9 of the best maternity bras 2024
WHAT IS A MATERNITY BRA?
During pregnancy, the breasts often grow and your rib cage may also expand. This will mean you’ll need a bigger and more supportive bra with additional features.
What’s the difference between a maternity bra and a nursing bra?
A nursing bra is one that can be used easily while breastfeeding as the cups have a clip enabling them to drop down. A maternity bra is one that has been designed to support and accommodate a growing bust and many are wireless or flexi-wired. Quite often maternity bras also double up as nursing bras as they have drop-down cups.
When should you start wearing a maternity bra?
You can start wearing a maternity bra whenever your current bras start to feel too tight or uncomfortable. This will vary massively from woman to woman. Some may never feel like they need a special maternity bra while others will want one in the first trimester. Many will need to be measured for a new maternity bra more than once during their pregnancy. If you want to avoid buying multiple bras choose one that is very stretchy and elastic that will grow with you.
WHAT FEATURES SHOULD YOU LOOK OUT FOR?
As already mentioned some can also be used as nursing bras, which will save you from buying a new bra for breastfeeding.
Many maternity bras are wireless. This is because some believe that the wire can press into the breast tissue and block milk ducts. It’s worth noting that the NCT (National Childbirth Trust) refutes this claim. But a wireless one may be more comfortable during pregnancy. If you have large breasts and want the support of an underwired bra, you can get flexi-wire maternity bras that change shape as and when you do.
A seamless maternity bra will be less irritating if you have sore or sensitive breasts or nipples.
Stretchy fabric. It’s not just about getting bigger. Your breast size can fluctuate during pregnancy and stretchy fabric will be able to accommodate this
Breathable natural fabrics like cotton and silk may be better if you’re heavily pregnant in the summer.
Is the bra machine washable, hand wash, or dry clean only?
Removable padding
Several hook and eye fastenings will mean the bra can grow with you. When first buying one, choose one that fits on the tightest hook and eye.
There are also maternity sleep bras and maternity sports bras available
What is the best way to choose the right-sized maternity bra?
The Boob or Bust website has a great calculator to help you choose the perfect size.
WHAT ARE THE BEST MATERNITY BRAS TO BUY?
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. It was last updated on 5th January 2024.
If you buy through a link, we may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
1. Bravado Body Silk Seamless maternity and Nursing Bra
Maternity and nursing bra with clips for easy access feeding.
Made from 70% recycled nylon, 20% virgin nylon and 10% spandex.
OEKO-TEX certified.
Wireless and seamless for comfort.
Stretchy fabric that adapts to a changing and fluctuating breast size.
Contoured removable foam inserts.
Sizing covers large cup sizes.
It can be washed on a delicate cycle.
11 colours are available.
2. Cake maternity Rock Candy Nursing Bra
Maternity and nursing bra with one-hand drop-down cups.
Seamless and wireless.
Removable padding.
90% Nylon, 10% Elastane. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 materials.
Stretchy fabric that allows for growth.
Machine washable.
An Australian brand known for award-winning maternity and nursing wear.
3. Cake Maternity Zest Nursing Sports Bra
A maternity sports bra that can also be used as a nursing bra.
Designed for high-impact sports like running.
86% polyester and 14% elastane.
Soft, seam-free fabric with a flexible underwire.
Moisture-wicking.
Moulded cups.
Hand wash only.
5 hook and eye fastenings.
4. EMMA-JANE SEAMFREE MATERNITY & NURSING BRA
Ideal for maternity and nursing.
Seamless and wireless.
Stretchy fabric that adapts to changing breast shape and four hook and eye fastenings.
Clips for easy breastfeeding.
90% Polyamide, 10% Elastane.
Machine washable.
Comes in four sizes: 32B-F, 42B-F, 36B-F, 38B-F.
5. HOFISH NURSING AND MATERNITY BRAS
A three-pack of maternity and nursing bras.
Very stretchy to accommodate growth.
Made from 92% nylon and 8% Spandex.
Seamless.
Nursing clips for easy access when breastfeeding.
Four hook and eye closures.
Sized from S to XXL.
6. M&S full cup nursing and maternity bras
Two pack of maternity and nursing bras.
Made from 54% polyamide, 26% responsibly sourced cotton, 14% polyester and 6% elastane
Stretchy, padded and non-wired.
The cups are structured to give a nice shape.
Easy access clips for feeding.
Four hook and eye fastenings.
Lace trims and decorative centre bows make them a pretty maternity bra.
Available in two sets of colours: black and white or navy and pale pink.
The sizing starts from 32B and goes up to a G cup for 34, 36 and 38. The largest size is 42F.
Machine washable.
What the reviewers say:
Many find them comfy and supportive but some have complained that for breastfeeding the structured cups are a bit bulky and stiff and get in the way a bit when dropped down.
7. H&M Mama two pack nursing bras
Two pack of nursing bras which can also be used as a maternity bra.
One grey and one pink bra.
The fabric is a soft, stretchy jersey material and made from 92% polyamide and 8% elastane with a 96% cotton and 5% elastane lining. The lace finish is 82% polyamide and 18% elastane
Machine washable at 40°C.
Wireless.
Adjustable shoulder straps.
Four hook and eye fastenings at the back.
There is padding, which is removable so could be replaced with breast pads when necessary.
Comes in S, M, L and XL sizes. They should fit anyone with a clothing size from 8 to 22.
What the reviewers say:
The most mentioned thing is how comfortable they are. But they may not be the most supportive option for larger-chested women.
8. JoJo Maman Bébé maternity and nursing sleep bras
A best-seller at Jojo Maman Bébe, this is a two pack of sleep bras which can be used for maternity and nursing.
It is very comfy for nighttime use and you just pull the crossover cups aside for feeding.
Made from 95% cotton and 5% elastane.
Machine washable on a delicate cycle at 30°C and can be tumble dried on low.
You just put it on like a t-shirt so there are no fastenings.
Available in black and white.
Comes in S, M and L and will fit those with bra sizes from 32B to 38DD.
What the reviewers say:
These are not great for those with larger breasts as the crossover style means they are not particularly supportive. But smaller chested women find them soft and comfortable.
9. Medela Keep Cool Sleep maternity and nursing bra
Maternity and nursing bra that is wireless, seamless and tag-free.
Easy access clips for feeding.
Stretchy fabric that adjusts to your changing shape.
Made by the well-known breast pump company.
90% Nylon, 10% Elastane
Machine washable
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