The Best Pumping Bra Styles to Free Up Your Hands

Designed in collaboration with a lactation consultant, this pumping bra from Bodily was created to empower women to tackle their day, and it truly lives up to its name. The stretchy OEKO TEX-certified fabric will meet your changing needs while still being supportive enough to hold your pumping parts securely in place. Highly adjustable, the bra features an extended back closure and sliders. These will allow you to tighten the fit during pumping sessions and then loosen it for the rest of your day. You’ll also appreciate how it has shoulder straps that convert to a racerback style for added support.

What makes this pumping bra truly stand out, however, is its sleek, simple style. Ashlee Neuman, content director for The Bump and mom of two, was a big fan of this. “Unlike other nursing/pumping bras that have multiple clip-down fabric layers, the Do Anything bra has only one, meaning it's way less bulky and more discreet under clothes,” she explained. Moreover, the bra’s 4-in-1 design makes it a great option for breastfeeding. Front clips allow for easy nursing access, but thanks to the clever flange slits, this pumping bra doesn’t feel bulky. “It securely held my flanges in place while I pumped and was super simple to unlatch when it was time to nurse my baby,” Neuman says. Choose from several earth-toned color options for a pump bra that will be your new go-to in no time.

Material: 76% polyamide/24% spandex | Sizes: S to 3X | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, line dry

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Breastfeeding moms have plenty to do in the day as it is, so not having to change bras every time you want to nurse or pump is a huge plus. Enter: The Sublime Hands-Free Pumping and Nursing Bra from Kindred Bravely, a brand favored by 50 percent of our survey respondents. This style has two clip-down front layers: one that reveals flange slits to hold your pump parts in place and another that releases the fabric for easy nursing access. “This was one of my go-to pumping bras. While it was a tad bulky, the fabric was super soft and comfortable for all-day wear, and it provided fuller coverage than other bras,” says Neuman. “You can nurse in it, pump in it and wear it throughout the day, saving you tons of time and hassle!”

This bra has been designed for maximum support while still providing some stretch. Plus, the hook-and-eye back closure allows you to adjust the fit with ease. “This really is a comfortable bra—the fit is spot on for the sizing chart and while it’s not a sleeping bra it was comfortable enough to sleep in which is great for middle-of-the-night pumping,” Jaclyn, a Best of The Bump product tester and nursing mom, told us. What’s more, she noted that “the support, durability, and multi-functionality make this an excellent value for money.”

Material: 94% nylon/6% spandex (outer); 84% nylon/16% spandex (inner) | Sizes: S to 2X | Care instructions: Hand wash, line dry

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If all-day wear and coverage are important to you when choosing a pumping bra, look no further than this cropped cami from Davin & Adley. It’s a bit longer than a traditional bra, so it can be worn as a tank top or an undergarment, depending on your preferences. Either way, thanks to its 2-in-1 pumping- and nursing-friendly style, you can keep it on from morning until night.

This versatile cami is complete with two lightly lined layers. To pump, simply lift up the top layer to access the built-in pump liner, which has overlapped flange slits. For added support as you express, pull the top layer back over to support the flanges. Then, when it’s time to breastfeed, just pull down the neckline. The straps can be adjusted with one hand for added convenience. Another aspect that moms love about this pumping bra is how comfortable and supportive it is for a wide range of sizes. Even better, it comes in an array of neutral and fun colors, so you’re sure to find one that aligns with your personal style.

Material: 78% polyester/22% spandex (body); 80% nylon/20% spandex (lace); | Sizes: S to 3X Busty | Care instructions: Machine wash, line dry

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Pumping can be an around-the-clock job, so you’ll want a bra that’s easily accessible when it’s time to express—whether that’s when you’re super sleepy at the end of the day or in a hurry in the afternoon. This hands-free pumping bra from Simple Wishes stands out for this reason and plenty of others. Many moms love this style because of its stretchy cotton-spandex material and the front zipper. These features offer comfort and convenience, so you can zip it up and start pumping in no time.

You can count on the four-way layering support to ensure your flanges and bottles won’t budge. If needed, bra straps are included for additional support. Better yet, there’s no need to worry about size fluctuation with this one—the 11-inch adjustable back panel helps maintain an ideal fit over time. “I loved that I could find the perfect fit thanks to the adjustable Velcro band in the back—it gave me the gentle compression and flange support I needed while bumping without making me feel squished, and the front zipper made for easy on-off,” says Neuman. kel716, a member of The Bump community forums, agreed, saying: "I really like the fact that the Simple Wishes [bra] is adjustable. When mine was getting loose, I adjusted the Velcro and it's much better."

While this pump bra has a lot to offer, keep in mind that it can’t be used for nursing. As a result, it can’t be worn all day if you’re breastfeeding; you’ll need to change bras. However, Neuman says, “if you're looking for a dedicated pumping bra that offers supreme support and adjustability, this is it!”

Material: Cotton-spandex blend | Sizes: XS to L | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

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Some of the best pumping bra styles are simple and minimal while still being able to get the job done. Take the Momcozy Hands-Free Nursing & Pumping Bra, for example, the most affordable option in our roundup. The versatile design looks like a standard bralette, but it has a hidden layer for straightforward pumping access. The bra features a unique X structure, which allows you to easily set up your flanges while also keeping them firmly in place. This way, you can truly go hands-free without worrying about them moving during your session.

Moreover, this pumping bra can also be worn for breastfeeding, thanks to its clip-down nursing straps. So, if you’re looking for a basic bra that you can wear all day, this is sure to check all of the boxes on your list. You’ll also appreciate the super comfortable cotton style, which can be worn for sleeping as well. For a better fit, a bra extender is included. This pump bra is available in several neutral color options, so you can easily add it to your rotation. Best of all, this budget-friendly option won’t break the bank.

Material: 93% cotton/7% spandex | Sizes: S to XXL | Care instructions: Hand wash

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If you’ve already stocked up on nursing bras and don’t want to break the bank on separate styles for pumping, this is the option for you. Bravado Designs calls this a “hands-free nursing bra accessory”; it isn't a bra that can be worn by itself but is rather a clip-on design that can be attached to your go-to nursing bra. It features figure 8-style openings for straightforward breast shield insertion and to prevent spilled milk. These slits are reinforced with elastic to keep your bottles upright for optimal suction. What’s more, you’ll appreciate the breathable, comfortable fabric that’s ultra-stretchy and pill-resistant.

Whether you’re at home, at the office, traveling or anywhere in between, this pumping bra accessory securely attaches to your undergarment. This way, you can easily and discreetly express yourself without removing or undressing—convenience at its finest. This innovative accessory even allows you to pump on one side and breastfeed on the other. We’re obsessed, and so is The Bump community! britvahok, a member of The Bump forums, says: "I highly recommend the Bravado hands-free nursing bra. You can clip it on any nursing bra; it doesn't have to be a Bravado. I kept it packed in my work pumping bag." So, if you’re a mom who’s often on the go or who works outside of the house, this accessory is definitely a must-have.

Material: 49% organic cotton/32% Tencel modal/19% spandex | Sizes: S to XL | Care instructions: Machine wash, line dry

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Hot flashes are a common, unwelcome postpartum side effect. One potential solution is a cooling pumping bra to avoid discomfort when expressing in the middle of the night—just like this option from Ingrid + Isabel. The simple style is made with a technical nylon fabric that’s been infused with minerals for a natural cooling effect. This way, you can expect it to lower your body temperature when you’re flushed—plus, it will wick away moisture and dry fast to keep you comfortable. Other functional features this pumping bra has to offer include dropdown cups and openings for your pump flanges. Better yet, it can also be used for breastfeeding—how versatile!

Material: 66% cooling nylon/27% nylon/7% spandex | Sizes: S to XL | Care instructions: Hand wash cold, line dry

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