16 Best Maternity and Nursing Bras, Tested by Moms and Moms-to-Be

Exclusive offer from The Bump: Get 15 percent off sitewide when ordering direct from Kindred Bravely with the discount code KBBMP15.

The Bump takeaway: The Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime Nursing Bra is a Best of The Bump winner two years in a row for overall best nursing bra thanks to its supportive, comfortable fit that works well for a wide range of bust sizes.

Kindred Bravely is a perennial favorite brand among breastfeeding moms, as evidenced in our past four community surveys. And with bras on offer like the Simply Sublime Nursing Bra, it’s no wonder. Used by two different testers postpartum with two different bra sizes, the Simply Sublime excelled in comfort, fit and support.

“I would buy this product for myself simply for the comfort and the convenience,” enthuses Presley, who tested a size 36G at 7 weeks postpartum. Our smaller-chested tester Lauren agrees while also raving about the added perk of the nursing bra enhancing her bust and boosting her confidence.

Fit and support
The Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime is available in an extensive range of sizes (from S to 2X in regular, busty and super busty), each with a wide band that hugs the ribcage without causing any digging or chafing. Presley was especially impressed with the bra’s construction, and tells us the level of support it offered made her feel more “normal” during the postpartum period.

“This was the most supportive bra I own out of any of my nursing bras. I loved the thick band around the bottom and the additional clips in the back that it came with,” she praises. According to the new mom, the bra extender and adjustable straps made it simple to get the right fit straight away. “The flexible material also grew with me throughout the day and shrunk back after feedings,” adds Presley, meaning it could be worn for long stretches of time without discomfort, 24/7. “It truly went unnoticed all day.” Lauren agrees: “No underwire allows me to wear this bra all night with no irritation or uncomfortable sensations.”

Nursing access
For both mom testers, nursing in the Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime was simple. Presley found it easy to drop away the entire cup with just one hand for maximum skin-to-skin feeding, an important feature that ensures the bra won’t interfere with a baby’s latch, says lactation consultant Ferguson.

“[With bras that don’t have this feature], I have to tell many of my clients to push their bra down so it doesn't affect the baby to get a wide latch onto the breast,” she explains. Presley tells us she didn’t run into any issues when breastfeeding her 7-week-old in this. “The bra flaps folded down well, even with the padding in them, for a comfortable nursing session. I was able to get the bra and the baby into comfortable positions for everyone,” she says.

Unlike other nursing bras she’s used, Presley tells us her nipples didn’t stick to the fabric of this style at all after breastfeeding, which she thoroughly appreciated. And, Lauren adds, “It absorbed my letdown quite well, no leaking through my tank top.”

Material and care
The Simply Sublime bra is made from a super-stretchy blend of nylon and spandex that adapts to accommodate changes in cup sizes (and to accommodate wireless pumps) throughout your nursing journey. “The material is buttery soft and felt comfortable on my breasts,” affirms Lauren. “I have worn nursing bras that felt scratchy on the nipples and this bra felt much, much better.”

The Simply Sublime also proved a cinch to clean and care for. Both new moms confirm the nursing bra is “easy to wash,” though Presley does note that the “pads did move.” Still, they did not come out of the bra “which was a plus.” Lauren’s experience differed. “The pads stay put even without putting the bra in a mesh netting in the wash,” she tells us, which could be down to the smaller cup size (the new mom opted for a regular B-cup). In any case, both found the color stayed vibrant and neither could spot any wear and tear. However, while our testers put the nursing bra to the test on a gentle wash, Kindred Bravely recommends hand washing.

With its balance of comfort and nursing-friendly features, it’s no surprise that this nursing bra consistently ranks as one of the most popular bras among our testers and survey respondents. And for our testers the price point feels, well, on point. “For the durability and feel it is worth it,” says Presley. “It also seems like it will last a long time and also be a bra I wear even after nursing is over!"

Sizes: S to 2X (in regular, busty and super busty sizes) | Material: 90% nylon/10% spandex (for busty sizes); 93% nylon/7% spandex (for regular sizes) | Type of closure: Hook and eye | Nursing features: Clip-down cups | Care instructions: Hand wash, line dry

The Bump takeaway: The Auden Nursing Seamless Bra is the Best of The Bump winner for best budget-friendly nursing bra due to its effortless balance of affordability, support and all-day comfort that feels more high-end than its under-$20 price tag.

You don’t always need to spend more to get the functionality you need and want in a nursing bra. The Auden Nursing Seamless Bra was a consistent favorite among our survey respondents, many of whom had nothing but praise for this nursing bra that’s easy on the wallet. Selena, a pregnant mom, tells us: “I like this $16 bra more than the $48 bras I've purchased!”

Fit and support
The Auden bra, from Target’s in-house intimate wear line, also thoroughly impressed our tester Kara, who praised its support and fit. While you may expect a less expensive style to stretch out over time, Kara tells us that this top-rated nursing bra held up beautifully. “Unlike some other nursing bras that get looser throughout the day (or night), this one held its shape and support,” she gushes. “I loved the full coverage that it has, as I’ve struggled to find an affordable option that offers both coverage and support.”

Even though this bra is wireless, it has sewn-in cups to help keep everything in place. This bra offers excellent support, whether you’re nursing or pregnant. “I’ve been wearing it throughout my pregnancy to accommodate my changing breast size and provide support,” Selena shares.

Kara found adjusting the fit to be simple, which is an especially important feature when experiencing size fluctuations. “With the easily adjustable straps and multiple back clasp size options, it was very simple to have a nice fit. It wasn’t visible under clothes,” she says. One drawback she points out is the noticeable feel of the back clasps. “There was some itchiness in that area when worn for very long,” she reports, “but overall [it was] a very comfortable option.”

Nursing access
This affordable bra was also straightforward to breastfeed in. “The clip is very simple to undo for quick access for feeding my little one,” Kara tells us. “The straps stayed in place very well while nursing and it was very easy to get baby in a good position for nursing in this bra.”

Supportive, comfortable, convenient and affordable—the Auden Seamless Nursing Bra checks many boxes. Offering further proof, WildMagelet, a member of The Bump community forums, says, “I've been pretty much living in the Auden Seamless Nursing Bras for months.”

Sizes: XS to XL | Material: 92% nylon/8% spandex | Type of closure: Hook and eye | Nursing features: Clip-down cups | Care instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry

Our community says:

The Bump takeaway: With its ultra-soft micromodal OEKO-TEX-certified fabric, wireless design and stretchy support particularly suited to the changing needs of pregnancy, The Quince Micromodal Maternity & Postpartum Bralette is the Best of The Bump winner for best bra if you only want a maternity bra.

If you’re pregnant and searching for a maternity bra that’s designed solely for your changing pregnancy body and isn’t trying to combine that with nursing features, your options can feel weirdly limited. You’re sore, uncomfortable, fluctuating and you just need a supportive, cozy bra that grows with you. The Quince Micromodal Maternity & Postpartum Bralette stands out for its extremely soft and breathable fabric that has the flex to support your body as it changes not only over your pregnancy but also during a single day.

Our tester Isis was 38 weeks pregnant at the time of testing, and found that the bra gave her a comfortable level of medium support that worked well for at-home wear, lounging and sleeping without feeling overly restrictive—something that’s important at any point of pregnancy but especially when you’re heavily pregnant.

Comfort and support
The Quince maternity bra features a stretchy, gentle under-bust band for support. And because this pull-on bra is wireless and free from nursing clips, nothing will dig into your skin as you go about your day.

“For my current breast size and stage, it felt supportive enough to keep everything comfortably in place while still maintaining the soft, relaxed feel you expect from a lounge bra,” Isis says. “Compared to other wireless bras I’ve worn, this one offered better overall structure and stability without sacrificing comfort, especially through the band and straps.”

It’s worth noting, this is a lounge-style bra rather than offering shaping and sculpting. “Under clothing, the bra created a more casual shape than a traditional underwire bra,” explains Isis. “It did not provide intense sculpting, but it gave enough shaping and support to feel put together.”

Fit and flexibility
“I was quite happy with the available size options, as the sizing felt thoughtfully designed for comfort and flexibility during pregnancy/postpartum changes,” Isis tells us. “Once I selected my size, the bra fit my body and breast shape very well overall. The band sat securely without feeling overly tight, and the cups offered enough room and stretch.”

And it’s down to this wide supportive band that the bralette stays effortlessly in place, too, despite having the flexibility to move with your body. “I did not need to adjust the bra,” affirms Isis. “It maintained its shape and positioning nicely whether I was relaxing at home, moving around or sitting for extended periods,” she says.

Material and care
Isis also praises the bra’s blend of soft breathable 92 percent micromodal fabric, which kept her feeling cool throughout the day. “I experienced less overheating and sweatiness than I normally would with thicker synthetic bras or heavily padded styles,” she tells us. The fabric is also OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified, making it certified free from 1,000+ harmful substances, and as Isis says, “The materials felt very soft against the skin.”

Isis notes that washing and caring for the Quince didn’t require much attentiveness. “The bra was relatively easy to wash and did not feel like it required excessive special treatment beyond what I would normally do for bras with stretch fabrics,” she explains. “I was comfortable including it in a gentle or delicate wash cycle.”

Sizes: XS to XL | Material: 92% micromodal/8% spandex | Type of closure: Pull-on style | Nursing features: None | Care instructions: Machine wash cold

The Bump takeaway: Named Best of The Bump winner for best nursing sleep bra, the Cake Maternity Milk Bamboo Sleep Nursing Bra impressed our tester with its soft, breathable, stretchy design that skips wires and clips for light overnight support and easy pull-aside nursing access.

Whether you’re dealing with heavier-than-usual breasts that need overnight support or you prefer to wear nursing pads to catch leaking milk, a good sleep bra can be an expectant or nursing parent’s best friend. In fact, 48 percent of new moms who responded to our survey said they wore a nursing sleep bra. For a good sleep bra, you’ll want to look for two things: superior comfort that won’t disturb your rest, and, once you’re postpartum, easy access for middle-of-the-night feedings (so you don’t have to fumble around in the dark).

The Cake Maternity Milk Bamboo Sleep Nursing Bra is a pull-on style that delivers the support you need at night while being free of clips and underwire that can dig into your skin while you sleep. According to our tester Amanda, it also offered convenient nursing access during nighttime feeds of her newborn.

Fit and overnight support
The Cake Maternity nursing bra offers support through the help of a wide band, with built-in cups to provide extra coverage and containment. And Amanda, mom to an 8-week-old, found it to be comfortable enough to sleep in for long stretches without feeling restrictive around her ribs or shoulders. “I didn't notice any major rubbing, digging or pressure points while wearing it to sleep,” she shares.

The light support was also a strong match for overnight wear, giving her enough structure without the firmer feel you might want from a daytime bra. “The bra stayed in place well while sleeping and did a good job containing my breasts without constant adjusting,” she tells us, adding that the pads mostly stayed in place with very little bunching overnight. The cups also have concealed pockets for breast pads, which Amanda notes “helped hold nursing pads securely” and ultimately “helped prevent leaking through clothing and bedding during nighttime feeds.”

Nursing access
For overnight feeds, the Cake Maternity Milk Bamboo Sleep Nursing Bra keeps things simple. Instead of clip-down cups, it has a crossover design that can be pulled aside for nursing access—no fumbling around in the dark required.

“One of the best features was how easy it was to pull aside quickly for middle-of-the-night nursing sessions,” Amanda tells us. “Especially in the dark when you want minimal effort and fast access.”

Material and care
Amanda calls this nursing bra “very well made,” noting that the stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric was very comfortable, even as her breasts changed during the day with her milk supply. The fabric contains 75 percent bamboo derived from rayon, which is highly breathable and allows air to circulate freely. This cooling fabric can reduce night sweats and was appreciated by Amanda. “The bra breathed very well throughout the day and night,” she says.

Amanda also praises the bra’s easy care routine specifically, noting that it “fits well into a regular laundry routine”—a nice perk when you’re busy tending to a newborn. The fabric also “dried fairly quickly” compared to other nursing bras she has worn while staying soft and supportive after multiple washings.

“The quality and functionality matched my expectations, especially for something designed for frequent daily wear and overnight use,” Amanda shares. “It held up well with regular washing and use, which made it feel like a practical long-term purchase during breastfeeding.”

Sizes: S to XL | Material: 75% rayon from bamboo/18% nylon/7% spandex | Type of closure: Pull-on style | Nursing features: Pull-aside access | Care instructions: Machine wash cold

The Bump takeaway: The fan-favorite Embrace Lounge Nursing Bra takes home a Best of The Bump award for best nursing bra for lounging at home due to its ultra-stretchy, forgiving fabric and comfortable band that stays firmly in place without digging in, making it great for relaxing around the house.

The nursing bra you choose to wear around the house is likely different to the bra you’d prefer when out in public. The best nursing bra for lounging at home is soft and supportive, while still managing to be ultra-comfortable.

The Embrace Lounge Nursing Bra is renowned for its comfort and often sells out. It It certainly impressed our tester, Ashleigh, mom of a 4-month-old. “The Embrace Lounge Nursing Bra felt soft, breathable and genuinely comfortable for postpartum lounging, sleep and all day at-home wearing,” she says. “Between feeding my little one frequently, doing housework and holding contact naps, it provided gentle lift and light support without ever feeling restrictive.”

Fit and support
Embrace’s bra isn’t designed to lift or separate, but it’s more supportive than a bra you’d sleep in—though Ashleigh says she slept in it several times. “It provided gentle support while keeping everything securely in place,” she points out. “There's nothing worse than waking up and having your boob outside of your bra.”

A large part of this comes down to the brand's decision to combine band and soft-cup sizing, which makes the nursing bra all the more accommodating to breast changes throughout the day—and not just the postpartum stage. “I think Embrace's sizing method is smart and effective because it leaves room for ‘error’,” explains Ashleigh. “As long as you're around the size you choose, it should fit.” And what’s more, “the fit felt more comfortable and forgiving than many structured nursing bras I’ve tried, especially during engorgement.” Plus, Ashleigh says the band stays firmly in place without digging in, making it a strong option for slower postpartum days at home.

Nursing access
Ashleigh found the one-handed nursing clip easy to use. “Once you have a feel for the clips, you can mindlessly clip and unclip,” she says. The bra also stayed secure during feeds, and the soft, stretchy fabric made it easy to position baby without feeling restrictive.

The new mom tells us that the clip design provides enough access for a comfortable latch while still maintaining some coverage and privacy. It handled light leakage well, and the fabric was thick enough that she didn’t feel exposed after removing the pads.

“Overall, the bra felt supportive, practical and very easy to use for everyday nursing,” she shares. “I would consider it one of my favorite nursing bras now and I even used my portable pumps with it.”

Material and care
The bra’s micromodal-spandex material is a big perk, too. “The material felt very smooth and soothing against my skin, especially on more sensitive nursing days when even light friction can feel irritating,” Ashleigh says. While she says the fabric was breathable and lightweight, she did notice some underboob sweat when she was active (the fabric was thick enough to cover it, though).

The design of the bra leans more toward functional than sexy, but it proved its durability during testing. “Overall, the bra felt well made and able to handle regular wear and frequent washing without losing shape or comfort,” Ashleigh concludes.

Sizes: S to XXL | Material: 85% micromodal/15% spandex | Type of closure: Hook and eye | Nursing features: Clip-down cups | Care instructions: Machine wash cold

The Bump takeaway: Torrid’s Dream Wire-Free Lightly Lined Nursing Bra is the Best of The Bump award winner for best plus-size wire-free nursing bra for its supportive, comfortable wireless fit that is easy to tweak, non-constricting and specifically designed for plus-size women—with a pretty lace trim to top it off.

Produced by a brand that makes apparel and bras specifically for plus-size women, the Torrid Dream Wire-Free Nursing Bra is a standout style that goes up to size 50DD. Nina, our plus-size product tester and mom of a 5-month-old, says this is one of the best-fitting bras she owns. “It [didn’t] constrict me at all, which was nice because some bras kind of make me want to rip them off at the end of the day,” she shares.

Fit and support
For added comfort and support, a wide side band provides lift, while the lightly lined cups keep everything separated and in place. Plus, the adjustable bra straps make it “pretty easy to get the right fit,” Nina says. Meanwhile, the bra’s patented ballet back design creates an attractive silhouette, which Nina also appreciated. “I think it gives me a nice smooth look underneath my clothing, especially my T-shirts that I wear to work,” she tells us.

Nursing access
Nina was also impressed with how simple it was to breastfeed in this bra because of its easy-access drop-down clips. “This bra was perfect for nursing and so easy to use while out and about,” she praises. “I loved how easy it was to clip and unclip and how quickly I could do it. My baby loved that part too.” Whether she was feeding her 5-month-old or pumping, Nina said it was simple to re-clip the straps with one hand.

Material and care
Another quality that stood out to Nina during testing was the silky fabric, which is a brushed microfiber knit. “The fabric feels high-quality, especially because it’s so soft and it seems to hold its shape while still being flexible,” she says. “It kind of reminds me of the bamboo pajama-type fabric on the outside—that’s the kind of softness it is.”

That quality held up in the wash, too, with Nina able to place the bra in a regular wash alongside her underwear, tank tops and loungewear. “I definitely think it’s built to last, [particularly] because it washes up really nice. I think this is one of the better nursing bras I’ve used—and I’ve tried many different brands.”

Sizes: 38C to 50DD | Material: 79% nylon/21% spandex | Type of closure: Hook and eye | Nursing features: Clip-down cups | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, line dry

The Bump takeaway: With its specialized sizing, the Thirdlove Organic Cloud Cotton Wireless Nursing Bra is the Best of The Bump winner for best wire-free nursing bra for smaller band and large cups due to its sizing versatility, firm supportive band and forward-projecting cups that helped our tester avoid side spillage.

If you have larger breasts but require a smaller band, you’ve probably come across this dilemma: Many bras designed to fit larger-chested women are plus-size, but these two things don’t always overlap. As a result, you can end up with a bra that just doesn’t fit right.

The Thirdlove Organic Cloud Cotton Wireless Nursing Bra offers specialized sizing to help moms find the band and cup size that work best for them. The band is firm and supportive, while the cups project forward to avoid side spillage. Fully adjustable straps also enhance the custom fit.

Fit and support
A big perk of the Thirdlove Organic Cloud Cotton Wireless Nursing Bra is its specialized Precision Size offering. This allows you to plug in your cup size and band size separately to get a better sense of where you fall on the sizing spectrum. The result is a customizable fit that raises the odds you’ll feel good in this bra, like our tester Alyssa, mom to a 5-month-old.

“This bra provided a surprisingly good amount of support and coverage, given that it is wireless and dare I say, comfortable!” she says. “I have been accustomed to other nursing bras that lacked support and tended to sag as the day went on.” Alyssa has a 32 band and D1/2 cup size, which has made it challenging in the past to find bras that work. But she found the Thirdlove bra fit her "perfectly,” even with fluctuations in her bust size during the day. There was also no tightness or gaps.

Nursing access
The clip-down cups make this bra easy to use for nursing, though Alyssa did find them more manageable with two hands than one. That’s worth noting if one-handed access is a top priority for you, especially when you’re holding baby. While Alyssa would be wary of using this nursing bra to nurse discreetly around others, she loves it for more private, at-home moments. “I will continue to use this bra, even if I struggle a bit with the hook, given how great the comfort and support levels are,” she explains.

Material and care
Alyssa praises the bra’s soft, breathable organic cotton material, too, noting that it kept its shape after repeated uses. The fabric also helped the bra feel more elevated than many purely functional nursing bras. “I would not consider this bra to be sexy, but I did find it to be tailored and made my outfits look less frumpy,” she says. “The gentle lift did make me feel more confident and a bit like my old self.” Overall, she calls this a “practical but also sophisticated bra.”

Sizes: XS to XL+ | Material: 93% organic cotton/7% spandex | Type of closure: Hook and eye | Nursing features: Clip-down cups | Care instructions: Hand wash

The Bump takeaway: Underwire bras can feel restrictive and uncomfortable, but the Cake Maternity Timtams Nursing Bra earned its Best of The Bump award for best underwire nursing bra for large breasts thanks to its flexible underwire with graduated strength that offers plenty of support for a range of large cup sizes.

Many women have a love-hate relationship with underwire bras. While they can provide plenty of lift and support, they’re not always the most comfortable option. The Cake Maternity Timtams Nursing Bra is specifically designed for women with large breasts. It starts at size D and ranges all the way up to N—the highest cup size offered out of all the bras we tested. But the underwire is also something special.

“With larger breasts, flexi-wire bras can be a good option if you want a bra that will provide a little extra shape and support for going out or wearing to work functions,” explains lactation consultant Ferguson. The Timtams Nursing Bra features a flexible, graduated wire designed to support, lift and shape your bust—and the wire gets stronger as the cup size increases. It’s designed to deliver a support level that’s directly proportional to your measurements.

Fit and support
The Cake Maternity Timtams Nursing Bra is thoughtfully designed with fluctuations in mind. The hook-and-eye closure is complete with six levels (many other bras only offer five or fewer), making it easy to adjust the band to meet your changing body. According to our tester Savannah, “bras that fit are hard to find for me in general, especially while nursing. I loved how easily the straps adjusted and how it made me look in clothes.”

You can select your cup and band size separately to ensure the best fit. Savannah was very impressed with this bra. “This is the most supportive nursing bra I’ve ever worn,” she says. “With a larger bust, it’s so hard to find a bra that fits well, is easy to nurse in and provides the support I need. This bra exceeded all of my expectations.”

Nursing access
Savannah praises the clip-down access forr being quick and easy to use, which she and baby both loved. She found the access simple and discreet enough to nurse out of the home. “This bra was perfect for nursing and so easy to use while out and about,” she says.

Material and care
The Timtams Nursing Bra is also stylish to boot. “Most bras I’ve tried in my size in general are far from cute,” Savannah tells us, but this Cake Maternity option was definitely an exception. “I loved the lace and the dangling jewel in the center. It’s so hard to feel cute in those fresh postpartum days, especially while breastfeeding,” she shares. “I feel like this bra gave me a confidence boost.”

The trade-off is that this nursing bra requires a little more careful laundering than some others on our list. You’ll need to hand-wash it cold to help preserve the fabric, shape and underwire structure and hang dry. That said, with the right wash bag, it is machine safe. For our tester, the extra care (and dollars) are worth it. “I feel like other nursing bras I’ve tried, the brands have skimped when it comes to quality, especially in larger sizes. Cake Maternity did NOT.”

Sizes: 32D to 42N | Material: 37% cotton/36% nylon/17% polyester/10% spandex | Type of closure: Hook and eye | Nursing features: Clip-down cups | Care instructions: Hand wash cold

The Bump takeaway: The Bravado Designs Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra wins best supportive wire-free nursing bra for large breasts thanks to its knit-in support zones and fabric inner sling that provide wireless lift, support and structure for big cup sizes without sacrificing comfort.

If you’re looking for a highly supportive bra for large breasts but want to avoid an underwire, the popular Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra by Bravado Designs features knit-in support zones and a fabric inner sling that provide lift and structure. This is designed to give support without the discomfort underwire can cause.

Our product tester Danae, a nursing mom who wears a 36DDD bra, praised its wireless support. “This bra manages to support without feeling restrictive and tight,” she tells us, adding, “The bra is not tight, no spillage—it’s like I was wearing nothing.”

Fit and support
The Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra comes in regular sizing and a plus option that has a more supportive inner sling and additional knit-in zones for bigger cup sizes. Available in Small to XXL Plus sizing, which is the equivalent of an F cup. For larger cup sizes up to K, Bravado offers the Body Silk Seamless Extended Cup Nursing bra, $50, which has reinforced knit-in zones around the cups and back, plus a U-shaped inner sling, for additional support.This flexibility made it a standout across a variety of body types in The Bump community forums. As user Jessie55 shares: “They were the only bras that fit me when I was engorged. What's great [about] them is that they fit a range of sizes, which is perfect since you don't know how big you will get.” Another forum member Aloe0l, says, “I really, really love my Bravado Body Silk bra. It has a ton of room to grow [because] I know I’ll swell at least another size, but it's supportive enough for these heavy things that I don't feel uncomfortable wearing it to work either."

Nursing access
This clip-down bra features the brand’s signature “B” clips, which can be opened one-handed. Danae found them “easy to undo,” and the clips are tested to hold up to 25 pounds. The cups drop away fully for easy access and skin-to-skin contact, while still offering reliable support. It’s no surprise that many forum members report owning more than one.

Material and care
The soft, seamless fabric was another standout. Danae described the bra as “very soft and extremely comfortable” and says she was “very impressed” by the quality. It became an everyday bra for her, which says a lot for a nursing bra designed to balance support, stretch and comfort.

The bra is machine-washable and line dry only, which is practical for regular use. Danae’s only style note was that she would have liked more basic color options, but otherwise found the bra comfortable enough to reach for again and again.

Sizes: S to L-EC | Material: 90% nylon/10% spandex | Type of closure: Hook and eye | Nursing features: Clip-down cups | Care instructions: Machine wash, line dry

Our community says:

The Bump takeaway: The Nyssa Fourthwear Bralette bundle won a Best of The Bump award for best nursing bra for painful breasts thanks to its soft fabric and specialized hot and cold packs that slide in, allowing you to ease discomfort, pain and swelling while still going about your day.

Your breasts go through a lot of physical changes during pregnancy and nursing, making it more than understandable that you'll experience some pain at some point. Even worse, mastitis is always a risk when you’re nursing. The Nyssa Fourthwear Bralette is designed to lend a soothing but practical hand when you’re struggling with mastitis, swelling or general soreness.

Hot/cold relief
Mindy Cockeram, IBCLC, a lactation consultant, has helped many new moms who are nursing while grappling with mastitis. “I often encourage women to go without a bra if the breast is quite tender, but in general a breathable fabric without compression or underwire is the best option,” she says. The Nyssa Fourthwear Bralette strikes this balance while also offering specialized spaces to insert hot or cool packs to ease breast discomfort, allowing you to go hands-free while getting relief.

Our tester Enea, mom to a 3-month-old, says that the hot and cold packs are the “perfect size” for breast issues. “I love how I can tuck them in the bra and relax, allowing my hands to be free,” she says, adding that she wishes she’d had this bra when she was going through mastitis.

Fit and support
The relief packs may be the headline feature, but the bra itself also performed well in testing across fit, support and comfort. Enea, who usually wears a 38DDD and tested an XL, found the support “amazing” for her larger chest. “I've never had a bra fit me so well and be so comfortable,” she enthuses. “It fits me great when my breasts are full and after feeding, adapting perfectly.” And our tester reported zero rolling or scrunching. “It's super stretchy but snug enough to keep everything in place.”

Nursing access
Enea says the Nyssa Fourthwear Bralette is a great everyday nursing bra, not just good for when you're struggling. Instead of clips or clasps, it uses a pull-aside design for nursing access. “I love how easy and convenient the bra makes breastfeeding,” the new mom tells us. “[It’s] super easy to slide the bra to the side and breastfeed.”

Material and care
The nursing bra’s seamless design was another major win for Enea, creating a nice silhouette under fitted clothes. It’s also breathable and soft, making it a good fit for everything from sleep and lounging to running errands outside the house. “This bra has easily become my favorite bra for breastfeeding,” Enea says.

She praises the bra’s “buttery soft” fabric and its straightforward care instructions. “I didn’t feel like the bra needed overly delicate care. I was able to include it in a regular wash on a gentle cycle and let it air dry after,” she tells us. “After washing, the bra kept its shape, stretch and support really well and didn’t lose that soft buttery feel. This is definitely my go-to bra now.”

Sizes: XXS/XS to 3X/4X | Material: 85% recycled polyester/15% spandex | Type of closure: Pull-on | Nursing features: Pull-down | Care instructions: Machine wash cold.

The Bump takeaway: The soft, breathable Embrace Luxe Nursing Bra is our pick for best nursing bra for sensitive breasts thanks to its sustainable plant-based fabric that’s hypoallergenic and gentle, so it won’t irritate sensitive breasts even more.

It’s very common to experience breast tenderness and sensitivity during nursing and pregnancy, due to fluctuating hormone levels, and a time when you look to your bra to provide some relief. The Luxe Nursing Bra is made of super-soft MicroModal fabric that’s sourced from sustainable, plant-based materials. It’s also OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified and hypoallergenic, and its seamless stitching and tag-free design help to avoid any potential skin irritation or digging caused by round-the-clock wear.

Fit and comfort
Our tester, Pascale, mom of a 6-week-old, loved how comfortable the bra felt. Describing her breasts and nipples as “very sensitive,” she raved about the bra’s all-day comfort, which, in her opinion “is due to the softness of the material. It didn't irritate my skin at all, nor did I feel any chafing anywhere.” The bra also features four cushioned, adjustable back hooks and plush straps to ensure a proper fit while avoiding any possibility of rubbing.

Pascale found the bra balanced comfort with support, noting that the comfort of the bra didn’t interfere with its lift. “I wore it during the day and overnight, and I never felt any constriction or compression, even after such a long period of time. I even wore it while using my wearable breast pumps, and in terms of holding them in place, it surpassed by far anything else I own,” she enthuses.

Nursing access
When it was time to nurse baby, Pascale was able to unstrap the bra easily. “Unclipping and clipping it back up was easily done one-handed while holding a wriggly newborn in the other arm, and none of my preferred nursing positions were hindered by the bra,” she reports.

Style and care
The Embrace Luxe doesn’t look like your average breastfeeding bra, which Pascale wholeheartedly appreciated. In particular, she was a fan of the stitching on each cup (which she said added definition to the area), the delicate scallop-edge trim and the basic yet on-trend color options. “It covered the necessary bits, but gave a lot more cleavage than most of my other bras and that was so refreshing!” Pascale praises.

It’s fully machine-washable too, so you can toss it in with your usual load of laundry. As Pascale says, this is a bra that you’ll hold on to for years to come, even when you’re no longer breastfeeding.

Sizes: XS/S to XXL | Material: Micromodal | Type of closure: Hook and eye | Nursing features: Clip-down cups | Care instructions: N/A

Exclusive offer from The Bump: Get 10 percent off sitewide when ordering direct from Momcozy with the discount code AFTBUMP10.

The Bump takeaway: Designed to help you stay as cool as possible, the Momcozy CoolFit Nursing Bra is our Best of The Bump winner for best nursing bra for reducing sweatiness thanks to its breathable, stretchy fabric and mesh ventilation that tamp down on clamminess.

Boob sweat is going to happen, whether you’re nursing or not. But some bras can make you feel even hotter, creating more of an issue than there needs to be. The Momcozy CoolFit Nursing Bra - Ultra Stretch is designed to keep you comfortable, even on hot days. Made from 92 percent viscose, the highly breathable bra provides plenty of lift while keeping you cool.

The airy, elastic mesh fabric is designed to provide a lot of stretchiness, reducing that sweaty compressed feeling after several hours of wearing. Tester Lizbeth lives in a hot California climate and says this bra felt breezy on. “The fabric is very breathable,” she says, noting that the cups felt nice and stretchy, too. “The bra is definitely breathable and comfortable in any type of weather,” she says.

Fit and support
Lizbeth praises the supportive feel of the bra. “It keeps everything in place,” she says, adding that the fit is “nice and secure.” However, the new mom cautions that it is a nursing bra that takes time to ‘break in.’ “The comfort gets better every hour and every day of wearing,” she reassures, though it initially felt restrictive. She puts this down to the sizes running small but is quick to praise how snug her breasts felt and the perks of simple sizing. Overall? “No complaints on the fit!” she shares. “Comfortable to wear even with mastitis because it’s not tight.”

The Momcozy bra is more functional than sexy, but Lizbeth says she appreciates the neutral shades. “It’s classic and chic,” she says. Still, Lizbeth notes that the bra helps lift and shape her breasts. “This is a style I would wear pre-pregnancy and postpartum,” she says.

Nursing access
The Momcozy bra has clip-down cups for nursing access, which Lizbeth found were easy to unbuckle and refasten. “I can do it one-handed in public, in the car, at home, anywhere,” she tells us. “Super easy. Enough room for access & privacy!” The bra also handled leakage well during testing. Lizbeth says the milk stayed in the bra rather than leaking onto her shirt, which made it feel more discreet. “I appreciate a good bra that holds in the milk and doesn’t make it noticeable to others by leaking onto my shirt,” she adds.

Material and care
Beyond its cooling design, the Momcozy bra also impressed Lizbeth with its overall quality. She described the fabric as “soft and buttery smooth,” with the most stretch in the cups, and said the seamless stitching and finish made the bra feel more premium than others she’s tried. “The quality felt luxurious,” she says. “It’s beautiful and flows together perfectly without showing where a stitch starts and ends.”

Care was straightforward, too. Lizbeth opted for a cold wash and says the bra cleaned well, with “no damage or strings coming out.” It also dried faster than many bras she’s owned, taking about half a day to air dry, while the built-in cup structure stayed intact. “No underwire or pads in cups—all built-in and it stayed wonderful,” she says.

Sizes: S to 3XL | Material: 92% viscose, 8% spandex | Type of closure: Hook and eye | Nursing features: Clip-down cups | Care instructions: Hand wash or machine wash cold

The Bump takeaway: The Bodily The Effortless Bra is our Best of The Bump pick for best nursing bra if you don’t like wearing bras thanks to its barely-there feel, crop-top-like design and easy pull-down nursing access.

If bras have never been your thing, it can feel frustrating and annoying to suddenly need to wear them while you’re pregnant or nursing. After all, skipping the bra can raise the risk of soreness and leaks, which are added stressors you just don’t need to deal with right now.

The Bodily The Effortless Bra helps to bridge the gap between a lounging bra and a sleep bra to give you support without feeling overly restrictive. It has hook-and-eye fixtures in the back for that just-right fit, but also delivers a crop-top look that most women, even those who prefer to go braless, can live with.

Fit and support
Our tester Jessica says she veered more toward bralettes or going braless before having her baby, but appreciated the combination of support and comfort that The Effortless Bra delivered. “It felt supportive enough for everyday postpartum wear, lounging around the house and sleeping, without feeling restrictive or too compressive,” she says. “Compared to other lounge nursing bras I’ve tried, this one felt a little more elevated and supportive while still keeping that barely-there comfort.”

Jessica says the band felt secure without digging in, and she didn’t notice any uncomfortable tightness after wearing the bra for several hours. “I also really liked the straps because they were supportive without feeling bulky on my shoulders,” she says. That said, it’s worth noting that the barely-there design won’t be supportive enough for every breast size. Our larger-chested second tester Katelyn, who wore a 38F, found the support, lift and coverage were lacking for her chest size, although it was incredibly comfortable. “It’s a fantastic option for someone with a small or medium-sized chest,” she tells us. “But in my experience, it falls a bit short for larger chests.”

Nursing access
The pull-down style was intuitive with Jessica saying she could easily manage the process one-handed. “It gave enough access for comfortable feeding without feeling too exposed, and I liked that the soft, stretchy fabric made it easy to get my baby into a good feeding position quickly,” she says. Katelyn agrees. “[It’s] incredibly easy to use for nursing. Since it doesn’t have clips, I just pull the cups down, which gives great access even while holding my baby,” she tells us. Both moms found that the bra and straps stayed secure during feeds, with neither feeling the need to constantly readjust.

Material and care
Jessica praises the “extremely comfortable” viscose-micromodal blend fabric, noting that it had a barely-there feel. “Even after wearing it all day, it stayed comfortable and I never had that feeling of wanting to rip it off at the end of the day like I do with some bras postpartum,” she says.

Washing proved simple with straightforward machine-washing instructions. “I found this bra really easy to care for overall, which is important because postpartum laundry already feels nonstop,” explains Jessica. “I was able to wash it with my regular laundry without needing to do anything overly delicate, and it cleaned up really well after everyday wear, nursing, and occasional milk leakage.” Overall, both moms praise the nursing bra for feeling high-quality and comfortable—even after multiple washes. “It honestly exceeded my expectations in terms of softness and comfort,” Jessica says.

Sizes: S to XL | Material: 49% viscose, 43% micromodal, 8% spandex | Type of closure: Hook and eye | Nursing features: Pull-down | Care instructions: Machine wash, line dry

Exclusive offer from The Bump: Get 15 percent off sitewide when ordering direct from Kindred Bravely with the discount code KBBMP15.

The Bump takeaway: With its four-way stretch fabric and racerback style, The Kindred Bravely Sublime Low Impact Nursing Sports Bra provides effective support for low-impact activities, while moisture-wicking material keeps you cool and comfortable, making it the Best of The Bump winner for best nursing sports bra for low-impact activities.

Low-impact exercise—like restorative yoga sessions and easy walks—is a great way to stay active throughout pregnancy and the fourth trimester. When doing so, a maternity or nursing sports bra with moisture-wicking fabric and a supportive design to keep everything in place as you move can come in handy, lactation consultant Pascual tells us.

The Kindred Bravely Sublime Low Impact Nursing Sports Bra is designed with breathable, performance fabric that offers moderate, wireless support with removable foam padding. As a result, you may find it provides the right coverage from your downward-facing to upward-facing dog.

Fit and support
The racerback design and pullover style make the Sublime Nursing Sports Bra simple to put on, but it also offers optimal comfort since it’s free from itchy back clasps and hooks. The lightweight material is moisture-wicking and is designed with a four-way stretch, to reduce that feeling of tight sweatiness after activity.

According to our product tester Nadia, this bra “fits really well and can be adjusted in the places that I needed to adjust.” She also liked the shaping of the bra under clothes. “It looks good under a shirt. Didn’t do too much of the uniboob thing that some sports bras do.”

Nursing access
While it’s ideal for low-impact exercise, crucially the Kindred Bravely sports bra worked well for Nadia when nursing, although it didn’t prove a one-handed process.“The hooks mostly require two hands to clip or unclip for nursing, which is tough when you’re also holding a newborn baby,” notes Nadia. But, she adds, once it is unclipped, it comes down easily for nursing access.

Nadia’s experience differed from the moms we surveyed, who found unclipping far more intuitive. “[It’s] easy to unclip one-handed,” says McKenzie, a mom of two who bought the nursing sports bra in her second trimester, adding that it also has “decent support.”

Where the Kindred Bravely Sublime Nursing Sports Bra really stands out isa reliable support for new moms getting back into their low-impact fitness routines. “It’s a great nursing sports bra,” affirms Nadia. “But also just a really comfortable sports bra overall.”

Sizes: S to 2X | Material: 92% nylon/8% spandex | Type of closure: Pull-on style | Nursing features: Clip-down cups | Care instructions: Hand wash, line dry

Our community says:

The Bump takeaway: Sweat & Milk’s Océane 2 Medium Support Nursing Sport Bra is the Best of The Bump winner for best nursing sports bra for medium-impact activities thanks to its four-way stretch, breathable and anti-bacterial fabric, plus comfort and one-handed clips that make nursing as easy as a non-sports bra.

If you’re a fan of Pilates, hiking or any similar medium-impact workout, you’ll need a design that offers a little more support and stability than most standard nursing bras, without compromising on comfort. Our active tester, Ashleigh, mom of a 6-month-old, found the Sweat & Milk Océane 2 Medium Support Nursing Sport Bra gave her just the right amount of support when power-walking and stair-climbing. “From the first wear, this was a bra I found exceptionally comfortable. It offered a gentle fit that remained consistent throughout the day, with no tightness or irritation,” says tester. Ashleigh, mom of a 6-month-old.

Fit and support
The Océane 2 features anti-bacterial fabric with a four-way stretch that helps to give you the room to move while still feeling supported. “It held everything in place without feeling too tight or too loose,” says Ashleigh, who found it “just right” for support when exercising. The unusual crisscross back is designed to give a feeling of even more movement and flexibility, although Ashleigh did find this made strap adjustment a little harder.

To accommodate size fluctuations, the Océane 2 has six rows of hook-and-eye closures. “This nursing sports bra fit my body well and felt like it was designed with postpartum bodies and changing breast shapes in mind,” observes Ashleigh. “I’ve often struggled to find both nursing and non-nursing bras that fit comfortably, especially with fluctuating breast size, but this bra did a great job in terms of fit and adjustability.”

Nursing access
The Océane 2 performed exceptionally well as a breastfeeding bra during testing. It features one-handed clips that Ashleigh found as sturdy as they are easy to unclip and reclip while holding her baby. “Honestly, it worked just as well as any nursing bra that isn't a sports bra,” she tells us, adding that “the access they provided made nursing simple and discreet. The bra and straps stayed securely in place during feeds, offering good support without slipping.”

Material and care
The Océane 2’s ultra-soft Lux Tech fabric made an immediate impression on Ashleigh. “It felt soft yet durable, with a premium, breathable fabric that held up well during exercise and nursing,” she tells us. “Compared to other nursing bras I’ve worn, this one stood out for its thoughtful construction and athletic-level durability.”

Although the material didn’t rub or chafe, Ashleigh didn’t find it as moisture-wicking as she would have hoped. Still, the bra’s strappy, racerback-style helped minimize any sweat-induced discomfort during her workouts. And ease of cleaning was a highlight. “I was able to toss it in a standard wash with other clothes on a gentle cycle,” she tells us. “Any light stains, such as milk spots or sweat marks, came out easily with regular detergent.”

Overall, she was impressed by how well the bra combined functionality with a flattering, stylish design, noting: “It’s earned a permanent place in my drawer.”

Sizes: XS to XXL | Material: 92% polyamide/8% spandex | Type of closure: Hook and eye | Nursing features: Clip-down cups | Care instructions: Machine wash, lay flat to dry

The Bump takeaway: Although not specifically designed for nursing, the SHEFIT Ultimate Sports Bra earns the Best of The Bump award for best nursing sports bra for high-impact activities due to its firm support, durable material, zipper design and highly adjustable fit.

When taking on workouts like HIIT sessions, running or CrossFit, you need the highest level of support, with a bra made of firmer materials and more padding. But it’s not easy to find a high impact sports bra that also enables nursing. Indeed, we’ve chosen a non-nursing bra for this category, but one that offers firm support while enabling nursing.

According to Ferguson, moms looking for high-impact nursing sports bras should prioritize “wide bands that keep pressure off the shoulders and allow for more support.” The SHEFIT Ultimate Sports Bra High Impact offers a 2-inch band and boasts thoughtful features that deliver plenty of support while delivering on nursing needs, including Velcro straps that can be adjusted to accommodate size fluctuations and the zippered front allowing for on-demand nursing, too.

Fit and support
Right away, our product tester Mia tells us that she was pleasantly surprised by the support level the bra provided during her workouts and jogs. “I found the bra to be very supportive and comfortable against my skin. I appreciated its snug fit, yet it also offered enough flexibility for movement,” she shares. This is a result of the bra’s two-way stretch fabric and wire-free seams, both of which work to deliver structure without being rigid.

The SHEFIT Ultimate Sports Bra is available in a wide range of sizes, from A to I cups, and many reviews praise the ability of the bra to reduce bounce even in big sizes. The bra is also highly customizable. You can switch styles between H-back and X-back straps, the Velcro shoulder straps also offer 15 inches of lift, while the rib band can be adjusted by up to eight inches. “I found it easy to adjust, and I appreciated the Velcro straps on the back and shoulders,” Mia tells us. “The fit remained consistent between feeds.”

Nursing access
While not designed expressly for nursing, the front zipper allows for straightforward breast access. Mia praised the design and pointed out that “the little hooks that secure it [make] zipping much easier,” which proved convenient when nursing her twins. However, the zip opening did leave her feeling a bit exposed when nursing.

Material and quality
Mia wished the nylon mesh fabric was a bit softer, especially when her nipples were sore post-breastfeeding, but overall, she was a fan of how it held everything in place. She was also impressed by the bra's quality. “The stitching is impeccable, and the material feels durable and of high quality,” she says.

Sizes: XS to 6Luxe | Material: 88% nylon/12% spandex (liner); 100% polyester (shell); 86% nylon/14% spandex (PowerMesh) | Type of closure: Hook and eye | Nursing features: Zipper front | Care instructions: Hand wash, lay flat to dry