What size nursing bra should I buy?

Because your breasts can change during pregnancy and directly after birth, Murray recommends playing the waiting game. "Since your breasts will most likely change in size at the end of your pregnancy and then again during the first week postpartum, you may not want to invest in more than one or two bras until after your baby arrives." This will help give you an idea as to what size your breasts will be.

Do I need a nursing bra?

While you don’t absolutely need a nursing bra, it’s very convenient to have when it comes to breastfeeding. “If you have smaller breasts, you may feel fine without a bra. A regular bra or a sports bra can be used as well,” Murray says. “However, if you have a larger bust or your breasts are very full and heavy, a supportive nursing bra may help you to feel more comfortable.”

The 10 Best Nursing Bras of 2022

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A nursing bra is a supportive undergarment designed for breastfeeding women. It has cups with flaps or panels that can be easily opened to provide access to your breasts without having to remove your entire bra. It's a convenient breastfeeding accessory.

Nursing bras come in various styles like regular bras with underwires, sports bras, bandeaus, nursing tank tops, and more. To help you find the nursing bra that best fits your lifestyle, we rounded up the best options loved by moms.

Here, the best nursing bras for all your needs.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Hatch The Everyday Nursing Bra at Hatchcollection.com

A functional design made of feel-good fabric, the supportive structure accommodates changing breast sizes.

Best Padded:

HOFISH Nursing Maternity Bras at Amazon

Each bra has seamless, removable molded cups and an easy-to-access drop-cup function.

Best Sports Bra:

Kindred Bravely Sublime Sports Bra at Amazon

The racerback style slips overhead and has a flattering scoop neck.

Best for Small Busts:

Storq Everyday Bra at Storq.com

Made of a modal spandex jersey, this supersoft bra is the ultimate comfy undergarment.

Best for Large Busts:

Anita Stretch Microfiber Nursing Bra at Barenecessities.com

Lightweight and unlined, this smooths and shapes your bust without any additional padding.

Best Pumping Bra:

Simple Wishes Hands Free Breast Pumping Bra at Amazon

It has a layered support system that securely and comfortably holds the pump’s breast shields and flanges in place.

Best Nursing Tank:

Motherhood Maternity Clip Down Nursing Tank Top at Amazon

A built-in shelf bra helps provide support, and the long-line tank top covers your belly.

Best Sexy:

LE MYSTÈRE Sexy Mama Underwire Nursing Bra at Nordstrom

Here's a romantic lacy nursing bra that provides all the support and easy access you need.

Best Strapless:

Mothers en Vogue Seamless Strapless Nursing Bra at Figure8outlet.com

The strapless, bandeau-style bra is sturdy, snug, and comfortable.

Best Sleep Bra:

A Pea in the Pod Mesh Trim Wrap Bra at Buybuy BABY

With its pull-over style and lack of clasps, wires, and clips, you can feel comfortable throughout the night.

Pros

Excellent support
Customizable
Comes in various sizes and colors
Wireless

Cons

Pricier than other options

Just as the name implies, new moms will love to wear this comfy bra every day. A functional design made of feel-good fabric, the supportive structure accommodates changing breast sizes. The bra is wireless, so it’s comfy for all-day (or night) wear.

One-handed clasps make it easy to access your breasts even while holding a hungry baby, the J-hook at the back allows the straps to easily transition to racerback style, and adjustable straps and four back settings help get a perfect fit. Choose from four sizes and five color options.

Size Range: Small to X-Large | Material: Pima cotton and spandex

HOFISH 3PACK Full Bust Seamless Nursing Maternity Bras

Pros

Removable cups
Comes in a pack of three
Customizable
Affordable

Cons

Sizes run small

Nursing moms that prefer some smooth padding will love this three-pack of nursing bras. Each bra has seamless molded cups (that are removable).

When it’s time to feed, the drop-cup function is easy to access and doesn’t move the padding around. Each pack comes with three bras, three bra extenders, and three strap clips to make a racerback style and ensure a custom and comfortable fit.

Size Range: Small to XX-Large | Material: Nylon and spandex

Kindred Bravely Sublime Support Low Impact Nursing & Maternity Sports Bra

Pros

One-handed nursing clips
Comes in various sizes and colors
Machine-washable

Cons

Not as supportive as other options

Don’t let your nursing life impact your activity. The racerback style slips overhead and has a flattering scoop neck. A contoured center ribbing eliminates uni-boob while the ribbed underbust elastic band holds everything in place.

One-handed nursing clips make it easy to get to the goods. This sports bra is best for low-impact activities, so if you want or need more support, choose a more supportive style.

Size Range: Small to XXX-Large | Material: Nylon, polyester, and spandex

Pros

Wireless
Comes in various sizes and colors
Machine-washable

Cons

Less coverage than other options

Made of a modal spandex jersey, this supersoft bra is the ultimate comfy undergarment. Best for smaller-sized busts or women looking for less support, the bra doesn’t have any clips or wires.

Simply pull the bra aside to easily access the breast. Some women may prefer this style while others may like the coverage that a clip-down nursing bra provides. Choose between five sizes and five colors to get your best fit.

Size Range: 1 to 5 | Material: Modal and spandex

Pros

Excellent support
Lightweight
Comes in various sizes and colors

Cons

Pricier than other options

Whether you’re always a larger busted woman or have just become one post-pregnancy, a supportive bra is key. This lightweight and unlined nursing bra smooths and shapes your bust without any additional padding.

Simple snap-down nursing clips are easy to access, and the adjustable straps and hook and eye closure help get a perfect fit. Since Anita uses European sizing, the sizing chart is quite helpful, and inclusive sizes go from a C to an I cup.

Size Range: 32C to 44I | Material: Nylon and elastane

Simple Wishes Hands Free Breast Pumping Bra

Pros

Accommodates all major pump brands
Excellent support
Adjustable

Cons

Sizes run small

Customizable and convenient, a pumping bra allows new moms the freedom to work, relax, or multitask while pumping. Made to accommodate all major pump brands, the bra has an adjustable velcro back panel, a zip-in center panel, and a layered support system that securely and comfortably holds the pump’s breast shields and flanges in place.

Reviewers praise the combination of soft fabric that’s also super supportive. The adjustability is truly appreciated, and this hands-free option is well-suited for most women, even those with bigger breasts.

Size Range: X-Small to X-Large | Material: Not Listed

Motherhood Maternity Women's Clip Down Nursing Tank Top

Pros

Excellent support
Affordable
Comes in various sizes and colors

Cons

Sizes run large

A nursing tank is a versatile option that can be worn alone, under layers, and without an additional bra. Made with a simple clip-down mechanism, the strap stays in place while your breasts are easily accessed.

A nursing bra isn’t necessary with the tank top since a built-in shelf bra helps provide support, and the long-line tank top covers your belly. Super soft and affordably priced, stock up on these since they come in different patterns and five sizes.

Size Range: X-Small to XXX-Large | Material: Cotton and spandex

Pros

Excellent support
One-handed nursing clips

Cons

Not as soft as other options

Bring sexy back with a romantic lacy nursing bra that provides all the support and easy access you need and all the romantic vibes you want. Crafted with full-coverage underwire support, the lace is beautiful.

Some reviewers note it’s not as soft as some other options, especially at the spots where the lace touches your skin. Only available in black, this may not be an everyday bra but is a nice option to have.

Size Range: 32C to 38G | Material: Nylon and spandex

Mothers en Vogue Seamless Strapless Nursing Bra

Pros

Durable
Excellent support
Double-lined

Cons

Air dry only

Thanks to this bra, there’s no reason nursing moms can’t wear strapless tops. The strapless, bandeau-style bra is sturdy, snug, and comfortable. Simply slip over your head, and the reinforced under-bust band offers strong support and a secure fit.

The front half of the bra is double-lined, so there is a layer of fabric with nursing openings. Easy access provides discreet coverage, while the generously sized bandeau provides plenty of coverage for any breast size fluctuation that is likely to occur.

Size Range: Small to Large | Material: Nylon and spandex

Pros

Wireless
Excellent support
Comes in various sizes and colors

Cons

Sizes run small

Made with super soft fabric, a lightly supportive sleep bra is helpful for overnight coverage. Don’t be surprised when sleep bras become your everyday bras! The pull-over style can be worn alone or under pajamas, and the lack of clasps, wires, and clips, make it super easy to access the goods in the middle of the night.

Subtle mesh detailing provides a bit of support with some added interest. Choose from four sizes and three colors and stock up; you’ll want more than one of these!

Size Range: Small to X-Large | Material: Modal and spandex

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Hatch Collection The Everyday Nursing Bra (view at Hatch Collection). It's comfortable, wireless, and provides excellent support for changing breast sizes. It comes in various sizes, colors, and can be customized into various styles. As a plus, it's also great to wear at night.

What to Look for in Nursing Bras

Fit

Donna Murray, RN, BSN, recommends finding a nursing bra that fits you properly if you decide to wear one. It should be “supportive but not tight,” meaning if it leaves behind any indentations or marks on your skin, it’s not the right one for you.

“If your bra is too tight, it could cause plugged milk ducts, mastitis, or a decrease in your milk supply,” Murray explains. Lactation centers, maternity shops, and lingerie stores may have someone who can assist you in finding your right bra size.

Material

Check the material of the bra and try to choose one that is made with natural materials, like cotton. “Natural materials are absorbent and allow air to flow to your breasts. Synthetic materials can irritate your breasts and trap moisture,” Murray explains.

Design

Instead of an underwire bra, a soft cup bra will feel more comfortable. Murray says the wire in an underwire bra can lead to problems, like mastitis, due to “pressure on the tissue at the base of your breast.” Additionally, purchase a bra you can easily open with one hand so that you can still open the bra while holding your baby.

Buying Extra

Having at least two nursing bras will be helpful during your breastfeeding journey so you have an extra to wear while the other is washing. “Nursing bras can become soiled easily from leaking breast milk, sweating, or your baby's spit-up and drool,” Murray shares.

“Change your bra whenever it becomes dirty or wet since moisture laying on your breasts for an extended amount of time can provide an optimal environment for the growth of bacteria or fungus. To avoid skin irritation, sore nipples, mastitis, or thrush, wear a clean, dry bra. Nursing pads or breast shells worn inside your bra can also help to keep your bra clean and dry.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What size nursing bra should I buy?

Because your breasts can change during pregnancy and directly after birth, Murray recommends playing the waiting game. "Since your breasts will most likely change in size at the end of your pregnancy and then again during the first week postpartum, you may not want to invest in more than one or two bras until after your baby arrives." This will help give you an idea as to what size your breasts will be.
Do I need a nursing bra?

While you don’t absolutely need a nursing bra, it’s very convenient to have when it comes to breastfeeding. “If you have smaller breasts, you may feel fine without a bra. A regular bra or a sports bra can be used as well,” Murray says. “However, if you have a larger bust or your breasts are very full and heavy, a supportive nursing bra may help you to feel more comfortable.”

Why Trust Verywell Family?

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, a 7-year-old son, and a 3-year-old daughter.

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