Nursing bras should operate the same as your favorite pre-baby bra: comfortable and supportive, with material that doesn’t make you want to rip it off before the end of the day. Nursing bras should be stretchy with easily adjustable straps to accommodate your breasts as they change sizes during different stages of breastfeeding. The right bra should also have easy-to-use clips on the front that allow you to quickly unhook the front panel to feed your baby. After testing 21 nursing and pumping bras over the course of four months, we evaluated each one for comfort level, how well it fit, ease of access, material quality, and support. Here are the best nursing bras to wear during your breastfeeding journey. The intentional design features straps that are adjustable in the front so you won’t have to twist and turn the bra to figure out the right positioning. Our tester appreciated the one-handed clasps that made unhooking the cup of the bra a fumble-free experience. While this bra is not designed to accommodate a traditional pump flange for a hands-free pumping session, Ashleigh was able to comfortably slide in her Elvie milk catchers. Despite it being wire-free, the bra is pretty supportive—an important feature if you plan on wearing it every day.  Testing Notes: “Because I ordered this while I was in my third trimester and planned on wearing it throughout my nursing journey, I ordered up a size. This worked well—I used the hook and eye closures to adjust the band as my body made its way back to a normal shape post-partum. The soft cotton material on the cups of the bra were comfortable and forgiving as my breasts fluctuated in size during the early months of nursing. And it’s still comfortable now that I’m in my eighth month of nursing, and my supply has decreased.” We clearly love this bra, but the only downside is that it is an investment when compared to the other options on our list.  Size Range: Small to X-Large | Material: 91% Pima cotton, 9% spandex | Price at time of publication: $68 Between nursing and pumping, our tester used this bra for eight months and raved about the silky, stretchy fabric and incredibly comfortable fit that made her breasts feel secure while keeping mastitis at bay. We rated the overall fit for this bra a 5, because our tester was able to wear it from the day her baby was born to the day she was ready to wean. Through all of the physical post-partum changes, the Do Anything bra was able to keep up. Testing Notes: “The clips are easy to clasp and unclasp, and the pumping access couldn’t be easier. Some people might prefer a double clip style nursing/pumping bra over this one, where the pumping access isn’t hidden by an extra layer of fabric, but I find the double clasp to be cumbersome.” While our tester loved the material of this bra, she noted that the silky texture could be problematic when it comes to absorbing a sudden let down or leaking drops of milk. Also, the convenient pumping slits aren’t hidden and the outlines can be seen through a thinner shirt. Size Range: Small to X-Large | Material: Non-toxic certified Italian OEKO-TEX fabric. 76% Polyamide, 24% Elastane | Price at time of publication: $58 Testing Notes: “This bra is an easy choice. It’s extremely comfortable, wallet friendly, and easy to use. This is a bra I will continue to wear after nursing!” Through it all, this bra did its job and was basically invisible underneath her clothes. Rating it a 5 for value, our tester noted that this nursing bra was so comfortable that she would wear it even after she is done nursing.  Size Range: Small to X-Large | Material: 96% Nylon, 4% Spandex | Price at time of publication: $25 Testing Notes: “One of my favorite features is that it has sewn-in, non-underwire cups. This means you don’t have to deal with bunching or fixing the cups after each feed.”  While the tester definitely felt that this bra was totally worth the hype circulating through her mommy groups, especially for the price point, the lower-quality material was a telltale sign of a budget pick. After wearing it for over eight hours, the signs of wear and tear were obvious. For short-term use, however, we still love this one for its stretch and seamless comfortable fit and think it’s inexpensive enough to stock up on a few to have on hand. Size Range: X-small to X-Large | Material: 92% Nylon, 8% Spandex | Price at time of publication: $17 Testing Notes: “Unlike many sleep bras, which are pullover style, this one has hook/clasp. Since I pump at night (before bed), this feature made it easy to take it off and switch it with a pumping bra.” While our tester rated this bra highly for its comfort and lounge-worthy material, it doesn’t offer much in the support department, which is why we rated a 2.5 for that attribute. But when it comes to sleeping, the more relaxed fit gives your breasts the space to move and shift while you toss and turn between feedings. Size Range: Small to X-Large | Material: OEKO-TEX 49% Viscose; 43% Micromodal; 8% Elastane | Price at time of publication: $48 The adjustable straps can convert into a racerback style, making a perfect bra to wear under tank tops. While the material is smooth overall, our tester noticed that the cups started to rise and move throughout the day, and the pads shifted and needed to be readjusted after nursing. Testing Notes: “The biggest perk is that while it has padding, it’s not super bulky. It’s very supportive and smooth (minimal lining and excess material). I tend to prefer bras that hug you in a bit more, and this does!”
We love that this everyday bra is available in sizes that can fit busts from 30B to 44I, and each bra comes with an expander, making it a size-inclusive option. Size Range: Small to XX-Large | Material: 75% Polyamide, 25% Spandex | Price at time of publication: $40 Testing Notes: “I used underwire nursing bras from other popular brands, and this was far superior (it’s also more expensive). The main reason is the fit—my breast fills the cup—no gaps, and no spilling over.” Our tester said the underwire worked for her and gave her a perky, lifted look that was attractive underneath her clothing. We rated this bra 5 out of 5 for fit and comfort, as our tester noted that her breasts sat comfortably in the cups without creating a gap or bunching. The smooth mesh also covered the underwire to prevent quintessential underwire poking. While she loved wearing this bra underneath blouses and dresses, it is hand-wash only, which is not very convenient for busy parents. Size Range: 32B to 38F | Material: 100% Nylon | Price at time of publication: $46 Testing Notes: “It is designed as a sports bra, but I wore it throughout the day—and even when sleeping. The stretch of the material and full coverage makes it very comfortable.” The Ingrid and Isabel nursing sports bra was the most comfortable out of all of the bras that our tester tried out for us. After testing this one for over three weeks, Hanna found herself wearing this bra during activities like going for walks and running, but she even found it comfortable enough to sleep in. One of the highest-rated bras in our test, it earned a 5 for comfort, material, and support. While testing this bra, she noted that the full coverage could be a negative for those who are likely to breastfeed in public. The entire front panel pulls down to allow for nursing access, which may feel like too much exposure for some.  Size Range: X-Small to X-Large | Material: 78% polyamide / 16% polyester / 6% elastane | Price at time of publication: $46 Testing Notes: “It’s the type of bra I’d want to wear on a long flight. And if you have to flash a bit of bra in public to breastfeed, it’s absolutely beautiful, thanks to the quality lace.” While the adjustable straps, removable padding, and stretchy lace help to create an overall supportive fit, we rated this bra a 3 for the support attribute, because our tester noted that the plastic adjuster piece would slide down the strap by the end of the day. This bra should only be hand-washed and hung to dry, which can be a big ask for nursing parents. Size Range: Small to 40H | Material: 51% cotton, 44% polyester, 5% elastane | Price at time of publication: $79 Testing Notes: “This bra is very cute and stylish, it was the only deep-V option. The lace details provides a more stylized look.” Our favorite parts of this bra are the moulded memory foam cups that cradle your breasts in comfort. Our tester loved the style, and she rated the material and comfort attributes a 4.5. However, the bra fell short in the support department. Despite having an extra clasp like a standard bra and a racerback option, the bra wasn’t as supportive for women with a larger bust.  Size Range: Small to X-Large | Material: 43% Viscose from bamboo, 27% Cotton, 25% Nylon and 5% Elastane | Price at time of publication: $55 4.5 to 4.7 stars: These nursing bras are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them. 4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great nursing bras, but others are better. 3.5 to 3.9 stars: These nursing bras are just average. 3.4 and below: We don’t recommend nursing bras with this rating; you won’t find any on our list.

What to Look for in Nursing Bras

Fit

Whether it is a nursing, sport, pumping, or everyday bra; the right fit is essential for someone breastfeeding. “If your bra is too tight, it could cause plugged milk ducts, mastitis, or a decrease in your milk supply,” Murray explains. On the flip side, if your bra has too much space, it will bunch up and be uncomfortable underneath your clothes. Since every bra brand has a slightly different method to their sizing, check out the sizing chart before buying. Take a peek at their return policy, just in case you need to swap one out for a larger or smaller size.

Material

Check the material of the bra, and try to choose one that is made with natural materials, like cotton. “Natural materials are absorbent and allow air to flow to your breasts. Synthetic materials can irritate your breasts and trap moisture,” Murray explains. Bras that have a bit of stretch mixed in can lend to a comfier fit as your breast size fluctuates through post-partum and nursing.

Design

Instead of an underwire bra, a soft cup bra will feel more comfortable for your day-to-day use. Murray says that the wire in an underwire bra can lead to problems like clogged ducts (a cause of mastitis), due to “pressure on the tissue at the base of your breast.” You may want to purchase a bra that you can easily open with one hand so that you can hold your baby without fumbling for a clasp underneath your shirt.

Quantity

Having at least two nursing bras will be helpful during your breastfeeding journey. While one is in the wash, you can always have one waiting in the wings, ready to wear. “Nursing bras can become soiled easily from leaking breast milk, sweating, or your baby’s spit-up and drool,” Murray shares. “Change your bra whenever it becomes dirty or wet, since moisture lying on your breasts for an extended amount of time can provide an optimal environment for the growth of bacteria or fungus," she says. “To avoid skin irritation, sore nipples, mastitis, or thrush, wear a clean, dry bra. Nursing pads or breast shells worn inside your bra can also help to keep your bra clean and dry.”

Why Trust Verywell Family

Latifah Miles is the former commerce editor at Verywell Family and has several years of experience shopping for the best products for parents and caregivers and their families. She thoroughly researches and analyzes products to find the best options on the market.