The skinny on the best fabric and designs to look for in nursing bras
For a new mom, the world of shopping for nursing bras is likely to be uncharted territory. It can be confusing and lead to ill-fitting, uncomfortable, or inconvenient choices.
The next step after a maternity bra, a nursing bra is a specialized undergarment that’s intended for breastfeeding mothers. Ideally, they offer support for heavier breasts and can unhook right at the cups for easy access to the breast for nursing. However, if you’re new to breastfeeding and pumping, you may not know what features to look for in the best nursing bra.
The best nursing bra choices are those that have comfortable, breathable fabrics, and a great design that offers both support and convenience of use. It's easy to make a mistake when shopping for a nursing bra, so check out our recommendations and do your research before you buy.
Great Fabrics in the Best Nursing Bra Choices
When you are breastfeeding, the fabric you choose for your bra is more important than ever. This is not the time to skimp on quality. The bra you choose doesn’t necessarily have to be the most expensive, but it should be well-constructed of breathable materials. The nursing bra you choose should have high quality fabric, elastic, and trim. Elastic should be firm, and without a lot of give.
While breastfeeding, your breasts will be both larger, and heavier than what’s normal for you. While support is critical, your nursing bra should not be binding or constricting on the breasts themselves or it may interfere in your milk flow.
Look for bras with natural, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabrics such as cotton. Cotton is naturally moisture-wicking and allows proper air flow, whereas synthetic fabrics cause sweating and hold in moisture that can contribute to sore, chapped nipples. Some of today’s best nursing bras have super-breathable mesh cups that can allow better air flow so nipples don’t stay damp, which may contribute to chafing and chapping.
Stretch, Flexibility, and Padding in the Best Nursing Bras
Check your nursing bra’s fabric at the top of the cups for stretchiness the best nursing bras have stretchy material that can move with the breast as it expands and contracts with the ebb and flow of milk.
Memory foam lining is also a great feature to look for in the best maternity bras. Memory foam offers comfort, support, and padding.
Be sure your nursing bra has seamless cups. Badly placed seams may irritate tender breasts.
Many moms find it convenient to purchase less structured nursing bras for night wearing, as it may be necessary to wear a bra and nursing pads even at night for the first few months to prevent leaking. Most nursing bra brands offer separate lines for night-nursing bras.
Great Designs in The Best Nursing Bra Options
The best nursing bras will have wide, cushioned straps, to absorb the weight of the breasts, and a back strap that’s wide and snug enough to offer support without riding up and allowing the cups of the bra to slip forward. Back clasp bras should include four hooks for secure support.
Hooks should offer at least three sizing rows so you can adjust down as you lose pregnancy pounds and your rib cage contracts. Back straps provide about 80 percent of the bra’s support, making this an essential part of the best nursing bra designs.
Shoulder straps should also be adjustable, with plenty of room to lengthen or shorten to adapt to any shape.
One of the most important features of a nursing bra is the mechanism to release the cup flaps to free the breast for nursing. Look for simple snap-latch features which can be easily opened and closed with one hand. Chances are, the other hand will be holding your baby. Most nursing bras have flap snaps at the top of the cup where it attaches to the shoulder strap, but some open sideways with a snap-latch between the cups.
Avoid bras with hook closures on the flaps, as those tend to take both hands and your eyes, which makes them much less convenient and user-friendly. The last thing a tired new mother wants is to be frustrated and irritated with her bra when she’s up nursing at 2:00 AM.
Underwires should be avoided during the first several months of breastfeeding, as they can interfere in establishing milk supply and may decrease flow.
Best Bra Styles for Nursing Mothers
Today’s best nursing bras come in many style options to suit any woman. There are sports bras, soft cup bras, padded bras, underwire bras, nursing tanks with built-in bras, and breast-pumping bras designed for convenient hands-free pumping.
Nursing bras should be washed in gentle, fragrance-free detergents for sensitive skin. Heavy, perfumed detergents may irritate nipples, and baby’s sensitive skin. Remember, your baby will spend much of his or her first months cuddled against your breasts—and your bra. Lay bras flat to dry on a towel, or hang on a line or drying rack.
Resources— PregnantChicken.com, CakeMaternity, TheBump.com
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