There is a large variety of maternity bras available and making the right choice for you can be hard and intimidating. The choices cover a range of specifications and factors and getting lost in detail is a real struggle. In this article, we will discuss the different aspects of what makes a good maternity bra and how to choose one that will work best for you. We will also give the shopping links for the best maternity bras available online.
In this article:
What are Maternity Bras and Nursing Bras?
Selecting Proper Nursing Bras
10 Best Nursing Bras for you
A Guide for Buying Best Nursing Bras
What are Maternity Bras and Nursing Bras?
You will notice that around the 16th week of your pregnancy, your breasts will start enlarging due to hormonal changes within your body. Your old bra during pregnancy will no longer be able to support your growing breasts, and you’ll need a more specialized solution. This is where maternity bras step in.
Maternity bras are like regular bras but are designed to make your breasts, and you feel more comfortable as they change during the pregnancy. They are meant to be comfortable and are also supposed to accommodate your growing breasts. They come with wider straps, soft inner lining, and wider clasps, all to add to your comfort. While you might be tempted just to buy your old bra in a larger size, maternity bras are specifically designed for the pregnant woman’s breasts and their needs.
A nursing bra is very similar to maternity bras except they are meant to be used by mothers who choose to breastfeed their baby. The nursing bra comes with panels or clasps that can be undone to access the nipples for breastfeeding. These bras also have different cup support as they have to be able to lift breasts that are milk laden.
Selecting Proper Nursing Bras
A good maternity bra should be adjustable both at the cup level and at the band. Getting an excellent fitting maternity bra can prevent issues with such as stretch marks and pain. Here are a few tips when you are selecting a maternity bra.
- Try the bra on at the store. Check if it fully supports your breasts. It should have wide bands and must allow for minimal bounce.
- Check if the bra you are considering provides full Check the material of the bra as the breasts will be more sensitive during pregnancy.
- The back strap of the bra should be broad and sturdy with a minimum of four hooks. Try it when it’s at the loosest fit.
10 Best Nursing Bras for you
Pip & Vine by Rosie Pope Wire Free Lace Nursing Bra
This looks a lot like your average T-shirt bra, but with the added benefit of front clasps and quick-dry, turn-down cups. It is also lightly padded and wire-free for extra comfort.
Buy it: $42, Kohls.com
Cake Cotton Candy Seamless Nursing Bra
This bra is extremely soft and has a scoop neckline, making it comfy for day and night. It’s available in four colors, and its XL size can accommodate up to a 42E. This is good news for those looking for plus size nursing bras.
Buy it: $53, Nordstrom.com
Bravado Designs Body Silk Seamless Yoga Maternity/Nursing Bra
This is wire-free and has wide straps and a generous under-bust band. The plus size nursing bras can accommodate up to a 44DDD cup size. Whether you’re easing back into exercise with gentle yoga or jumping right into your pre-pregnancy running routine, this nursing bra provides support that feels just right.
Buy it: $49, Nordstrom.com
Belabumbum Mesh Nursing Sports Bra
This one features breathable mesh cups and wide straps. This stretchy nursing bra will adjust to your blossoming figure while pregnant, and its wicking material will keep you cool during workouts. The J-hooks, which can be easily unlatched for nursing, can also be looped together for a racer back.
Buy it: $50, Amazon.com
H&M Mama 2-Pack Nursing Bras
These bras are supremely comfortable, thanks to jersey-lined cups with room for nursing pads. The wider straps on this nursing bra also offers support and lift.
Buy it: $35, HM.com
Loving Moments by Leading Lady Full Coverage Seamless Underwire T-Shirt Nursing Bra
This is a taupe T-shirt bra with underwire—so you get a little boost along with the soft cups. The plus size nursing bras are available up to size 44DD.
Buy it: $15, Walmart.com
Le Mystere Sexy Mama Underwire Nursing Bra
Available in black and ivory, and in sizes 32D to 38G, this stunner among our best nursing bra picks is practical too, thanks to easily unfastened clips.
Buy it: $66, Nordstrom.com
Goddess Keira Wire-Free Nursing Bra
This is available in cup sizes DD through N and band sizes 36 through 46, is a great sexy plus size nursing bra thanks to its super-silky fabric. The wide under band and adjustable straps make it comfortable too.
Buy it: $48, BareNecessities.com
Gratlin Women’s Comfort Support Maternity Wirefree Seamless Nursing Bra
This is great for women who hate underwire but still need plenty of support. The side panels, large cups and tightly knitted under band hold everything in without digging into skin.
Buy it: $18, Amazon.com
Medela Women’s Slimming Nursing Cami with Removable Pads
In this bra, the nursing tank offers full coverage and then some, plus easy-to-detach straps and a shirt-length cut give you extra coverage while nursing. Wear this alone or under another blouse or sweater.
Buy it: $26, Target.com
