Babies Breastfeeding For Mom The Best Nursing Bras for Comfort and Convenience Breastfeed in style with the Hatch The Everyday Nursing Bra By Maya Polton Maya Polton LinkedIn Maya has more than 15 years of experience in digital media and communications and specializes in writing about family, food, and lifestyles. Learn about our editorial process Updated on September 20, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Family articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and family healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Rebecca Agi, MS, IBCLC Medically reviewed by Rebecca Agi, MS, IBCLC Rebecca Agi, MS, IBCLC is a board-certified lactation consultant and founder of Best Milk LA, a lactation consulting service. She is a nationally recognized lactation expert, who's been featured in several media outlets. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. A nursing bra is a convenient and supportive undergarment designed for people who are breastfeeding. 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. The best nursing bras are properly fitted and made of breathable material. Reviewed & Approved Hatch The Everyday Nursing Bra is our top pick because it's comfortable, breathable, and wireless. If you're looking for a padded option, try the HOFISH 3PACK Full Bust Seamless Nursing Maternity Bras. Nursing bras come in various styles like regular bras with underwires, sports bras, bandeaus, nursing tank tops, and more. Which style you choose largely depends on personal preference, but a no-wire design is ideal. According to Donna Murray, RN, BSN, underwires can lead to problems, like mastitis, due to “pressure on the tissue at the base of your breast.” It's also helpful to look for sales or saving bundles brands may offer since you will need to have backups on hand. We researched various options with these features in mind. Here are the best nursing bras for all your needs. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Hatch The Everyday Nursing Bra at Hatchcollection.com Best Padded: HOFISH Nursing Maternity Bras at Amazon Best Sports Bra: Kindred Bravely Sublime Sports Bra at Amazon Best for Small Busts: Storq Everyday Bra at Storq.com Best for Large Busts: Anita Stretch Microfiber Nursing Bra at Barenecessities.com Best Pumping Bra: Simple Wishes Hands Free Breast Pumping Bra at Amazon Best Nursing Tank: Motherhood Maternity Clip Down Nursing Tank Top at Amazon Best Sexy: LE MYSTÈRE Sexy Mama Underwire Nursing Bra at Nordstrom Best Strapless: Mothers en Vogue Seamless Strapless Nursing Bra at Figure8outlet.com Best Sleep Bra: A Pea in the Pod Mesh Trim Wrap Bra at Buybuy BABY In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For Why Trust Verywell Family Best Overall: Hatch The Everyday Nursing Bra 4.8 Courtesy of Hatch View On Hatchcollection.com View On Jcrew.com Pros Excellent support Customizable Comes in various sizes and colors Wireless Cons Pricier than other options This bra is our top pick because it checks all of our requirements for a great nursing bra. Just as the name implies, new moms will love to wear this comfy bra every day. Made of Pima cotton and spandex, it's breathable and has a functional design. The supportive structure accommodates changing breast sizes, and it 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, and the J-hook at the back allows the straps to easily transition to racerback style. There are also adjustable straps and four back settings to help get a perfect fit. The bra is available in four sizes and several colors and patterned options. To clean it, simply wash it in the washer on a cold cycle. As a bonus, the brand also offers up to $20 in savings when you buy two, making it easy to stock up on extras. Size Range: Small to X-Large | Material: Pima cotton and spandex Best Padded: HOFISH 3PACK Full Bust Seamless Nursing Maternity Bras Amazon View On Amazon 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 Best Sports Bra: Kindred Bravely Sublime Support Low Impact Nursing & Maternity Sports Bra Nordstrom View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Kindredbravely.com 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 Best for Small Busts: Storq Everyday Bra Courtesy of Storq View On Storq.com 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 The 9 Best Products for Breastfeeding Parentss Who Pump Best for Large Busts: Anita Stretch Microfiber Nursing Bra Courtesy of Bare Necessities View On Barenecessities.com 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 Best Pumping Bra: Simple Wishes Hands Free Breast Pumping Bra 4.5 Courtesy of Simple Wishes View On Amazon View On Bed Bath & Beyond 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 The 8 Best Pumping Bras of 2022 for Hands-Free Nurses Best Nursing Tank: Motherhood Maternity Women's Clip Down Nursing Tank Top Amazon View On Amazon View On Buybuy BABY View On Motherhood.com 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. The 9 Best Nursing Tanks of 2022 for Ease and Comfort Size Range: X-Small to XXX-Large | Material: Cotton and spandex Best Sexy: LE MYSTÈRE Sexy Mama Underwire Nursing Bra Courtesy of Nordstrom View On Nordstrom View On Walmart View On QVC 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 Best Strapless: Mothers en Vogue Seamless Strapless Nursing Bra with Removable Pads Courtesy of Figure 8 Outlet View On Figure8outlet.com 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 Best Sleep Bra: A Pea in the Pod Mesh Trim Wrap Maternity and Nursing Bra Courtesy of Motherhood View On Buybuy BABY View On Apeainthepod.com View On Motherhood.com 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Track your baby’s most exciting moments with our milestone checklist. Get it free when you sign up for our newsletter. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit