Congratulations, you are having a baby! Now you just need to prepare for its arrival. With cots, prams, baby clothes and everything else to purchase, your own requirements can get overlooked, but you will need to invest in a nursing bra to ensure optimal comfort and support in the early days post-partum. In this article, we can guide you and help you find your perfect bra for breastfeeding.
With top picks from best-selling brands such as Bravado and Hotmilk, we've chosen a range to suit everyone; pretty plunge bras, practical bralettes and budget-friendly options too. We take into account the best fabrics to opt for, the different fittings and how to measure yourself to ensure the correct fit. Having a baby can be hard work, but choosing a nursing bra doesn't have to be.
For a more in-depth look at the comprehensive top 10 selection, make sure to read on to learn more about the different types of bras for breastfeeding available and understand how our ranking was determined.
This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.
Image | 1 ![]() Bravado | 2 ![]() neppein | 3 ![]() Ivory Rose | 4 ![]() Hotmilk | 5 ![]() John Lewis & Partners | 6 ![]() Medela | 7 ![]() Momanda | 8 ![]() John Lewis & Partners | 9 ![]() Lindex | 10 ![]() Calvin Klein |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Seamless Nursing Bra | Maternity Nursing Bra | Maternity Fuller Bust Lace Wired Non-Padded Nursing Bra | Nursing Ambition Wire-Free Soft Cup Bra | Amelia Padded Nursing Bra | Seamless Sleep Maternity & Nursing Bra | Wire-Free Lace Nursing Bralette | Lace Trim Modal Nursing Bra | Moulded Nursing Bra | Modern Cotton Nursing Bra |
Features | An Ultra-Comfy Seamless Bra in a Great Range of Sizes and Colours | A Three-Pack of Bralettes for Those After a Budget Option | A Top-Drawer Treat for Larger Chests | A Stylish Plunge-Style Bra Designed for Skin-to-Skin Contact | Practical, High Quality and Suitable for All Cup Sizes | A Stretchy Sleep Bra to Wear Throughout Pregnancy and Nursing | A Pretty Bralette Available in a Wide Range of Colours | Pack of 2 Lace-Trim Nursing Bras for Superior Comfort | Moulded Cups From a Sustainable Scandi Brand | The Super-Soft Designer Bra From a Best-Loved Label |
Price | £36.00 | £17.84 | £18.00 | £30.00 | £20.00 | £12.29 | £18.00 | £35.00 | £20.00 | £36.00 |
Material | 70% recycled nylon, 20% virgin nylon, 10% spandex. Bottom band: 69% recycled nylon, 18% virgin nylon, 13% spandex | 92% polyamide, 8% elastane | 79% polyamide, 11% polyester, 8% cotton, 2% elastane | Fabric 1: 92% nylon, 8% elastane; fabric 2: 100% cotton; fabric 3: 100% polyurethane | 63% polyamide, 28% polyester, 9% elastane | 92% nylon, 8% elastane | 92% polyamide, 8% elastane | 94% modal, 6% elastane | Cup liner: 100% polyester, fabric 1: 85% polyamide, 15% elastane, lining: 87% polyamide, 13% elastane | 53% cotton, 35% modal, 12% elastane |
Sizes Available | S - XL | S - XL | 30DD - 38G | 30DD - 38G | 32C - 38F | S - L | 32A - 38E | 32C - 38F | 34B - 38E | XS - XL |
Opening Design | Clip | Clip | Clip | Clip | Clip | Folding panel | Clip | Clip | Clip | Clip |
Colours Available | Black, white, pink, butterscotch, jade, silver | Pink, nude, black, light blue, white | Teal | Pale pink | Almond, black | Black, white | Multiple colours available | Black and pink in set | Black | Black, pink, grey |
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A breastfeeding bra needs to feel comfortable and secure, particularly in the early days post-partum when you will be tender and sore. However, before the baby arrives it can be difficult to gauge the correct bra size.
Your body will change dramatically after giving birth and so it is important to take that into consideration. Experts recommend buying two cup sizes up from your pre-pregnancy bra size, so check that the range you're considering can provide this. Fortunately, nowadays there are many inclusive maternity brands as well as those designed for those with a larger bust.
It is also advised that you visit a nursing bra retailer towards the final weeks of your pregnancy and get measured properly. While you need to go up cup sizes, you will be required to go down at least 1 back size once your bump begins to reduce in size. Being measured properly means you will have the correct support once the baby is here, without having to trek into town with a newborn to shop for bras.
Don't forget the nursing pads!
It is common to have very sensitive skin post-partum, and once your milk comes in you can suffer from engorgement too. So, you are going to want a bra that feels comfortable without adding to your already-rising body temperature. Ensure you check the materials present in your breastfeeding bra before you buy, as not all are made the same.
Cotton or cotton-mix bras are a great choice as natural fabrics are soft and breathable. Synthetic materials such as polyester can be less breathable, although they often have moisture-wicking technologies and are durable and machine-washable – all much-needed in a nursing bra. If you opt for a recycled material, look for the OEKO-TEX certification to ensure it is free from harmful processing ingredients.
You might also want to pick up a sleep bra for comfort during the night
Breastfeeding bras are non-wired to help prevent blocked ducts and mastitis, but they do come with handy features to ensure easy access when you have a hungry baby. There are two main types to decide between: simple fold-down panels, or clips that connect the cup panel to the strap and can be folded down when feeding time comes.
Both styles feature easy access, but the fold-down panels can be a little more fiddly to tuck away which you may find a problem when out and about with the baby. Clips are the favoured design as they are practically effortless and provide a subtle transition to feeding. If you buy nursing tops along with breastfeeding bras, it will make feeding that little bit easier.
There's also the option of a nursing cover for breastfeeding while out and about
This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
£36.00
Material | 70% recycled nylon, 20% virgin nylon, 10% spandex. Bottom band: 69% recycled nylon, 18% virgin nylon, 13% spandex |
---|---|
Sizes Available | S - XL |
Opening Design | Clip |
Colours Available | Black, white, pink, butterscotch, jade, silver |
Pack of 3
£17.84
Material | 92% polyamide, 8% elastane |
---|---|
Sizes Available | S - XL |
Opening Design | Clip |
Colours Available | Pink, nude, black, light blue, white |
Teal
£18.00
Material | 79% polyamide, 11% polyester, 8% cotton, 2% elastane |
---|---|
Sizes Available | 30DD - 38G |
Opening Design | Clip |
Colours Available | Teal |
£30.00
Material | Fabric 1: 92% nylon, 8% elastane; fabric 2: 100% cotton; fabric 3: 100% polyurethane |
---|---|
Sizes Available | 30DD - 38G |
Opening Design | Clip |
Colours Available | Pale pink |
£20.00
Material | 63% polyamide, 28% polyester, 9% elastane |
---|---|
Sizes Available | 32C - 38F |
Opening Design | Clip |
Colours Available | Almond, black |
£12.29
Material | 92% nylon, 8% elastane |
---|---|
Sizes Available | S - L |
Opening Design | Folding panel |
Colours Available | Black, white |
£18.00
Material | 92% polyamide, 8% elastane |
---|---|
Sizes Available | 32A - 38E |
Opening Design | Clip |
Colours Available | Multiple colours available |
Pack of 2
£35.00
Material | 94% modal, 6% elastane |
---|---|
Sizes Available | 32C - 38F |
Opening Design | Clip |
Colours Available | Black and pink in set |
£20.00
Material | Cup liner: 100% polyester, fabric 1: 85% polyamide, 15% elastane, lining: 87% polyamide, 13% elastane |
---|---|
Sizes Available | 34B - 38E |
Opening Design | Clip |
Colours Available | Black |
£36.00
Material | 53% cotton, 35% modal, 12% elastane |
---|---|
Sizes Available | XS - XL |
Opening Design | Clip |
Colours Available | Black, pink, grey |
Written and researched by Sarah Jarman
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