The 8 Best Maternity Bras Provide Maximum Comfort and Relieve Breast Soreness

checked mark Fact-Checked by Erin Cavoto  | January 10, 2024
best maternity bras

QUICK SUMMARY

The best maternity bra is Bravado Designs Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra, according to moms and moms-to-be from the What to Expect community, because of its soft, comfortable fabric, supportive design and versatility to use postpartum.

Though many moms-to-be wear their pre-pregnancy bras in the first (and even second) trimester, there often comes a point when a new bra is in order. Not only do breasts increase in size during pregnancy, but you’ll likely also experience other changes, including tenderness, sore nipples, pain and even leaking colostrum as you inch closer to your due date. For many expecting moms, finding the best maternity bra that is comfortable and gently supports your changing breasts can help make symptoms easier to tolerate.

A quick word on maternity bras: When brands market a style as a “maternity bra,” it very often (though not always) doubles as a nursing bra, meaning it has features that make it breastfeeding-friendly, such as drop-down cups (which means the bra has a clip or clasp so you can open and close the cups with one hand to feed baby). But there’s no reason why you have to choose a maternity- or nursing-specific style during pregnancy. In fact, many moms-to-be find that bras that are made for pregnancy and beyond deliver the support and comfort they’re looking for while being versatile enough to wear postpartum to get the most value.

How we chose the best maternity bras 

As a mom of two, who is also a parenting editor and writer, I leaned on my personal experience testing maternity bras in order to select those with the best features for your changing body. Additionally, I considered reviews from moms and moms-to-be in the What to Expect community who have tested maternity bras in order to better understand what people generally look for in a maternity bra, as well as some of the most popular choices among moms. Finally, I used research and advice from the La Leche League International (LLLI), an organization that provides education and support to breastfeeding mothers worldwide, to look for must-have features, such as looking for bras that are supportive but not restrictive.

 

 

Why Trust Us?

What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.

Best Overall Maternity Bra

Bravado Designs Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra

best maternity bras bravado
Buying Options
Pros
  • Comfortable fit
  • Many color options
  • Full cup sizes available
Cons
  • Foam inserts are removable

Size range: XS to 1X Plus

Material: 70 percent recycled nylon, 20 percent virgin nylon, 10 percent spandex

Why We
Love it
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Reviews
Why We Love It

Though marketed as a nursing bra, the Bravado Designs Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra is a very popular choice among What to Expect moms-to-be looking for a maternity option to wear now and later. For both pregnancy and breastfeeding, this bra checks all the boxes: The fabric feels soft and smooth against skin; there’s a bit of stretch from Spandex to accommodate breast growth; a knitted area around the cups and a wide band each deliver plenty of support and coverage; and the drop-down cups offer easy nursing access. 

What makes the Bravado Designs maternity bra stand out is that it works for a wide range of breast sizes. It’s available in size small through XXL (up to a G cup) as well as full cup sizes, which are designed for those with larger busts but a smaller band (these go up to a J cup).

Moms-to-be say they appreciate how well these bras hold up, even after lots of wear and many washes, as well as how supportive they are. The fit on this style is secure and snug without being too tight, and moms say it’s comfortable enough to wear as an everyday bra even if you’re not pregnant or nursing, so you’ll get plenty of wear out of it.

The only criticism some moms have about this bra is toward the foam inserts, which some find frustrating to wash and manage as they might come out of the bra. In that case, you might prefer one of the brand’s bralette styles, which do not have built-in cups.

Community Reviews
  • “I like the Bravado ones: you can get them at Target, Kohl's, Amazon, etc. I'm up to like a 36G and wear an XL.”

  • “I love this one! And the original Bravado bra as well.”

  • “I got Bravado ones too. I love them! I’m also very large chested.”

Best Maternity Bra for a Large Bust

Kindred Bravely The Nellie Simply Wireless Bra

best maternity bras for large bust kindred bravely
Buying Options
Pros
  • Extended sizing
  • Supportive fit
  • Comfortable fabric
Cons
  • Not designed for nursing

Size range: Regular S to 2X, Busty S to 2X, Super Busty S to 1X

Material: 90 percent nylon, 10 percent spandex

Why We
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Kindred Bravely has one of the most inclusive size ranges on the market for maternity and nursing bras. This brand is frequently referenced by moms-to-be and nursing moms in the What to Expect community with larger breasts, who say it was one of the few retailers to offer a comfortable maternity or nursing bra in their size. The brand’s bras are available in multiple size ranges: Regular (cups B to D) and Busty (from E to H). But some styles, this one included, have extended sizing up to a K cup.

In addition to their range of sizes, Kindred Bravely bras are also praised for their comfort and support. The Nellie Simply Wireless Bra is made of a soft, stretchy fabric (a nylon and spandex blend) that moms-to-be say makes these bras easy to slip on. Though adjustable, the straps are a little wider than average, and the seamless band offers plenty of support without riding up. In fact, these bras are so comfortable that several moms say they end up stocking up on multiple pairs soon after buying their first.

However, you should note that this style doesn’t have nursing features, so if you’d prefer to invest in a maternity bra that can also be used postpartum, you may want to opt for one of Kindred Bravely’s nursing styles: The Simply Sublime Nursing Bra is one of the most popular among What to Expect moms. Just note that this design doesn’t have sizing up to a K cup like the Nellie. 

Community Reviews
  • “I love my Kindred Bravely bras. Super comfy and has bustier sizes. And if you are planning to breastfeed had easy access for that and pumping too.”

  • “Another vote for Kindred Bravely busty sizes.”

  • “Kindred Bravely! The best! I’m 40 DDD and these are great, especially the hands-free pumping bras that can be used for pumping or nursing. Also the most comfortable ones I have!”

Best Affordable Maternity Bra

Suekaphin Maternity Nursing Bra Bralette

best maternity bras affordable suekaphin
Buying Options
Pros
  • Stretchy fabric
  • Durable
  • Many color options
  • Doubles as nursing bra
Cons
  • Hook and eye closure may make them less comfortable for sleeping

Size range: S to 3XL Plus

Material: 50 percent rayon, 42 percent nylon, 8 percent spandex

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

What to Expect moms-to-be rave about how comfortable the Suekaphin Maternity Nursing Bra Bralettes are, due to the ribbed fabric and perfect amount of stretch. (This brand also has a similar style that’s not ribbed, if you prefer.) At under $13 each, this is one of the more affordable maternity bras that also comes highly reviewed with over 10,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. 

Moms-to-be appreciate the wireless construction and soft, elastic fabric on these bras, which they say are stretchy enough to accommodate pregnancy breast growth. They’re also designed for nursing, with drop-down cups and a low neckline that can quickly be pulled aside. What to Expect moms also say that despite their lower price, the material holds up after many washes. 

Some bras that aren’t sized by cup tend to have a smaller size range, but the Suekaphin has one of the better ranges (from small to 3XL Plus) and there are a number of color options, all available in packs of five. Just note: These bras do have a hook-and-eye closure, which means they may not be the most comfortable maternity bra to sleep in.

Community Reviews
  • “I got these from Amazon and love them. Super comfortable and convenient, have held up through many washes.”

  • “I second these! Also the non-ribbed ones by the same brand!”

  • “I got mine from Amazon and they are super comfortable. They are the Suekaphin maternity bra and they are reasonably priced! I went one size up and they are perfect with plenty of room to grow! Plus they have an easy pull down for nursing.”

Best Strapless Maternity Bra

Soma Enbliss Wireless Stay Put Multi-Way Strapless Bra

best maternity bras soma enbliss
Buying Options
Pros
  • Soft fabric
  • Full-coverage
Cons
  • Not nursing-friendly
  • Expensive

Size range: Band: 32 to 42 inches; Cups: A to G

Material: 71 percent nylon, 29 percent spandex

Why We
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A strapless bra can be a tricky style to wear during pregnancy and especially while nursing. Though you can pull the whole thing down to breastfeed, it’s not as easy-access as bras with drop-down cups or low necklines that can be quickly pulled aside. And because so many strapless bras have underwire, it tends not to be the most comfortable style to wear during pregnancy, either.

Still, there are times when you need a strapless bra while pregnant, and Soma’s Enbliss Wireless Stay Put Multi-Way Strapless Bra is one of the most supportive yet comfortable options on the market. As with Soma’s other Enbliss styles — the line is a favorite among What to Expect moms, particularly the Enbliss Wireless bra — this strapless bra is silky-smooth, so it will feel gentle on sensitive pregnancy breasts.

There’s no underwire, either, but the bra has wide band supports, full-coverage contour cups and exposed spandex to help it stay in place. Crucially, this style also has a hook-and-eye closure; once your bump gets bigger, pull-on styles like bandeau bras become trickier or impossible to get on. It also comes with removable and adjustable straps to allow you to wear it as a halter, crisscross back, one shoulder or traditional bra so you can get more use out of it.

Community Reviews
  • “I splurged with my first pregnancy on two Soma ones four years ago and I was able to use them again my entire pregnancy this time and I’m 10 weeks postpartum with little wear and tear. I lived in them.”

Best Maternity Bra Sports Bra

Kindred Bravely Sublime Nursing and Maternity Sports Bra

best maternity bras kindred bravely sports bra
Buying Options
Pros
  • Feels like a “real bra”
  • Soft material
  • Wide size range
  • Drop-down cups for nursing
Cons
  • Color options are more limited

Size range: Regular S to 2X, Busty S to 2X

Material: Nylon/spandex blend (Regular sizes), Nylon/polyester/spandex blend (Busty sizes) 

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Between breast growth, nipple sensitivity and leaking colostrum, working out during pregnancy can become increasingly uncomfortable as the weeks go on. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends a sports bra that’s supportive enough to protect your breasts when exercising, and Kindred Bravely Sublime Nursing and Maternity Sports Bra really delivers, according to moms in the What to Expect community.

The racerback style and thick bottom band provide gentle lift without underwire. Though the straps are on the thinner side, they don’t dig into skin. Plus, the fabric is so soft and comfortable, with many moms-to-be saying they wear this as an everyday bra in addition to reaching for it for exercise. And although it can carry you through your pregnancy workouts, you can continue to use this bra postpartum, too. Nursing moms appreciate how supportive the fit is as well as how easy it is to nurse in, thanks to drop-down cups and moisture-wicking fabric.

As with Kindred Bravely’s many other styles, the size range on this sports bra is excellent — it’s available in both Regular and Busty sizing from small to 2X. (This is particularly impressive for sports bras, which tend to have more limited sizing.)

Community Reviews
  • “I LOVE Kindred Bravely bras! Honestly, I never stopped wearing them after my first. Wearing one right now. This is my favorite.”

  • “Kindred Bravely has the best size selection that I have seen. The comfiest style I got was the sports bra racerback one.”

Best Maternity Sleep Bra

Motherhood Maternity Maternity & Nursing Sleep Bralette Bra

best maternity bras hatch
Buying Options
Pros
  • Very comfortable for nighttime wear
  • Easy pull-down for nursing
Cons
  • Less support

Size range: S to 3X

Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex

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As the weeks go on, and breasts get bigger and increasingly sensitive, some moms-to-be find it comfortable to start wearing a bra to bed. When choosing a sleep bra for either pregnancy or nursing, the most important thing to consider is a comfortable fit that’s supportive but not too tight, ideally with no wires or hardware that could dig into your skin while you snooze.

This Motherhood Maternity sleep bralette is designed for both maternity and postpartum sleep. Made of soft cotton with a small amount of Spandex for stretch, it’ll feel incredible to wear at night. And although it’s comfortable to wear during pregnancy, it’s also ideal for nursing, since the crossover front design can easily be pulled aside to breastfeed.

Although not as supportive as many of the other bras on this list, many moms find that it’s a perfect option for nighttime, especially those with bigger busts.

Community Reviews
  • “My vote for best support, quality, and doubles as a nursing bra is Motherhood Maternity. They have a great sleep bra, a great bra with a wire, and a great wireless. They hold up really well and I can usually find them on Amazon or on sale for under $25 per bra (and usually around $15 for the sleep ones). These are actually my normal bras because I'm a 36 DDD and most brands just don't make that size unless they think your boobs are full of milk lol.”

  • “i am 38 DDD and I’ve been living in the motherhood maternity sleep nursing bras. Basically like a sports bra. I love them!”

Best Non-Maternity Bra for Pregnancy

Skims Fits Everybody Scoop Bralette

best maternity bras skims
Pros
  • Super soft fabric
  • Stretchy
  • Inclusive color and size options
Cons
  • No nursing features

Size range: XXS to 4X

Material: 76 percent polyamide, 24 percent elastane

Why We
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Why We Love It

Skims is known for soft and super stretchy shapewear, so it’s little surprise that countless moms in the What to Expect community said this was one of the few “regular” bras they purchased pre-pregnancy but continued to wear as a maternity bra. The Skims Fits Everybody Scoop Bralette is an especially popular choice among moms-to-be: With a deep scoop neckline and thin straps, it has a versatile design that works well under a variety of clothing types and is comfortable yet reasonably supportive.

This soft and stretchy bra is great for everyday wear: There’s an elastic underbust seam instead of underwire, which many moms say is enough to give you a little lift without digging into skin. Some even say that they’re comfortable enough to sleep in! Compared to many other bra brands, Skims has one of the most inclusive size ranges (this style is available in XXS through 4X) as well as color options (there are 10 classic shades to help you find the closest nude to match your skin tone). Many moms-to-be with large breasts say they were able to continue wearing this bra comfortably all the way through pregnancy.

Keep in mind that while it offers the soft fabric and stretchy fit you want while pregnant, this is not a nursing bra (though that Skims also has a few nursing styles). So if you were hoping to invest in a maternity bra that also has nursing features like drop-down cups, this may not be your best bet. 

Community Reviews
  • “I love the Skims scoop neck bras. They are super stretchy so I can wear them during pregnancy and after and they are so comfortable. I hate wearing underwire and I found these still look great under T-shirts and keep the girls up but are comfy enough to sleep in.”

  • “[Skims] scoop neck bralette is the only bra I’m wearing lately because it's so comfy!”

  • “Skims bras! For around the house I’ve been loving the Fits Everybody bralettes. There are lots of other options if you want something with more structure or an underwire!”

Best Maternity and Nursing Bra

Bodily The Everything Bra

best maternity bras bodily
Buying Options
Pros
  • Super soft fabric
  • Grows with you
  • Available in a 3-pack to save
  • OEKO-TEX certified
Cons
  • Not the most supportive for larger breasts
  • Smaller size range

Size range: S to XL

Material: 49 percent viscose, 43 percent micromodal, 8 percent elastane

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

The soft and stretchy Bodily The Everything Bra is a popular pick in the What to Expect community. It’ll take you from pregnancy to nursing and beyond thanks to several unique features.

For one, the fabric on this bra is unbelievably soft. Made of a viscose, micromodal and elastane blend, it has just enough stretch, and is also OEKO-TEX certified, which means the materials have been tested against up to 350 toxic chemicals. During pregnancy, when your breasts and skin feel more sensitive, it will feel like a dream to slip on. But what makes The Everything Bra particularly great for maternity and nursing is that it was also designed with the help of a lactation consultant and has a number of nursing-friendly features, including a neckline that can either be pulled aside or clipped down for easy nursing access.

I used this bra during my second pregnancy and fell in love with how comfortable it was. I wore it at the end of pregnancy and while nursing, and there were days when I had it on 24/7 — I can confirm that it is indeed comfortable enough to sleep in, and I’d often forget I even have it on. It’s an ideal bra to wear while lounging around the house or wearing out with comfortable clothes, and I still use it often today.

Although the size range is more limited than others on this list, many moms say the material is stretchy enough to accommodate breasts within a few sizes as they fluctuate during pregnancy and nursing. Still, this isn’t the most supportive option on the list — the straps are a little on the thinner side — and it may not be the best maternity bra for those with larger breasts. 

There also aren’t built-in pads and the material is on the thin side, which means you may need some added protection in the form of a nursing pad if, like me, you start to leak a little colostrum during pregnancy. The bra has included padding slits if you prefer to use a reusable option.

Community Reviews
  • “I recently got a Bodily bra [during pregnancy] and it is SO comfy!”

  • “I have three Bodily bras and all are amazing. Used two with my last baby, and got the newest one last week for baby #2.”

What to look for in a maternity bra

According to feedback from moms and moms-to-be in the What to Expect community, as well as research from the LLLI, the most important factors to consider when buying a maternity bra are:

Comfort: When it comes to maternity bras, comfort is key. Look for bras made of comfortable materials, such as 100 percent cotton, that feel soft against skin. You should also prioritize bras without features that could pinch or dig into your breasts, which can be extra sensitive during pregnancy. 

Size: The best maternity bras are those that are offered in a wide size range. Because breast size can fluctuate during pregnancy and while nursing, you may also want to prioritize bras that are made of stretchy materials that deliver room to grow so you wear them comfortably while between sizes.

Support: During pregnancy and while nursing, you should look for bras that are well-fitting and supportive but not restricting, as too-tight fabrics could contribute to pain or clogged milk ducts, says the LLLI. Choose a maternity bra that offers enough support but won’t be overly tight; you’ll likely want a bra that is wire-free, too. Whether to go wireless or not with your bra is a personal choice during pregnancy (some moms-to-be find they hate the feeling, but others appreciate the extra support underwire provides), although the LLLI recommends avoiding underwire at least during the early months of nursing, at which point you’re more prone to plugged ducts.

Additional features: A maternity bra doesn’t necessarily need to have nursing-specific features such as absorbent pads or drop-down cups, but these can be helpful to extend the longevity of your purchase. If you decide to breastfeed, you can continue using your maternity bras without having to invest in additional styles for nursing. In fact, most maternity bras can also be used during the postpartum period (during which time you’re engorged and may be leaking milk regardless of whether or not you’re breastfeeding) and while nursing, if you choose to do so.

FAQs

Experts stress that the most important thing to consider when it comes to both maternity and nursing bras is comfort — you want a bra that fits you well and is supportive but not restricting. According to La Leche League International, a too-tight bra can put extra pressure on your breasts, which can cause soreness or even plugged ducts if you’re nursing. Some moms-to-be start to leak a little colostrum during pregnancy, so a bra with extra absorbent pads can be helpful during this time, too.

 

There’s no right time to invest in a maternity bra. Many women start to notice breast changes as early as the first few weeks of pregnancy; you may feel sore and extra sensitive, so wearing bras made of soft, comfortable materials without underwire may be best for you. As the weeks go on, your breasts may grow a few sizes, and you might want to purchase larger bras that fit you better.

If you’re planning on breastfeeding and are shopping for a maternity bra in the later part of pregnancy, your best bet is to invest in one that works for both maternity and nursing. Many brands offer styles that are designed to be comfortable to wear during pregnancy but also have nursing-friendly features such as clip-down cups or highly absorbent pads. 

That said, many women also find that their breast size continues to fluctuate while nursing — so you may need different bras at different stages of your pregnancy, nursing, and weaning journeys. For this reason, bras made of stretchy materials can be especially helpful, because they give you room to grow.

 

Many women find that their breasts increase in size during pregnancy, so purchasing a size up may make sense. When in doubt, check the manufacturer’s size chart to see what they recommend — many do recommend sizing up if you’re between sizes to account for pregnancy breast growth and rib cage changes. It’s also a good idea to get measured by a specialist, if you can, to ensure new bras you’re buying are supportive but not too tight.

 

Maternity bras and nursing bras are often very similar, and most can be used for both stages. 

Many maternity-specific bras are designed to be extra gentle on sensitive pregnancy skin. For example, they may be made of super soft materials such as 100 percent cotton and be wireless. Nursing-specific styles have features that allow them to be easily used when breastfeeding or pumping, such as drop-down cups or absorbent pads.

That said, the vast majority of maternity bras on the market also incorporate nursing-friendly features. Manufacturers know that a bra is a better investment if you can use it for longer than just nine months, and purchasing a maternity and nursing bra lets you wear it now as well as in the future, if you decide to breastfeed.