull to the side
- Drop-down panels or specifically designated openings for pumping access
- Stretch, to accommodate engorgement
- Fabric smoothness, coolness and breathability
- Lightly lined, softly padded or removeable molded cups, for comfort and to manage leaks (you can also purchase disposable or reusable/washable nursing pads that fit inside most bras)
- Specially designed cups for hands-free βwearableβ pumping
- Adjustable straps, for customizable fit
- Thicker straps, to lessen pressure on your shoulders
- More hook and loop closures, for added support
Types of Nursing Bras

Everyday Nursing Bras
These are the bras you’ll want a few of and probably wear the most. Unlike styles of previous generations, nursing bras now come in a variety of typical bra styles:
- Structured underwire for full support (with metal, flexible plastic or sturdy fabric underwires)
- Wire-free, yet structured, with hook and loop clasps
- T-shirt bras with smooth, often slightly molded and contoured cups for a sleek look under, well, t-shirts
- Seamless or Comfort BraΒ one-piece pullovers β these bras have become popular as they’re quite stretchy, yet offer substantial support and comfort without the need for a wire or closures

Sleep Nursing Bras
Sleep nursing bras (also known as βsurpliceβ bras) are made for easier night nursing, and are usually made of soft, stretchy, breathable blends and are wire-free. Many are made without hook and loop closures.
Sleep bras are highly recommended throughout your pregnancy because besides being comfortable, they can provide much-appreciated additional support throughout the night, whether youβre sleeping or nursing. You may find yourself wearing these even during the day.
Opting for a nursing bra with some stretch is a smart way to ensure that youβre giving yourself support in the short-term, but also planning for the months ahead.
Sleep nursing bras are typically sized S-4X and are made with fabric that has Spandex in it, providing room to stretch and grow, as your size fluctuates. They can also help keep nursing pads in place while you sleep, so you donβt leak onto your bedsheets.

“Sexy” Maternity Bras
You might find that a flattering, alluring bra or two will mean you donβt have to give up your style and personality after pregnancy β and may even help spark your libido.

Nursing Sports Bras
There are sports bras available that are designed for both nursing and exercise (since plenty of moms stay quite active during and after pregnancy). These of course offer extra support, but also lend some compression which can be welcome, especially during weaning. Some styles incorporate Velcro cup closures and also accommodate hands-free pumping equipment.

Hands-Free Pumping Bras
Designed for women to multitask while pumping, these bras have super stretchy cups with openings to accommodate and hold pumping parts in place so you can pump while checking email, folding laundry and more. Some double as nursing bras with cup panels that clip down, but most are made for the specific task of pumping quickly and efficiently.
Strapless Nursing Bras
Strapless nursing bras are available to accommodate strapless clothing styles, or for those who find them to be more comfortable. They may not provide as much support but can still hold nursing pads to prevent leakage and provide coverage.Best Materials for Nursing Bras
Ideally, youβll want to look for breathable fabric blends that offer some stretch, because your breasts may fluctuate up to four cup sizes (!) and grow even larger postpartum, especially if you have an oversupply of milk or become engorged during nursing. Or, you might prefer more sturdy materials for extra support. You may notice changes from day to day. Which would feel best to you?
- Bamboo (rayon or viscose)
- Cotton
- Elastane (lightweight/stretchable)
- Lycra
- Nylon
- Polyester
- Spandex
- Tencel (from eucalyptus!)
Getting the Right Fit
Wearing a well-fitting nursing bra is important for comfort, posture and to prevent back and neck strains. You donβt always need a professional to help you discover your true bra size or to achieve the right fit, but if you can set up a fitting, we highly recommend it. You can usually get one for free at your local lingerie shop or department store β and it can be life-changing to learn what your actual bra size is!
But, if youβre like the majority of busy women, youβre probably shopping online for nursing bras, so weβre here to help you understand how your needs may change before, during and after pregnancy. Refer to this step-by-step guide to learn how to measure yourself properly for nursing bras and use the size chart as a shopping guide.
Nursing Bra Sizing Chart and Guide
Nursing bras are available in the same sizes as regular bras and seamless versions are available in sizes XS to 4XL. Be sure to check each manufacturerβs size guide to find your best match.
Your rib cage β and therefore your bra band size β may expand during pregnancy, and your body shape, including your breasts, may shift, thanks to hormones, weight changes and active mammary glands. To learn what size youβll need for nursing bras, measure yourself during your last few weeks of pregnancy, following these steps:
Step 1. Find Your Bra Band Size
Using a fabric measuring tape, measure your ribcage, right below the breasts.
- Round up to the nearest whole number (e.g., 35.5″ = 36″)
- Then check the chart below for your band size (e.g., a ribcage of 36″ = band size 38)
- Note: The rib cage measurements donβt exactly correlate to the band sizes, as you can see.
Rib Cage | Band Size |
26-27″ | 30 |
28-29″ | 32 |
30-31″ | 34 |
32-33″ | 36 |
34-37″ | 38 |
38-41″ | 40 |
42-43″ | 42 |
44-45″ | 44 |
46-47″ | 46 |
48-49″ | 48 |
Step 2.Β Measure for Cup Size
Using the measuring tape, measure around the fullest part of your breasts. Round up to the nearest whole number (e.g., 41.5″ = 42″).
Step 3. Determine Your Cup Size
Cup size is determined by subtracting your band size from your bust measurement (e.g., 42″-38β = 4″; 4 = D). Every inch difference equals one cup size:
Cup Minus Band Difference | Cup Size |
0″ | A |
1″ | AA |
2″ | B |
3″ | C |
4″ | D |
5″ | DD, E |
6″ | DDD, F |
7″ | DDDD, G |
8″ | H |
9″ | I |
10″ | J |
11″ | K |
Step 4. Determine Your Bra Size
Your bra size is your band and cup size together. Per the examples given above, that would be a 38D.
Seamless/Pullover Bra Sizing Chart
Bra Size | Shirt Size | Bust |
XS | 00-2 | 30-32 |
S | 4-6 | 32-34 |
M | 8-10 | 35-37 |
L | 12-14 | 37-39 |
XL | 14-16 | 40-42 |
XXL | 18-20 | 43-46 |
1X | 14W-16W | 45-49 |
2X | 18W-20W | 47-50 |
3X | 22W-24W | 51-53 |
4X | 26W-28W | 53-55 |
Note that bra sizes do vary by manufacturer so when in doubt, use their specific measuring and sizing guidelines.
General Nursing Bra Fit Tips
Once your bras arrive, check to make sure they fit using these tips:
- A larger band width might require a smaller cup
- Your breasts should be fully supported inside the bra and should not be spilling out the top or sides
- There should not be too much excess room in the cups (but some is ok)
- The bra band should fit snugly and firmly
- Both straps should feel secure and not indent or dig into your shoulders
- Practice releasing the front panels or moving material out of the way for nursing, to see which styles work best for you
How Many Nursing Bras Will You Need? Β
For everyday bras, it’s best to have a few bras available, since you will likely leak and your baby may even spit up on them. At minimum, youβll want three for daytime and three for nighttime.
- One to wear
- One in the wash
- One in the drawer
Even if you have two in the wash, youβll still have one available. Β
You’ll probably also want a few sleep bras for the same reasons.
For sports bras, we recommend at least two, or more if you’re especially active.
How To Wash Nursing Bras
Itβs important to be hygienic when nursing, besides keeping your baby healthy, you donβt want to get an infection, become engorged or suffer from clogged milk ducts (a painful condition called mastitis). And while itβs convenient to machine wash and dry undergarments, to preserve them itβs best to handwash and line- or drip-dry (air dry). Check the labels before you make a final purchase. At the very least, use a zipped mesh laundry bag when washing your maternity or nursing bras, and donβt use harsh detergents that could irritate your or your babyβs skin or dry the bras at too high a heat or for too long (as doing so will wear garments out faster).
Nursing Camis and Tanks
Nursing camis (camisoles) and tank tops offer a more relaxed, casual option to wear for effortless feeding times. They are usually longer that typical camis and some have side ruching, to expand over your bump. Some have more enhanced support for larger breasts with a built-in bra, while others are designed exclusively for ease of access.
Most use an easy-to-fasten clip or hook and extra strap or a snap and closure feature to let a panel down, while others are stretchy and easy to maneuver for access. Most have adjustable straps, so you can wear them at all stages. There are even pumping camis, with openings so you can pump without having to remove your top.
Enjoy trimester-spanning comfort with these bump-friendly tanks featuring soft stretch-enhanced cotton for nursing convenience. Camis and tank tops work well as layering base pieces any time of year. You will probably want four or five on hand. Some brands to look for include:
- LuvmabellyΒ
- Myra EuropeΒ
- Nanette LeporeΒ
- Pip & VineΒ
- Planet MotherhoodΒ
- Times 2

A nursing wrap keeps baby warm and helps maintain privacy in public

A lightweight pullover hoodie features zip openings with convenient access for nursing
βOther Maternity and Nursing Accessories To Consider
While supporting your breasts throughout pregnancy and postpartum is vital, you may also want to consider getting other undergarments and helpful accessories to accommodate the changes your body goes through (and the challenges of nursing), such as:
- Bra extenders to allow for breast fluctuation and/or weight gain
- Absorbent nursing pads disposable or reusable, for random milk leaks (these can also offer camouflage for protruding nipplesΒ
- Nursing cover-ups or wraps for breastfeeding privately when out in public or shielding your baby β and yourself β from cold weather, bright sunlight or harsh lightingΒ
- Multifunction nursing scarves that double as coversΒ
- Nipple balm to ease chafing and irritation (youβll know when you need it!)Β
- Nipple guards for smoother latching and to relieve painΒ
- Clip-on nursing side reminders or wrist bands to help remember which breast to offer at the next feedingΒ
- A watch or your cellphone to track timeΒ
- Roomier underwear (thatβs life, mama!)Β
- Maternity belts/postpartum belly support bands (elastic and/or wrap-around) for abdominal and back supportΒ
- T-shirt/pant extenders designed to extend the look of a T-shirt to cover bellies and maternity pantsΒ
- Shapewear in a variety of sizes to lend support throughout your motherhood journeyΒ
- Comfy sleepwear in fabrics that help regulate your body temperatureΒ
- Cold packs for body aches and pain relief or for reducing milk flow if not nursing or during weaningΒ
- Scrunchies w/zippers to conveniently hold tissues, balm, and other items you might need at handΒ
- Ergonomic pillows to support your baby while nursing
- Footstools to help you relieve stress on your legs and backΒ
- Reachers to help grab out-of-reach items while youβre stuck in one position during nursingΒ
- Baskets or fanny packs to hold helpful items you use during nursingΒ
- Mesh bags and gentle laundry detergent, for machine or hand-washingΒ
- A sense of humor and a willingness to ask for helpΒ
Motherhood is a journey, especially when you are also preparing for breastfeeding. But if youβre ready and armed with the tools and tips you need for success youβll have more confidence and feel more relaxed so you can enjoy the special bonding time with your baby.