Can I use a pumping bra as a nursing bra?

“A pumping bra should really only be used if it’s also a nursing bra,” Blankenship told Verywell Family. “Pumping bras typically cover most of the areola which will inhibit a proper latch. When nursing, you want most, if not all, of the breast exposed and nothing putting pressure or pinching the breast. Tight items on the breast during feeding can lead to clogged ducts and infections.” Several all-in-one bras work for both pumping and nursing, and many allow you to do them both simultaneously, such as the Bodily Do Anything Bra and The Dairy Fairy Ruby Nursing and Pumping Bra .

Are pumping bra sizes the same as traditional bras?

For the most part, pumping bras have basic sizing—small, medium, large, etc.—unlike a regular bra that typically has a band size and a cup size. To find the pumping bra size that will work best for you, you will need to know your standard bra size for reference. Still, since breast size can change dramatically during the postpartum period (and on a given day of breastfeeding), a single pumping bra size will usually accommodate a range of standard sizes. “Every company has different ways of sizing. It’s best to look at the manufacturer’s sizing chart,” said Blankenship.

Do you wear a pumping bra all day?

Blankenship says while it’s possible to wear a pumping bra all day, it’s not necessary. Consider a few things beforehand, such as your comfort and the bra’s fit. “If it’s more comfortable for you to wear a bra, do it. If it’s more comfortable not to, do that,” she said. “Use pads in your bra and change them often. Moist nipples can breed fungi. If they’re feeling raw, sore, or itchy, letting them air out without a bra or shirt can sometimes help.” You’ll also want to ensure your bra and clothes are snug but not tight. “Tight clothing on your breasts is not great when lactating. It can cause all kinds of problems like oversupply, clogged ducts , swelling, pain, etc. You want supportive but not constricting,” said Blankenship. “Wires are not great for this reason. Breast tissue can extend down into your ribs and armpits in some people.”

What can I expect to pay for a pumping bra?

Like regular bras, pumping bras are available at various price points. On our list, you’ll find pumping bras ranging from $19 to $78. Some have features such as clips and multiple layers that allow you to pump and nurse in them. Let your needs and your family’s budget help determine which functions are worth a higher cost.

The 11 Best Pumping Bras We Tested

Best Pumping Bras of 2023 — Verywell Family / Brian Kopinski

Pumping bras can help you make the most of your time as you feed your baby, freeing up your hands for other tasks as they hold up the pump parts and bottles. The best bras are easy to use, provide excellent support and comfort, and feature universal pump compatibility. To find the best pumping bras, the Verywell Testing Lab asked two veteran nursing and pumping moms to put 13 bras through multiple tests, like wearing them for long periods of time (even to sleep!) and using them with different breast pumps, to evaluate their fit, comfort, support, accessibility, and material.

“In a pumping bra, look for comfort, support without compression, washability, and, if you’re nursing as well as pumping, versatility. That way, it’ll work with you as you go through your day,” explained Ashley Blankenship, breastfeeding counselor, founder of Supported Season, and creator of Bump Up Birth Method. “It doesn’t hurt if you think it’s cute and feel good in it, too!”

There is a variety of styles of pumping bras available now; some feature slits for the pump flange, while others have pull-down flaps for pumping access. Other important features to remember are durability, ease of cleaning, fabric feel, types of closures (Velcro, hook and loop, zipper), and the option to double as a nursing bra. We considered these criteria when testing pumping bras in the real world before narrowing down our list to the winners below.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Ingrid & Isabel Maternity Bra at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Comfort:

Bodily The Do Anything Bra at Itsbodily.com

Jump to Review

Best for Large Breasts:

Kindred Bravely Sublime Hands Free Pumping Bra at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Strapless:

Simple Wishes Hands Free Breast Pumping Bra at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Wearing Under Clothing:

Auden Women's All-in-One Nursing and Pumping Bra at Target

Jump to Review

Best Pretty Design:

Ingrid & Isabel The Dairy Fairy Ruby Nursing and Pumping Bra at Ingridandisabel.com

Jump to Review

Best Colors:

Pump Strap Handsfree Strapless Pumping Bra at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Sexy:

The Dairy Fairy Handsfree Pumping and Nursing Bra at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Medela Easy Expression Bustier at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Sleeping:

HATCH The Essential Pumping Bra at Hatchcollection.com

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Tested
We Also Tested
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.9

Amazon

Our Ratings

Support

5/5
Fit

5/5
Comfort

5/5
Access

4/5
Material

5/5

Pros

Optional padding
Very comfortable
Looks good under clothes

Cons

Access issues with large breast pump flanges

The Isabel Maternity 2-in-1 Nursing and Pumping Bra was comfortable, supportive, and fit like a glove without digging into the skin, which is why it earned our top spot. The nylon and spandex material provided a soft, comfortable experience for our tester, even when she slept in it. She also appreciated the optional padding that caught any leaks. She enjoyed the simplicity of the bra’s design. “It made me feel like I was wearing a normal bra,” said our tester, adding the bra also looked good under clothes.

"This is a great bra if you are nursing and pumping,” she said. “I wish I had gotten this earlier."

The nursing and pumping bra hit a snag in the access category, scoring 4 out of 5 stars. While the bra features an easy-to-release drop-cup design for nursing or pumping, our tester experienced access issues using the Spectra S2 Plus Breast Pump with large flanges. Otherwise, our tester reported no problems with the hook-and-eye closure. The machine washable bra earned a perfect score for support, with our tester praising how easy the bra was to adjust and the padding that provided extra support.

Price at time of publication: $23

^{Key Specs:
Size range: Small to X-Large | Pump compatibility: Universal | Material: Nylon and spandex}

4.9

Courtesy of Bodily

Our Ratings

Support

5/5
Fit

5/5
Comfort

5/5
Access

5/5
Material

4.5/5

Pros

Silky, soft material
Supportive
Easy-to-clasp/unclasp clips

Cons

Material doesn’t absorb milk (but dries quickly)

The Bodily Do Anything Bra lived up to its name during testing. The nursing and pumping bra allows for hands-free pumping with major breast pump brands, like Spectra, Motif Medical, Ameda, and most Medela flanges. The bra features easy-to-clasp (and unclasp) clips, providing easy pumping access (5 out of 5 stars).

The bra’s comfortable material and true-to-size fit earned it another 5 out of 5 stars. Its polyamide and elastane material feel silky and stretchy without sacrificing a comfortable fit.

“I didn't need to size up when buying for my newly postpartum body, and the hook-and-eye closures allow the bra to fit my shape the more my body gets back to some semblance of its pre-pregnant self,” said our tester. “The silky material is comfortable, stretchy, and even feels a little luxurious. It feels like it would be almost impossible to get a clogged duct or mastitis wearing this bra (something I've gotten in the past from other bras)”

While the material felt great against her skin, our tester reported that it didn’t absorb any leaking milk and allowed nursing pads to show through—though it did dry incredibly quickly when she skipped the pads (4.5 out of 5 stars for material).

The straps are adjustable from the front, allowing you to adjust them as your breasts change subtly throughout the day (and you can even change them to a racerback style for additional support). Our tester felt like this extra support helped ease tension on her back and shoulders, even when pumping. It became her “go-to pumping bra” after months of testing.

Price at time of publication: $58

^{Key Specs:
Size range: Small to 3X | Pump compatibility: Most major pump brands (Spectra, Motif Medical, Medela, and Ameda) | Material: Polyamide and elastane}

4.3

Amazon

Our Ratings

Support

5/5
Fit

4/5
Comfort

4/5
Access

3/5
Material

5/5

Pros

Supportive and stays in place
Removable padding
Non-irritating, thick material

Cons

Dual-clip design inconvenient
Hand-wash only

During testing the most standout feature of the Kindred Bravely Sublime pumping bra was its support. The bra felt as supportive as a sports bra to her tester, leaving zero strain on her back and shoulders and making her feel rather confident as she walked around in it. That support, plus a range of sizing that goes up to 3x Busty (or 48H in traditional bra sizing), has us naming this the best pumping bra for large breasts, too.

The Sublime has a dual-clip design for nursing and pumping, with a top layer that includes removable padding that provides extra support and smoothing to wear under thinner tops. The down side to this is that the double clips can be annoying to put back in the right place after use.

“The material is very sturdy, and I find I have to pull both layers down toward my navel in order for my son to have access for breastfeeding. If I don’t, the material can get in his way,” said our tester regarding the bra’s access. In addition to being sturdy, the materials (nylon and spandex) were of great quality, non-irritating, and incredibly comfortable, earning 5 out of 5 stars. One flaw with the material is that the bra is not machine washable, and the company recommends hand washing with gentle soap.

While the bra feels like a comfortable sports bra—and fits like one, too—our tester said it might be too tight for some people, especially those in the early stages of nursing or pumping. If you’re in those early stages, we recommend sizing up. Adjustable straps and a hook-and-eye closure allow users to find a proper fit.

Price at time of publication: $50

^{Key Specs:
Size range: Small to 3X-Busty | Pump compatibility: Universal | Material: Nylon and spandex}

4.8

Simple Wishes

Our Ratings

Support

5/5
Fit

5/5
Comfort

5/5
Access

5/5
Material

5/5

Pros

Adjustable size with Velcro
Detachable straps
Comfortable fit

Cons

Inconvenient to put on/take off for each pumping session

This strapless pumping bra passed all testing categories with flying colors. Our tester said she used the Simple Wishes pumping bra with two kiddos and found it comfortable (and just tight enough) regardless of which pump she used. It's compatible with all major pump brands, including Medela, Philips Avent, Lansinoh, and more. The detachable straps allow you to wear it as a strapless band (also known as bandeau style), racerback, tank, and halter style. Rather than wearing it as a regular bra during the day, most put it on just for pumping, and you can actually put it on over your favorite nursing bra without having to take off your shirt. However, our tester noted that it’s inconvenient to put the bra on and take it off each time you need to pump.

Still, the pumping bra is adjustable in the back via Velcro by up to 11 inches, allowing you to customize the size as your postpartum body changes. And our tester is one of many who find this is the most solid bra to hold up flanges for a good pumping session. “I’ve been using this bra with two kids—it’s my GO-TO!” she said. “It fits well, is tight enough, and easy to fit flanges in.”

The cotton and spandex blend is soft against the skin, and it held up well after multiple cycles in the washing machine. Plus, it’s available in soft pink or solid black color options to pair nicely with light and dark tops.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Size range: X-Small to X-Large (adjustable with Velcro) | Pump compatibility: Universal | Material: Cotton and spandex}

4.6

Target

Our Ratings

Support

5/5
Fit

4.5/5
Comfort

4/5
Access

5/5
Material

5/5

Pros

Removable pads
Soft fabric
Shoulder straps are supportive

Cons

Strap adjusters on back

For a discreet nursing and pumping bra, the Auden All-in-One bra takes the cake because the top layer has removable pads that hide the telltale lines of the pump access holes on the inner layer. What’s more, the nylon and spandex fabric feels nice against the skin and holds up well in the washer without sacrificing color quality. With its contoured shoulder straps, the underwire-free nursing and pumping bra is also sturdy and supportive. “The shoulder straps are contoured (but not in a frumpy way) to help distribute the weight and strain of engorged breasts and pumping bottles—that feature sets it apart from other options,” explained our tester, who wore the bra around her home, running errands, and even during a light workout.

Our tester said she owns two of the Auden All-in-One bras and found one very comfortable to wear, while the other felt irritating from a strap’s inside seam near the clasp (4 out of 5 stars for comfort). The bra’s fit earned 4.5 stars due to the strap adjusters’ location on the back instead of the front. This makes it more difficult to adjust and accommodate breasts that change size and shape throughout the day. Beyond this flaw, our tester said the bra fit great. “It fits me true to size and molds well to the body,” she said.

The bra’s access to nursing and pumping earned four stars. According to our tester, the bra has two layers but one clasp that brings both layers downward to give easier access to nursing, which our tester liked. One more flaw is that the padding in the top layer can move around sometimes, creating more of a “uni-boob” shape than one would want.

Price at time of publication: $19

^{Key Specs:
Size range: X-Small to 3X-Large | Pump compatibility: Universal | Material: Nylon, polyester, spandex}

4.5

Ingrid & Isabel

Our Ratings

Support

5/5
Fit

5/5
Comfort

4.5/5
Access

3/5
Material

4.5/5

Pros

Soft lace overlay
Underwire-free
Adjustable straps

Cons

Access difficult (but still possible) with larger pump parts

It’s no secret that pumping doesn’t always look pretty (and that’s OK!), but a cute pumping bra can make a world of difference in how you feel. The soft lace overlay on the Dairy Fairy Ruby Nursing and Pumping Bra will make anyone feel good without giving up comfort. According to our tester, who slept in this nursing and pumping bralette, the nylon and spandex blend felt comfortable against the skin (4.5 out of 5 stars for comfort), and she “loved” the pretty black and nude lace (5 stars for material).

The wireless band provides plenty of support without needing an underwire, while the adjustable straps and back clasp offer a custom fit. According to our tester, the only downside she found with the bra came when fitting the Spectra S2 Plus breast pump into the bra for pumping. “It was a bit annoying to shift the nude piece to the side when pumping, but otherwise, the slits were large enough to fit the flanges easily,” she said.

Price at time of publication: $48

^{Key Specs:
Size range: Small to X-Large | Pump compatibility: Universal | Material: Nylon and spandex}

4.4

Amazon

Our Ratings

Support

5/5
Fit

5/5
Comfort

5/5
Access

5/5
Material

5/5

Pros

Adjustable strap for custom fit
Bright colors (neutral also available)
Large slits

Cons

Difficult to take off

Not only does the Pump Strap Pumping and Nursing Bra fit any breast size, but it’s also available in both neutral and vibrant, uplifting color options. The bandeau-style strapless bra has a removable halter strap for extra support while pumping and an adjustable closure that makes it incredibly secure—almost too much so. “The Velcro is so tight that it’s hard to get off,” our tester noted, adding that despite this small issue, she appreciated the customizable fit. The bra fits cup sizes A through K, so you don’t need to worry about your changing breast sizes.

The Pump Strap works with all single and double electric breast pump manufacturers, including Medela, Ameda, Lansinoh, and Spectra. Our tester loved the large slits that made it easy to get Spectra S2 Plus flanges through, though the bra was more challenging with the wireless Elvie breast pump.

Price at time of publication: $33

^{Key Specs:
Size range: One size (Cups sizes A to K) | Pump compatibility: Universal | Material: Neoprene and nylon}

4.3

Amazon

Our Ratings

Support

5/5
Fit

4/5
Comfort

4/5
Access

4/5
Material

4/5

Pros

Lace design is eye-catching
Supportive underwire
Nursing clip/hidden pumping opening

Cons

Lace was a bit itchy
Flange openings are different than on wireless bras

Who knew pumping could be sexy? This hands-free pumping and nursing bra features stunning lace in three color options—black, cream (off-white), and seashell. While our tester loved the design, she admits the material was a bit itchy against the skin and docked a full point off for the bra’s material. An underwire that provides additional support earned the bra a whole point back, however. The hook-and-eye closure provides an extra four inches of room to create a customizable fit for postpartum body changes.

A clip allows easy access to nurse your baby, but there are also hidden flange openings for pumping days. However, our tester said the flange openings are angled differently, so the bra may not be as accessible for some wireless breast pumps. The bra is machine washable—a great feature for any lacy bra.

Price at time of publication: $56

^{Key Specs:
Size range: XS to 3XL, and Plus Petite | Pump compatibility: Universal | Material: Nylon and spandex}

4.3

Amazon

Our Ratings

Support

5/5
Fit

5/5
Comfort

5/5
Access

3/5
Material

5/5

Pros

Washed well
Snug yet comfy fit
Soft material

Cons

Works best with Medela breast pumps
Inconvenient to put on/take off if pumping exclusively

The Medela Easy Expression Bustier gave our tester mixed feelings with its comfortable fit but limited access. Perhaps because of brand synergy, it works much better with a Medela freestyle breast pump and its smaller flanges than with the Spectra S2 Plus breast pump. The zipper closure on the front of the bra makes it easy to put on and take off, and like the other bandeau pumping bras, it works over a nursing bra or no bra at all.

“I used this frequently with my first child when I was pumping at work,” our tester said. “It was easy to put on and [take] off, especially without the straps. You can just pull down your regular bra and wrap this around your waist, zip up, and then pull [up] over your chest.”

Still the Medela scored high for comfort, support, and fit. Our tester appreciated the snug fit that kept breast shields and bottles in place, but recommended checking the size guide before buying one for yourself. And for a budget purchase, this bra is going to last a while: The nylon and spandex blend is soft and easy to wash without losing quality.

Price at time of publication: $27

^{Key Specs:
Size range: Small to Large | Pump compatibility: Universal, but works best with Medela | Material: Nylon and spandex}

4.2

HATCH

Our Ratings

Support

3/5
Fit

3/5
Comfort

5/5
Access

5/5
Material

5/5

Pros

Soft materials
Surprisingly supportive
Nursing clasps easy to use

Cons

Costly
Material not thick (nursing pads may be visible)

The HATCH Essential nursing and pumping bra is so comfortable, one of our testers said it quickly became her “go-to” bra. The materials (modal, nylon, and elastane) are soft and breathable, plus they absorb minor leaks (though you may want pads or milk catchers for heavier leaks). Despite the soft material and no underwire, the bra is surprisingly supportive.

It also got high marks for fit, though our tester was strategic about ordering this bra in her third trimester and sizing up. “This worked well—I used the hook-and-eye closures to adjust the band as my body made its way back to a ‘normal’ shape postpartum,” she said, adding that the strap adjusters placed in the front allow for easy resizing.

An easy-to-use nursing clasp and pull-down design makes for convenient nursing access, while pulling down a front fabric overlap reveals discreet slits for pump flanges. According to our tester, she used the Elvie Catch and Elvie Curve milk catchers with the HATCH Essential and experienced no fumbling or problems.

Price at time of publication: $78

^{Key Specs:
Size range: Small to X-Large | Pump compatibility: Universal | Material: Modal, nylon, and elastane}

4.2

Rumina

Our Ratings

Support

4/5
Fit

4/5
Comfort

5/5
Access

5/5
Material

4/5

Pros

Medium support
Wide access
Comfortable material

Cons

Not as tightly fitted
Material not as soft as others

The Rumina Essential All-in-One Pumping and Nursing Bra has wide access openings, so the bra works with all breast pumps, scoring 5 out of 5 stars in that category. Whether nursing or hands-free pumping, the bra features a pull-over design that’s comfortable enough to wear all day (5 stars for comfort). According to our tester, she used this bra for the first few months of nursing and when she transitioned to pumping. The cotton and spandex material is soft, but not as soft as other bras on our list, and the fit isn’t as tight either (but still plenty comfortable to wear). Another plus: The bra is machine washable, so you can purchase two, and always have one to use while the other is in the wash.

Price at time of publication: $28

^{Key Specs:
Size range: X-Small to X-Large | Pump compatibility: Universal | Material: Cotton and spandex}

How We Rated the Best Pumping Bras

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best pumping bras we tested. We recommend them without reservation.
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These pumping bras are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great pumping bras, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These pumping bras are just average.
3.4 and below: We don't recommend pumping bras with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

How We Tested the Best Pumping Bras

Testers evaluated 13 pumping bras in the comfort of their homes, at work, and even during light workouts, assessing each on comfort, fit, access, material, and support. We also followed guidance from the American Pregnancy Association. Moreover, we spoke with Ashley Blankenship, breastfeeding counselor, founder of Supported Season, and creator of Bump Up Birth Method, to determine what to look for in pumping bras.

First, we asked testers to wear the pumping bras for a brief time (approximately three hours) unless they experienced extreme discomfort. We asked testers to note their initial impressions of the bras, especially for comfort, fit, and access. Additionally, we asked testers to go about their day as usual, working, running errands, lounging at home, caring for their kids, or doing other activities, making notes along the way. Activities lasted for a minimum of 30 minutes and up to two hours.

Testers then wore the bras for an extended period, approximately eight hours, unless they felt extreme discomfort. Testers made notes of activities and any issues or concerns they had while wearing the bras.

Testers used the bras for three pumping sessions, for as long as they typically pump. They were asked to wear the bra approximately 30 minutes before pumping and at least 30 minutes afterward to determine comfort, fit, and support. Additionally, when possible, testers used two types of breast pumps (including hands-free, wireless, or manual) to examine accessibility.

Pumping Bras We Also Tested

Rumina Pump and Nurse Strapless All-in-One Bra: Our tester appreciated the included clear instructions and extender piece for larger breasts but felt the five hook-and-eye closure was too much.
Bravado Designs Hands-Free Pumping Bra: While this pumping bra clips onto a nursing bra, it was tough to get flanges in the figure-eight openings, and they didn’t fit tight enough on our tester for pumping.

What to Look for in a Pumping Bra

Size Range

If you plan on wearing your pumping bra even when you’re not actively pumping, the size range is a major consideration. Pumping bras that offer adjustable straps and a wide size range are ideal because breast size can change dramatically throughout the months or years that you breastfeed and/or pump.

You want a bra that will accommodate your body as it initially changes postpartum without becoming too loose or feeling too constricting right after delivery. Also, your breast size on a given day can fluctuate drastically depending on when and how often you pump, so a good pumping bra will provide enough support whether you need to pump immediately, or have just finished pumping.

Pump Compatibility

Most pumping bras have a universal design, which allows you to use them regardless of what pump you use. However, that is not the case for every pumping bra, so you will want to research and make sure the pumping bra you ultimately end up with will work with the design of your pump. For example, the Isabel Maternity 2-in-1 Nursing and Pumping Maternity Bra (our top pick) features universal pump compatibility, while the Medela Easy Expression Bustier works best with Medela breast pumps.

Moreover, you’ll want easy access for your pump to fit properly without feeling too loose or tight. Consider how the pumping bra opens, with a pull-down flap or slits.

Material

Pumping can be uncomfortable all on its own, so avoid doubling down on discomfort and choose a pumping bra that feels good on your skin and sore breasts. The material will play a major factor in whether or not it’s comfortable and if it is irritating to the sensitive skin on the breast. Look for a bra that offers some elasticity (usually with spandex) so that it stays put, offers support, holds pump flanges in place, and can stretch based on your changing body and breast size throughout your breastfeeding/pumping journey.

“Don’t be discouraged if you try one type of bra and hate it. Just like with regular clothes, it might take a few brands before you find the perfect fit,” said Blankenship. “Just because a friend likes one type doesn’t mean you will too. Don’t be afraid to experiment with what works best for you.”

Another thing to consider with the material is how easily it is to clean. No matter how careful you are, chances are high that you will leak or spill milk on the bra during your pumping sessions, so you’ll likely wash the bra regularly. Look for a pumping bra that won’t stain and, ideally, is safe to toss in the washing machine for a thorough cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a pumping bra as a nursing bra?

“A pumping bra should really only be used if it’s also a nursing bra,” Blankenship told Verywell Family. “Pumping bras typically cover most of the areola which will inhibit a proper latch. When nursing, you want most, if not all, of the breast exposed and nothing putting pressure or pinching the breast. Tight items on the breast during feeding can lead to clogged ducts and infections.”
Several all-in-one bras work for both pumping and nursing, and many allow you to do them both simultaneously, such as the Bodily Do Anything Bra and The Dairy Fairy Ruby Nursing and Pumping Bra.
Are pumping bra sizes the same as traditional bras?

For the most part, pumping bras have basic sizing—small, medium, large, etc.—unlike a regular bra that typically has a band size and a cup size. To find the pumping bra size that will work best for you, you will need to know your standard bra size for reference. Still, since breast size can change dramatically during the postpartum period (and on a given day of breastfeeding), a single pumping bra size will usually accommodate a range of standard sizes.
“Every company has different ways of sizing. It’s best to look at the manufacturer’s sizing chart,” said Blankenship.
Do you wear a pumping bra all day?

Blankenship says while it’s possible to wear a pumping bra all day, it’s not necessary. Consider a few things beforehand, such as your comfort and the bra’s fit. “If it’s more comfortable for you to wear a bra, do it. If it’s more comfortable not to, do that,” she said. “Use pads in your bra and change them often. Moist nipples can breed fungi. If they’re feeling raw, sore, or itchy, letting them air out without a bra or shirt can sometimes help.”
You’ll also want to ensure your bra and clothes are snug but not tight. “Tight clothing on your breasts is not great when lactating. It can cause all kinds of problems like oversupply, clogged ducts, swelling, pain, etc. You want supportive but not constricting,” said Blankenship. “Wires are not great for this reason. Breast tissue can extend down into your ribs and armpits in some people.”
What can I expect to pay for a pumping bra?

Like regular bras, pumping bras are available at various price points. On our list, you’ll find pumping bras ranging from $19 to $78. Some have features such as clips and multiple layers that allow you to pump and nurse in them. Let your needs and your family’s budget help determine which functions are worth a higher cost.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of experience under her belt. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism, helping others, and becoming a parent led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. She preferred extra wiggle room in her pumping bra when she used the Elvie breast pump to accommodate the larger pump. However, she loved a tighter-fitting pumping bra using the manual breast pump and preferred a pull-down pumping bra over one with slits.