Nursing bras may very well be the most challenging kind of bra to buy. They have to fit and support just right at a time in life when your size is a moving target and your stress level is dialed up to eleven.
The solution is deceptively simple: Whenever possible, choose a nursing bra from your favorite go-to brand. “You already know you like how they’re made, and you know it’s going to work for your body,” says Heather Viskovic, Bare Necessities maternity buyer and mother of two.
This World Breastfeeding Week 2019, Heather is sharing her picks for the best nursing bras. She recommends picking up two or three to start using in the third trimester, when breasts really swell. Then wear them for as long as you need or want to postpartum: “When a bra is well-made and comfortable, you might even wear it after you stop nursing, like I did.”
These new-mom must haves look good, feel good, are easy to use (even in the dead of night) and wash well. You and baby both should be able to get behind these picks.
Heather says: Heather’s personal favorite is this thin, light, breathable spacer foam-lined underwire. “It’s fully adjustable, which is so important for bringing your boobs back up where they belong after your milk lets down,” she says. Heather also likes how the rigid side panels meet the mesh wings for strength or stretch where you need it. Pretty touches, like soft stretch lace trim and ruched straps with a brushed backing, remind you that you can still have nice things.
Size range: bands 30-40, U.K. cups D-HH
Moms say: “I love this bra. With pregnancy and nursing, I went up three cup sizes, and it hasn’t been easy finding a good bra. It fits great, is true to size and gives good support. I love that it looks and feels like a regular bra. Much more attractive than the average nursing bra, too.” –Alejandra
Heather says: “This bra is all about buttery softness, from the featherweight spacer foam cups to the thoughtful extra padding on the underwire and straps. I also love that it can be converted to a racerback bra.” With six hook-and-eye columns, it also offers the most widely adjustable back band.
Size range: bands 28-38, U.K. cups D-H
Moms say: “The best bra for when you need lots of support! I tried so many nursing bras and nothing fits as well as this one. I just bought my second one after my first wore out from wearing it daily for a year; definitely got my money’s worth.” –Emily
Heather says: “This bra is the most pared-down; the least amount of coverage. The silky-soft breathable spacer foam gives you opacity without padding, which I think is ideal for nursing moms, and the close-set, wider straps don’t annoyingly slip off your shoulders.”
Size range: bands 32-42, E.U. cups C-G
Moms say: “If you’re looking for a nursing bra that’s like a regular bra, this is it. Most nursing bras are either not lined, have no wires or fit like a sports bra, but this looks the same as normal bras under my work clothes. And it’s no less comfortable, either.” –RDLB
Brooke is the editor of this here blog. In a previous life, she was an editor at Good Housekeeping and O, The Oprah Magazine. Brooke has written for Glamour, Travel+Leisure, New York Magazine and more. She’s into concerts, travel and her exceptionally adorable daughter and husband.
