Testers Say These Are The Softest And Most Supportive Nursing Bras

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Out of all the maternity clothes you’ll buy throughout your pregnancy, one of the most important pieces is your bra. Because, real talk, your breasts will change whether you're breastfeeding or not—and if you are nursing, they could change on a daily basis...for a while.

Some of our picks offer more support than others, but one thing they all strive to have in common: a comfortable fit. And, yes, nursing bras can be stylish, but more importantly, they need to be able to withstand a lot of wear and tear...and staining. You may also need options for different purposes, from styles that are pump-friendly to soft ones for nighttime wear to extra support for working out (also see: our best nursing sports bras).

Best nursing bras

We've taken all of your breastfeeding needs into account, but first, here are a few things to think about ahead of making a purchase:

What to consider

Access

Nursing bras open in two ways. Some have a V-neck or a low scoop neck, and the fabric is stretchy enough to pull to the side while you breastfeed. Others have front panels over each breast that you unclip and pull down as needed. Both are comfortable, and the one you choose is a matter of preference

Size and Adjustability

Choose a bra size that will currently fit you. As your breasts become full, you may be more comfortable with a fabric that stretches and supports you without feeling constrictive, and a design that lets you adjust the back and shoulder straps. For the first three months, however, it's best to go with a looser fit to avoid the risk of clogged ducts.

Fabric Care

Some nursing bras are safe for the washer and dryer, for others, this could cause them to lose their shape. If being able to toss your nursing bra in the laundry is a convenience you need, check the recommended care before buying.

When to Wear

Many women wear a nursing bra while pregnant. As soon as your breasts start growing, you may find the gentle, flexible fabrics on these styles more comfortable. Keep in mind that once you start breastfeeding, you could need a different size, as your breasts change.

How we chose

Based on recommendations from Women’s Health editors and contributors, along with products that earned excellent reviews from customers, we think this list of nursing bras will make your postpartum life a little easier. We looked for soft bras that are gentle on your sore and ever-changing breasts. For women who want to wear a nursing bra to bed, these bras open easily for middle-of-the-night feedings, and let you add nursing pads to absorb any leaks. Finally, because no two breastfeeding moms are alike, we found bras that can be adjusted to give you more room or support.

Nursing Bra

Momcozy’s nursing bra is supportive without being too tight around your ribs or on your shoulders. While it hugs your curves, a soft, breathable fabric with no stitching or underwire keeps it comfortable, and the bra is smooth enough to wear under your favorite shirt without looking clunky. The front clips that open the bra can be undone quickly with one hand, which is a must when you’re holding a hungry baby. With more than 4,000 five-star reviews, women especially appreciate the extenders that come with the bra, giving them room to grow.

Read more: Best Pumping Bras

Wireless Nursing Bra

Considering how messy nursing bras can get, this set of five is a smart buy. The bras are wireless, which means they’ll be comfortable during daytime or nighttime feedings. They're also fully adjustable in the back and on the shoulders and come with a set of matching extenders to achieve just the right fit. The front clasps are easy to open and close, and the bras come with removable padding. You’ll also like the wide side band for the smoothing effect it gives you, as well as the extra coverage.

The Dream Feed Nursing And Sleep Bra

There are no wires or hardware on Hatch’s Dream Feed nursing bra, and that’s what makes it so comfortable. This pullover bra is made of cotton, but with enough Spandex to offer plenty of support. When it’s time to breastfeed, the crossover front lets you pull one side of the bra out of the way—no clips or snaps to worry about—which makes it ideal for nighttime feedings. Reviewers rave about how soft this bra is, and many also enjoyed wearing it while they were pregnant.

The Larken X

The Larken X nursing bra has no underwire or hardware at all, which is rare to see on a bra that's designed for pumping. Simply open each flap and attach your pump—the fabric will hold it in place for a hands-free experience. Mariel Reyes, Senior Deputy Digital Editor, has worn the Larken and she says, "This is the best one. You can use it for nursing and pumping. There are no annoying clasps, the pumping flanges stay put (unlike other bras), it’s so comfy, and it looks like you’re wearing a crop top."

Zip 2.0 Sports Bra

Like most nursing bras, Brooks's sports bra has no underwire and is gentle on the skin. With molded cups, sweat-wicking fabric, and a wide band for support, this pick is great for active moms. Jennifer Nied, a Women’s Health contributor, knows all about its versatility, saying, "This is a traditional sports bra I've come to rely on after having a baby. What makes this design stand out are the super soft, seamless cups and zipper front closure. I can easily pop in portable pumps while I'm snowboarding to keep up supply or zip off after an active day for nursing."

Plus-Size Nursing Sports Bra

The cotton-spandex blend in Gratlin’s nursing bra makes it soft, comfortable, and supportive—all of which are major concerns when looking for a plus-size garment. Designed like a sports bra, this one has a large racerback for extra support, which is often easier to wear than a bra with straps that cross in the back. Breathable cotton is the key to comfort, especially for the full-coverage cups and the wide sides that hold you in.

Nursing Scoop Bralette

If comfort is your goal, this scoop-neck nursing bralette from Skims is the one for you. The bra offers some support in the form of adjustable straps, an elastic underband, and a hook closure in the back. However, the standout quality here is how stretchy it is. According to Skims, this fabric can stretch to twice its size, so once you have adjusted the bra to your liking, you’ll feel contained and get the coverage you need, but you won’t feel bound too tight.

Nursing Sleep Bra

Viscose fabric is made from plant fiber—here, it’s bamboo—and it’s known for being soft and gentle on your skin. It’s not just comfortable, though, it’s also antibacterial, hypoallergenic, and moisture-wicking, so you see why it makes a great nursing bra. The two bras in Seraphine’s set are pullovers. They have no hardware, just a deep V-neck with cups you pull out of the way when you need to feed your baby. The bra offers support, but not so much that you can pump hands-free.

Seamless Clip Down Nursing Bra

Motherhood Maternity’s nursing bra has many of the features of more expensive bras, but at a more affordable price. Perhaps the best thing about this bra is how soft and stretchy it is. It can be worn day and night thanks to a seamless construction, and it provides full coverage. The front clip is easy to undo with one hand, and you can adjust the shoulder straps to give you as much or little support as you need over time. It provides medium support, which is ideal for nursing moms who don’t want a tight-fitting bra.

The Everything Bra

Bodily consulted a lactation advisor when designing The Everything Bra. Ideal for the first three months of breastfeeding, the bra gives you light support, which helps reduce the likelihood of things like clogged milk ducts. In the front, you get a stretchy scoop neck that accommodates swollen breasts, in the back, there's a row of five hooks that provide adjustable support. Best of all, the fabric is extra soft, which is a must-have for sore nipples. Pads are not built in, but there are pockets if you need to add your own.

Enbliss Luxe Nursing Bralette

Soma's Enbliss line is buttery soft and easy on skin, which is important for a nursing bra that you could likely wear for 24 hours straight. The bralette is wire-free and easy to pull on or take off. Front clips on either side open easily, and there's plenty of room in each cup to add your own nursing pads. There’s no hook closure in the back, so if you find that you need extra support, you can re-attach the bra straps to cross and shorten them.

Sublime Bamboo Maternity & Nursing Plunge Bra

The Sublime plunge bra looks like a tank top you’d throw on with jeans—and you can—but it's constructed with breastfeeding moms in mind. The fabric is viscose made from bamboo, which makes it soft and breathable. The deep V-neck is easily pulled to the side for feeding, but the neckline won't stretch out over time. It’s a pullover and there's no hardware, just a comfortable and useful nursing bra that you can wear without a shirt if you want.

Shop more of our favorite bras and maternity clothes

Best Nursing Sports Bras | Best Maternity Underwear | Best Maternity Leggings | Best Maternity Swimsuits | Best Front Closure Bras | Best Wireless Bras | Best One Shoulder Sports Bras | Best High-Impact Sports Bras | Best Zip-Front Sports Bras | Best Strapless Bras

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