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The Best Maternity Bras, According to Pregnant Moms

Your breasts will grow, change and feel tender throughout the next nine+ months. A great maternity bra will give you the support you need.
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best maternity bras for pregnant women and postpartum women
Image: VICTOR TORRES
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In a nutshell:

Based on advice from intimate wear experts and a lactation consultant, a survey of more than 300 moms from The Bump community and feedback from our team of independent product testers, we chose the Bravado Designs Sculpt Bra as the overall best maternity bra. In particular, it stood out for its supportive hybrid design, stretchy, soft material and comfortable functionality.

When you’re pregnant, you’re probably already expecting to have to buy new clothing. But you won’t just need new pants and tops to support your ever-changing body; you’ll also want to invest in a good maternity bra. Changes to breast tissue begin early in pregnancy—as early as one or two weeks after conception, according to the National Institutes of Health. In fact, breast tenderness and swelling in the first trimester are so common that they’re widely viewed as early signs of pregnancy.

However, with so many options out there— such as molded cups, sleep bras and extra-supportive bras specifically made for women with larger busts—how do you know which one is right for you? Read on to learn more about maternity bras, including why you need one and what to look for, as well as a roundup of some of the best maternity bras you can buy today, including this year’s Best of The Bump award winner.

How We Chose and Tested the Best Maternity Bras

For more than 10 years, The Bump has been recognizing the absolute best baby and pregnancy products on the market through our Best of The Bump awards series. To help you find the perfect maternity bra for your needs, The Bump editors did extensive research to identify the highest-rated and all-around top-notch styles out there—and then we put them to the test. Here’s how we did it:

  • We interviewed the founder and CEO of an intimate wear company, a stylist and a lactation consultant to understand the ins and outs of maternity bras. These experts highlighted what styles and features to keep an eye on as you shop.

  • We enlisted the help of 16 product testers to try out different maternity bras. They wore them everywhere—from weddings to work to TV night in the living room—and rated them across categories like support, comfort, fit, quality, style and value for money.

  • We surveyed over 300 new and expectant moms in The Bump community for additional insight on the pros and cons of specific maternity bras.

  • We leveraged our familiarity with leading maternity brands and trusted online retailers and researched dozens of styles.

  • We considered several factors when sourcing maternity bras, including fabric, supportive details, style, type of closure and nursing features, to name a few.

  • We read user reviews to see how these maternity bras have worked for real moms, and didn’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating.

Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.

Image: Rosdaly, Ivyonna, Mindy

The Best Maternity Bras

Overall best maternity bra

What We Love
  • Seamless and wire-free
  • Molded cups
  • Removable foam inserts
Things To Consider
  • Only available in four colors
  • Not designed for after pregnancy

If you’re looking for the perfect bra to support your growing breasts during pregnancy, look no further than the Sculpt Bra from Bravado Design. It’s our Best of The Bump winner for overall best maternity bra thanks to its all-around comfort, functionality and design. (Head here to see all of this year’s Best of The Bump winners.)

Many maternity bras fall into two categories: pull-on styles meant for sleeping and lounging, or hook-and-loop-style for daytime wear and extra support. This brilliant bra exists at the intersection of those two styles, with hook-and-eye closure and adjustable straps like a traditional bra, but featuring soft, stretchy, ultra-comfortable material and a sports bra-like fit for feel-good support you’ll love. “I’m able to do all [my usual] activities without the girls coming out,” our product tester gushed. You’ll also find molded cups meant to reduce compression on your breasts while providing separation and shape that pull-on bras don’t always provide.

Made of a stretchy nylon-blend material, the Design Sculpt Bra feels soft against your skin and is suitable for wearing both day and night. Our product tester thoroughly enjoyed the Sculpt Bra, awarding it 5 out of 5 across all categories, particularly praising the stylish look, great material, comfort and quality—this bra delivers on all points, making it truly deserving of The Best of The Bump badge.

Sizes: S to XXL, regular and full fits | Underwire: No | Type of closure: Hook and loop | Nursing features: None

Our product tester says:

“I really love the material and the comfort! I sit at a desk all day and it doesn’t squeeze the top of my belly too tight.”

Buy Now

Best supportive maternity bra

Motherhood Maternity Seamless Maternity Bra
Image: Amazon
What We Love
  • Available in plus sizes
  • Machine-washable
  • Supportive, day and night
  • Comes in six colors
Things To Consider
  • Some say the sizing runs small

Seamless, buttery soft and oh-so-comfy, the Motherhood Maternity Seamless Maternity Bra was designed to work across the pregnancy journey, from the first trimester all the way through breastfeeding. Our product tester gave this bra 5 out of 5 in a broad range of categories, but support was where this pregnancy bra really stood out for her. “This bra had great support for my chest and across my back,” she told us. “I felt supported on my shoulders as well, with no pinching…I could wear it all day and night and feel good wearing it.”

Of course, this seamless maternity bra was no slouch in other areas—our product tester also awarded it 5 out of 5 in comfort, fit and value for money. “The fit was great…very comfortable. I love the fabric, which is so soft—soft enough to use at night without pinching my skin.” It’s worth noting that while this particular model is best suited for average-busted women, Motherhood makes a plus-size version as well.

You get all this in a $20 package that can last you all nine+ months and beyond, whether you choose to breastfeed, pump exclusively or just need a bra that grows and shrinks with your ever-changing postpartum body. It’s easy to see why 14 percent of our survey respondents favored this brand throughout their pregnancies!

Sizes: S to XL | Underwire: No | Type of closure: Hook and loop | Nursing features: Clip-down access

Our product tester says:

“I would recommend to any friend who is nursing or pregnant. It will be a bra that I would gladly gift to my new mommy friends.”

Our community says:

"It’s more comfortable than a regular bra with underwire." – Marisa, mother of three

"No complaints!" – Chandni, expectant mother

Buy Now

Best maternity sports bra

Kindred Bravely Sublime Sports Bra
Image: Nordstrom
What We Love
  • Comes with a band extender
  • Attractive colors
  • Wide range of sizes available
Things To Consider
  • Minimal material between the breasts
  • Sizing can be tricky

As your breasts grow throughout pregnancy, you’ll need a maternity sports bra that stays supportive without becoming restrictive. That’s why we love Kindred Bravely’s Sublime Sports Bra. It features adjustable straps and a wide, supportive chest band that gently expands as your body changes each trimester. Moreover, 12 percent of our survey respondents told us that they were fans of Kindred Bravely’s intimate wear—including this style.

The maternity sports bra is made from a stretchy blend of nylon and polyester that you can count on to grow with you. Our product tester awarded it a 5 out of 5 for comfort and fit. “I love that the pads are removable and that it comes in such a wide variety of sizes,” our product tester raves. “It fits really well, and can be adjusted in the places that I needed to adjust.”

What’s more, the lightweight material feels divine. This option is breathable and will help keep you dry and comfortable, but it’s soft and doesn’t feel slick like lots of workout wear often does. As our product tester describes it not only as a great maternity sports bra, “but also just a really comfortable sports bra overall.”

Sizes: S to XXL, regular and busty fits | Underwire: No | Type of closure: Pull-on style | Nursing features: Clip-down access

Our product tester says:

“This bra feels like it’s excellent quality and one that I will use for years to come.”

Our community says:

"I never stopped wearing this since 8 months pre-natal with baby one. Now I'm in my third trimester with my second baby and the bras are still very soft and supportive." – Liz, expectant mother of one

Buy Now

Best strapless maternity bra

Lively No-Wire Strapless Bra
Image: Lively
Buying Options
Lively|$48
What We Love
  • Wireless and strapless
  • Silicone grips help bra stay in place
Things To Consider
  • Not designed for after pregnancy
  • Only available in a few neutral colors

Some outfits—perhaps your favorite maternity evening dress—call for a strapless bra. And during pregnancy, the bra you choose really matters when it comes to support for your growing chest. The Lively No-Wire Strapless Bra wasn’t expressly designed for pregnancy, but it has everything you want in a pregnancy-friendly strapless option.

Molded, foam-padded cups and soft but sturdy side-boning work alongside an underbust support band lined with silicone grips in a way that our product tester found “surprisingly supportive.” The result is a strapless bra that gets the job done without the use of an underwire that your sensitive pregnancy breasts might find uncomfortable.

Of course, looks aren’t everything, but style is an important quality in any bra that might get paired with a fancy shoulderless outfit. In this category our product tester awards the No-Wire Strapless Bra a 5 out of 5, telling us, “I think anyone wearing this would feel cute and stylish.”

Sizes: Band sizes 32 to 38, cup sizes A to DDD | Underwire: No | Type of closure: Hook and loop | Nursing features: None

Our product tester says:

“I’m not someone who typically wears support-based bras when not pregnant, but I need them during pregnancy. I was surprised at the support a strapless bra was able to provide. No aches at the end of a long day wearing it.”

Buy Now

Best maternity sleep bra

Medela Keep Cool Sleep Maternity Bra
Image: Amazon
What We Love
  • Quick-dry technology for breathability
  • No hooks, clips or tags for irritation
  • Machine-washable
Things To Consider
  • Only two color options

During those nine+ months of pregnancy—and especially in the second and third trimesters—you might feel more comfortable sleeping in a maternity bra. As your growing chest becomes swollen and heavy, some women prefer the support that a sleep bra can offer, and this bra from Medela was made specifically for nighttime use.

The Keep Cool maternity bra boasts a lightweight, breathable material that feels like a second skin. Our pregnant product tester calls the bra “very comfortable—it feels like I don’t have anything on,” awarding it a 5 out of 5 for comfort. “The material is great for my skin as well.” The adaptive stretch material is made from a nylon blend that expands to provide a firm but comfortable fit for any body type.

A racerback style provides breathable back coverage, which can be a blessing for women who experience higher body temperature during pregnancy. And if that weren’t enough, this bra is fully machine-washable too. “Great quality and material. Withstands a wash without shrinking and wearing down,” indicates our product tester, with a 5 out of 5 for quality. “I would recommend [this bra] to any woman—pregnant, nursing or women in general.”

Sizes: S to XXL | Underwire: No | Type of closure: Pull-on style | Nursing features: Pull-aside access

Our product tester says:

“It supports the breasts and the back very well, staying in place whenever I move.”

Our community says:

"Very stretchy and soft. I have only washed and worn it once, but, if I have to start sleeping in a bra, I don't think I'll be too uncomfortable." – Amanda, expectant mother

Buy Now

Best plus-size maternity bra

Bravado Designs Body Silk Seamless Bra
Image: Amazon
What We Love
  • Thick straps for added support
  • Zones of extra support around the cups
  • Available in tons of pretty colors
Things To Consider
  • No racerback option
  • Some reviewers say to order a size up

Many maternity bras (and let’s face it: regular bras too!) say they’re good for large breasts. But if your girls are plus-sized, you know that’s no guarantee against the old, uncomfortable squished feeling. Enter the Body Silk Seamless Bra from Bravado Designs. This bra does the job for busts of almost any size—bands sizes from 32 to 46, and cups from B to J. Plus, our product tester loved the fit, awarding it a 5 out of 5 and telling us, “Not tight, no spillage—it’s like I was wearing nothing. It holds my breasts up very well, and I feel very secure and comfortable in it.”

The best part? All of this support comes without the use of wires and other uncomfortable elements. The Body Silk lives up to its name with soft material, zero seams or wires and a lack of restrictive elastic. Instead, it’s crafted with comfortable, breathable OEKO-TEX material and features removable foam inserts and knit-in support zones for added support around the cups. “This bra manages to support without feeling restrictive and tight,” said our product tester. She also told us that she’s bought many maternity bras in the past, “and they don’t stand up to the comfort I feel in this one.”

Sizes: S to XL-FC | Underwire: No | Type of closure: Hook and loop | Nursing features: Clip-down access

Our product tester says:

“Very soft and extremely comfortable; feels like I’m not wearing a bra.”

Buy Now

Best underwire maternity bra

ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Bra
Image: ThirdLove
What We Love
  • Comfortable and supportive, according to our product tester
  • Comes in a wide variety of sizes
  • Matching underwear available
Things To Consider
  • High price point
  • Underwire design
  • Only one color option

It’s no secret that underwire designs can often provide an additional level of support that wireless bras simply can’t. However, you’ve probably noticed that very few are designed with maternity in mind. Luckily, if you’re on the hunt for an underwire bra that will work for pregnancy, look no further than this best-seller from ThirdLove.

This underwire maternity bra has a lot to offer, including a flexible design that will move with your pregnant body. Needless to say, it was thoughtfully created with comfort and functionality in mind. Our product tester raved about its comfort and support, rating it a 5 out of 5 in both categories. “This bra is extremely comfortable,” she says. “The material of the cups and bands is so soft. I’ve even fallen asleep in it and it didn’t leave any impressions or aggravate me.” If that’s not all, ThirdLove was also praised by members of The Bump community; 7 percent of our survey respondents said they wore bras from this brand while pregnant.

When it comes to fit, this underwire maternity bra ranges from petite to plus-size options, offering an expansive line of sizes from 32A to 44H. Other details you’ll love include the pleated straps, gold accents and well-defined cups, and the hook-and-eye closure for a secure fit. Fans can’t get enough of the quality and durability of this machine-washable maternity bra—and our product tester was no exception. She told us that this was the first maternity bra she’s “worn with a wire.” She added that, “as a breastfeeding mom with large breasts, it’s important to have full support. I recently wore this bra to a wedding and it was so supportive, I could barely tell I had [it] on.” Even better, if you’re ordering from ThirdLove for the first time, save 15 percent with code BUMP15.

Sizes: 32 to 44 band size; cup sizes A to H | Underwire: Yes | Type of closure: Hook and loop | Nursing features: Clip-down access

Our product tester says:

“The quality is amazing, the fit is great and the support is unmatched.”

Our community says:

"This bra is easy to use and has strong straps." – Katie, expectant mother

Buy Now

Best sexy maternity bra

Cake Maternity Chantilly Maternity Bralette
Image: Cake Maternity
What We Love
  • Stylish and comfortable, according to our product tester
  • Beautiful lace detail
  • Scoop-neck design
Things To Consider
  • Reviewers say it’s best to size up
  • Material isn’t as soft as other options
  • No matching panties

Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. Case in point: This chic number from Cake Maternity. The pretty, all-lace design is full of luxe, flattering details. We’re fans of the French-inspired pattern that’s sheer for that added touch of sexiness, as well as the wide underband (that’s supportive and attractive). You’ll also appreciate that the straps can be converted into a racerback style for added versatility, whether you’re headed to work, going to an event or relaxing at home. Our product tester loved the way she looked in this maternity bra, saying, “Such a sexy look!”

All of that’s to say, it’s easy to see why our product tester awarded this sexy maternity bra a 5 out of 5 for style. But, it also earned high marks for several other categories, including comfort. Even though it’s sheer, this maternity bra has a mesh microfiber lining for added comfort and to reduce the possibility of showing through clothing. Even better, it’s free from uncomfortable wiring—another feature that enhances the all-day wearability. This maternity bra offers support for expectant women of all sizes and comes in cup sizes B to G. The bottom line? “This bra has great support and isn’t too constricting!” gushed our reviewer. “I love how comfortable the fabric is.”

Sizes: S to XL, cup sizes B to G | Underwire: No | Type of closure: Hook and loop; j-hook included for racerback style | Nursing features: Clip-down access

Our product tester says:

“This is one of the best nursing bras I’ve used and has a great style!”

Buy Now

Best maternity nursing bra

Bodily The Everything Bra
Image: Bodily
What We Love
  • Designed with a lactation consultant
  • Offers comfortable support
  • Created for hands-free breastfeeding
Things To Consider
  • Some reviewers say it isn’t very supportive
  • Some found the shoulder straps uncomfortable

Available in six different colors, the Everything Bra is designed to be worn both day and night, offering the right amount of support around the clock without feeling restrictive. It was designed with a lactation consultant to ensure proper breast support without impinging on milk production after pregnancy. According to our pregnant product tester, “I’m still nursing on top of being pregnant, so I can say that [the Everything Bra] gives good support for someone who’s breastfeeding a toddler (aka not just freshly postpartum and super full of milk all the time), and I think it’ll be really great for the postpartum period too!”

Highlights you’ll appreciate include the five-row back closure and easy-to-reach strap sliders, allowing you to easily adjust the fit to your changing needs. In fact, our product tester rated this option a 5 out of 5 for fit, telling us that “fit is great! Perfect for pregnancy and it’s super stretchy and adjustable so when going through the phase of milk first coming in all the way to a regulated supply, it’ll for sure still fit well.” She also praised this maternity bra highly in categories like support and quality. Moreover, it’s made from super-soft OEKO-TEX fabric and features a stretchy scoop neck created with breathability in mind.

Sizes: S to XL | Underwire: No | Type of closure: Pull-on style | Nursing features: Clip-down access, pull-down neckline

Our product tester says:

“I think this bra is really good quality. The material is nice, and just based on how everything looks and feels I definitely think I’ll be able to use it for a long time!”

Buy Now

Best budget-friendly maternity bra

iLoveSIA 3-pack Seamless Maternity Bra
Image: Amazon
Buying Options
Amazon|$29.99
What We Love
  • Great price point
  • Comfortable, stretchy but supportive fabric
Things To Consider
  • Not as stylish as other options
  • Straps are wide and may slip off shoulders

You might expect that a three-pack of basic maternity bras—offered for just $30—would suffer when it comes to quality. But when we asked our product tester to try it out, her response echoed the thousands of five-star Amazon reviews: “This bra was perfect,” she told us. “It’s great under clothes and it has great padding. The comfort is amazing, with very comfy cotton material around and under your breast.”

This budget-friendly maternity bra also includes one-handed breastfeeding access and removable cup inserts, and our tester found that it was “easy to remove the clips.” It’s wire-free, which means you can wear it both day and night, and the three-pack ensures you’ll always have one on hand, even on laundry day. “I think this pack of maternity bras is at a great price,” our product tester said, awarding it 5 out of 5 for value for money. She told us that similar bras “cost $30 or more for just one.” She also told us, "I think it’s great for moms that work and always need to have a spare [bra] on the go.”

Sizes: S to XXL | Underwire: No | Type of closure: Hook and loop | Nursing features: Clip-down access

Our product tester says:

“I would recommend this bra to any mom that isn’t looking for a stylish bra and just needs something practical for everyday use.”

Our community says:

"They're comfortable, but I wish they were easier to put on." – Jen, mother of one

Buy Now

*Note: Some names have been changed due to privacy requests.

Do You Need a Maternity Bra?

In short, yes. As estrogen and progesterone levels rise during pregnancy and blood flow to the breasts starts to increase, you’ll need a bra designed to support your growing chest. And no, buying your current bra in a bigger size won’t do the trick—the best bras for pregnancy are specifically designed to provide flexibility and support for growing bodies. It’s also important to consider your lifestyle when selecting a maternity bra, and remember that you might need more than one type. Active moms may require a high-impact maternity sports bra while others may only need one or two everyday styles. In a survey of parents from among The Bump community conducted in May 2023, 86 percent of respondents invested in an everyday maternity bra—but 30 percent reported wearing a maternity sports bra during pregnancy and 26 percent said that they wore a bra specifically designed for sleep.

When to start wearing a maternity bra?

Wondering when to buy a maternity bra? Amanda Hunt, founder and CEO of Davin & Adley, a maternity bra brand, suggests starting to look for the right pregnancy bra pretty early on. “You may be able to get by for the first 12 weeks without a new bra, but usually around 13 to 14 weeks, you will need to start looking for a maternity bra with more support,” she says. While we always defer to expert advice, we were eager to learn when expectant moms actually bought their first maternity bra. So in our recent survey, we asked the question: When do moms-to-be first start wearing a maternity bra? And our respondents answered as follows:

  • First trimester: 40 percent

  • Second trimester: 51 percent

  • Third trimester: 9 percent

Keep in mind that the first maternity bra you buy almost certainly won’t be the last; just because you find a maternity bra that fits now doesn’t mean that it’ll be your perfect size after baby arrives. “It’s not unusual to change bra sizes within the first few weeks of breastfeeding,” says New York City stylist Samantha Brown—so as your due date approaches, consider buying a bra one or two sizes larger than usual, so you have one ready to wear after birth.

What to Consider When Shopping for Maternity Bras

The same features you look for when shopping for a regular bra are especially crucial when you’re looking for a bra while pregnant. Your girls are working hard for you and baby, so accommodate them well! You’ll want to watch out for the following considerations, according to Hunt:

  • Fabric. Pregnancy can come with lots of skin sensitivity issues, so it’s extremely important to find a maternity bra that’s soft on your skin. Hunt warns against scratchy trims and fabrics that can itch or irritate.

  • Comfort. A good maternity bra should fit comfortably. Pull-on bralettes are great options for pregnancy. The style is made for stretching over your belly and not feeling restrictive.

  • Support. “This is one of the most important features of a maternity bra,” says Hunt. “The weight of your breast tissue can get incredibly uncomfortable and cause pain in your back and shoulders. Having a well-fitted bra with wider straps and a supportive band will raise your chest off your belly and help improve your posture.”

  • Underwire or not. You’ll also want to consider whether you want a maternity bra with or without an underwire. “The risk with underwire bras is that they can put extra pressure on the mammary tissue,” explains Leigh Anne O’Connor, IBCLC, a certified lactation consultant, adding that it is possible to develop clogged milk ducts during pregnancy, which can lead to mastitis. Ouch. A wire-free bra can offer some safety while still providing structure. That said, it doesn’t mean you can’t wear an underwire bra, especially if you’re eager for the added support. Ultimately, the choice is yours and 16 percent of moms in our survey stated that they did wear a maternity bra with an underwire. “During pregnancy the beasts are growing, so an underwire bra should be fitted so as to not put pressure on the breasts,” O’Connor says. The bra shouldn’t be tight, and the wire should be flexible.

About the writer:

Christin Perry is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in pregnancy, parenting and health and wellness topics. As a mother of four (ages 5, 10, 12 and 14), she’s gone through the paces and has used what seems like every product under the sun—and she’s used that experience to write dozens of product roundups for The Bump. Perry considers herself lucky to have worked for a long list of other large clients, including Forbes Advisor, VeryWell Family, Parents, Parade, The Knot, Apartment Therapy and Dwell, to name a few.

Interested in becoming a product tester for The Bump? Head here to apply.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Sources

Amanda Hunt is the founder and CEO of Davin & Adley, and former Senior Technical Designer and Product Development Specialist for All Brands Intimates & Swimwear at Urban Outfitters, Free People and Anthropologie.

Samantha Brown is a professional and celebrity stylist based in New York City.

Leigh Anne O’Connor, IBCLC, LCCE, is a New York-based lactation consultant with more than 20 years of experience working with breastfeeding families. She is a past president of the New York Lactation Consultant Association (NYLCA) and a member of the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) and United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA). Additionally, she has been an accredited La Leche League Leader since 1997.

National Institutes of Health, What Are Some Common Signs of Pregnancy?, January 2017

The Bump May 2023 Survey. Editors conducted a survey of 300 new mothers from among The Bump community, and asked whether they used a maternity bra and what type and brand they used.

Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial process.

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