13 best nursing bras for breastfeeding mamas, reviewed
If you thought the trials and tribulations of dressing for an unfamiliar body ended at childbirth, let us introduce you to the world of nursing bras. That's right, your underwear drawer isn't solely welcoming adult nappies (IYKYK) in your fourth trimester, but a whole host of functional bras, too. Who said postpartum wasn't all fun and games?
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And while updating your wardrobe with the best maternity clothes when you're pregnant can be a creative, joyful way to experiment with your style, investing in the best nursing bras to see you through postpartum can be slightly less fun, more functional. After all, if you're breastfeeding, they are a vital piece of equipment.
You'll quickly come to realise that, as a new mum, sexy and impractical underwear – even if they're from the best lingerie brands – is now redundant (and will likely remain so for a while). Maternity knickers and comfy maternity bras are your new best friends, particularly - if you're anything like me - your little one decides he wants to breastfeed for a lot longer than you ever expected…
Why you can trust me
Freelance Fashion Editor, Charlie Teather, became a first time mum last year, and – alongside, you know, prepping for one of humankind's toughest physical feats and the subsequent life-altering reality of a tiny new human to care for 24/7 – rediscovering how to dress a body that was changing every single day posed a real challenge.
Charlie didn't want to lose her personal style identity, but wanted to celebrate and not just ‘disguise’ this incredible moment in her life. And if she was finding this balance hard to strike, after working her whole adult lives in the fashion and magazine industry, she figured others must be too. So Charlie made it something of a personal/professional mission to compile the ultimate guides. If for nothing more than for her to refer back to if/when she ever does this pregnancy thing again, because (spoiler alert) baby brain is no joke, people.
She's also been breastfeeding for almost 16 months (some babies apparently aren't so keen to wean themselves!), so you can trust that these bras have really been put through their paces.
How I tested the best nursing bras
Charlie used her own pregnancy and postpartum journey as the perfect excuse to trial run the best maternity styles out there and compile this edit. She shopped for staples from independent, designer and high street maternity brands during her second and third trimesters (with varying success), and has also asked her well-dressed pregnant pals and new mums for their top tips to find high-quality maternity wear. Not to mention, she's scoured Instagram for the ultimate inspiration too. For mums-to-be, Glamour's edit of the best maternity jeans of 2025 is essential reading…
Scroll for our full edit of the best nursing bras on the market.
- Sizes: 32-44, A-G.
- Colours: Various shades of neutral - Sand, Clay, Sienna, Jasper, Cocoa, Onyx.
Why we love it: A great every day option with a good range of colours, it's Kim's beloved signature Wireless Form T-Shirt Demi Bra - but reinvented for mums. The straps are strong and supportive but still super comfortable, while the moulded foam pads are a great way to disguise the silver nipple shields you might have on-hand more often than originally planned. IYKYK.
- Sizes: S-XL.
- Colours: Beige marl, Light beige, Black, Cream.
Why we love it: Perhaps one best reserved for those with a smaller bust, these cotton nursing bras might not have the ultra industrial support of some others on this list, but they do put up a strong fight for the position of the comfiest. Thrown on with nothing more than a pair of comfy joggers and cuddling up to your hungry baby on the sofa - could anything feel sweeter?
- Sizes: XS-XL.
- Colours: Grey, Black.
Why we love it: I feel like we all know a CK girlie. Some of you just have your underwear drawers far more streamlined and organised than others, and that's fine! But when pregnancy and postpartum throws up words like ‘adult nappy’ and ‘nursing bra’ you probably freaked a little. Panic not, though, because Calvin Klein have created their own nursing bra that looks exactly like mainline - only with clips. They are, however - as far as we're aware - yet to create an adult postpartum nappy. We hate to be the ones to break the news.
- Sizes: S-XL.
- Colours: Grey and white, black and nude.
Why we love it: Just because nursing bras need to be functional doesn't mean it should automatically scrimp on aesthetic frivolity entirely. Does the lace add anything to the breastfeeding experience? No. Does it make you - an exhausted mama who likely considers the opportunity to take a shower a real luxury right now - feel a touch more special? In our experience, undoubtedly.
Save when you shop for maternity bras with these H&M discount codes at checkout.
- Sizes: XS-XL.
- Colours: Black, beige, white.
Why we love it: Another wide-strapped number which is great for avoiding digging in across the shoulders, this bra is not only ultra soft and supportive but it is also reversible - meaning you can wear it as a v-neck or a scoop-neck depending what your outfit - or mood - requires.
- Sizes: 32B-40F.
- Colours: Black, natural, white.
Why we love it: Super comfortable and flattering, unlike many cotton nursing bras this one has the perfect amount of subtle padding which is a huge tick in many breastfeeding women's books due to the smoother shape it gives under a t-shirt. The fasten-up clips feel secure and the subtle lace is a nice detail.
- Sizes: XS/S-XL/XXL.
- Colours: Black, beige, white.
Why we love it: The ultimate in comfort, Bumpsuit (you won't be surprised, given the name) know what they're doing when it comes to maternity wear. Super comfortable, soft across those often-cracked nipples and very easy to adjust, it'll become the one you reach for time and time again in your breastfeeding bra rotation.
- Sizes: S-XXL.
- Colours: Grey, Black, Blush.
Why we love it: One of the few that has truly stood the test of time in my own nursing bra arsenal, I snapped up one in every colour shortly before giving birth and still wear them all now, almost sixteen months in. Not necessarily my sexiest underwear item, they are undeniably comfortable and I find the clips some of the easiest to fasten and unfasten with one hand.
- Sizes: 32C-38G.
- Colours: Ivory, black.
Why we love it: A really lovely option for more special occasions (believe it or not, you may feel like getting dressed up for date night once in a while during your breastfeeding journey!), the bold plunge gives it a much sexier feel than most and makes it perfect for v-neck tops, dresses and boyfriend shirts.
- Sizes: S-L.
- Colours: Black, white.
Why we love it: For those who find that more traditional bra straps dig in a little when pregnant/postpartum (it's a common problem, due to the frequent fluctuation in breast size meaning that there's sometimes a lot more weight bearing down on the straps than at other times) these wide, cotton straps are a great alternative. The pull-on style means no fussing with fastening, and is a great option for gentle nighttime support.
Save when you shop for maternity bras with these JoJo Maman Bebe discount codes at checkout.
- Sizes: 30E-38F.
- Colours: Cream, black.
Why we love it: Great for those with a fuller chest, this ultra supportive bra certainly doesn't scrimp on style. Super feminine and delicate, it's also surprisingly comfortable for a bra that also offers so much else. Easy to clip and unclip with one hand, it's a great one to have in your drawer on those days that you want to feel a little more special.
Save when you shop for maternity bras with these Seraphine discount codes at checkout.
- Sizes: UK 8-24.
- Colours: Black, grey.
Why we love it: While most nursing bras are v-neck to some degree, for those who are entirely anti-anything that isn't a scoop neck fear not. There are options to suit your preference, you just have to shop a bit harder. This one should absolutely be on your list, though, with its relaxed, sportswear-inspired silhouette rendering it the perfect option for those long days at home with your little milk monster.
Save when you shop for maternity bras with these Next discount codes at checkout.
- Sizes: 32F-42KK.
- Colours: Blush, petal, black.
Why we love it: Designer for fuller busts, this underwired, fully-supportive nursing bra is the perfect blend of pretty and practical. With easy-to-use clips for feeding and moisture-wicking fabric, it also features a super flattering side-support to lift and bring your boobs in to avoid them weighing down and outwards.
Your nursing bra FAQs, answered:
Do you really need a nursing bra?
A nursing bra is wildly more practical than your normal bra, which you'd likely need to size-up in anyway in order to make way for growing breasts. Nursing bras are designed to fit your boobs as they change throughout pregnancy, they're more breathable and they're usually made to fit breast pads which will soak up excess milk. What's more, most styles have drop down cups that unclip when you need to feed, while some have cross over cups that you push the fabric back from and slip out a nip for no-fuss access.
During pregnancy it’s recommended that you wear a non-wired bra. It’s also comfy to continue wire-free during nursing, but if you feel you need more support there are plenty of options with wires.
When should I start wearing a maternity bra?
While every body is different, most pregnant people begin wearing a nursing bra towards the end of their first trimester – when their breasts really begin to change. It’s likely your bra size will rise as your milk comes in so consider getting fitted in your second, third and "fourth" trimesters, too.
How many nursing bras do you need?
We'd recommend owning at least three nursing bras. That gives you one to wear, one to wash and one as a back-up.
More maternity content
After more maternity content? Head this way for the best body pillows and in this direction for the best maternity jeans. We've also got nursing bras, maternity dresses, maternity loungewear and baby changing bags for your perusal.
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