Sore or tender breasts appear on every list of pregnancy symptoms that exists on the Internet. But for many women, “tender” is a total understatement. In reality, throbbing, aching boobs better describe the situation. That’s why one of the first types of maternity clothing we start shopping for is often the best maternity bras to soothe our suddenly painful breasts.
The tenderness is also a sign of something else: that your bust, just like your little babe, is about to start growing. In other words, your everyday bra’s days are numbered. Instead, it’s time to find a pregnancy bra that’s supportive but soft and flexible, so it can expand with you as your body changes—and it just might be a wireless brassiere or simply a maternity version of your current favorite lingerie line.
The best maternity bra is the one you never want to take off.
“Maternity bras may have a special design that makes them well suited for this time, or they may be a ‘regular’ bra that fits and functions well during pregnancy,” explains Kimmay Caldwell, an undergarment educator and bra coach at HurrayKimmay.com.
Just like choosing a nursing bra, you want to take special considerations when picking out a bra to wear while you’re pregnant. Not a lot of things about pregnancy are comfortable. The last thing you need is a pinch-prone, terrible bra. If you can’t nap in it, do yourself a favor and count it out. Here are the best maternity bras no matter your size or style preferences. When you’re finished perusing this list, be sure to check out our favorite maternity underwear, too.
When I asked a group of editor and publicist friends about pregnancy and nursing bras, one brand in particular elicited a rave response: Bodily. Someone who didn’t even work with the company piped up to say how much they loved it during their pregnancy and postpartum days. The company worked with lactation consultants to design The Everything Bra, so it’s made to grow with you during the last months of your pregnancy, when minimal support and ultimate comfort are exactly what you want. Front adjustable straps with nursing clips let you seamlessly transition to nursing after baby arrives. By the way, one of Bodily’s other bras, The Do Anything, is now one of my favorite pumping bras. I wish I’d known about the Bodily brand earlier.
Caldwell brought this brand to my attention as one of the best comfortable, wire-free options out there. This one has the customizable feel of a regular bra thanks to its adjustable straps and band. Two other features make it extra supportive: Instead of underwire, two slings inside the cup lift and cushion your breasts. The back straps can also be crisscrossed in a racerback-style to give you a tighter fit as needed.
The worst thing about pregnancy for me—aside from the insomnia—was the night sweats. When I finally would fall asleep, I’d wake up in drenched pajamas. The moisture-wicking, antibacterial bamboo viscose of these bras helps keep you cool on restless nights like those. The stretchy, comfy crossover styling with no clips or hooks means there’s nothing else to irritate you. And a twin pack? Perfect.
Cosabella calls its Never Say Never bralette the OG of all bralettes, and there’s no wonder it inspired a trend. With its pull-on, wireless design and stretchy pretty lace, it’s the epitome of feminine comfort. The maternity version is just as comfort perfect.
There are nursing clips for later on. For right now, design elements help it accommodate a growing bust. The sweetheart neckline offers fuller coverage, and you can loosen the adjustable straps for a roomier fit. We love that it comes in so many fun colors (and many of them often go on sale).
Cosabella’s cult favorite bra also comes in an unusually large range of size combinations for people who have larger busts, including people who need bigger cups with smaller bands. Its Curvy and Ultra Curvy options cover people who might not find the size they need elsewhere.
I literally lived in this Hatch bra for all nine months of my recent pregnancy. The stretchy modal fabric is so soft and stretchy that it won’t irritate or compress your breasts, and the only shaping is from slight darts at the bust. It’s definitely a bra you can nap in—I did daily during my first trimester—and feel comfortable wearing out if you’re the kind of person who typically wears an unpadded, minimalist bra.
I bought a half dozen, and they’ve stood up well to machine washing and occasional trips through the dryer (ideally you line dry these) for nearly a year now. My only regret is that I didn’t size up, so that I could sleep in them now while I’m breastfeeding.
Caldwell recommends True & Co bras for maternity because they’re soft and wireless. The company recommends this style for moms-to-be to wear while exercising (no matter what that means for you) because it has a wide bottom band and a heavier weight version of its softest nylon-elastane blend fabric for a little extra support. This bra comes in 17 colors and sizes XS to 2XL, in both standard and full cup sizes.
Most pumping bras include enough structure to provide the support you need to hold up the breast pump’s flanges. The Larken X, however, is so soft and gentle on sensitive skin that you can safely wear it before baby arrives too. It gives just enough support to take the weight off your breasts and allows them plenty of room to grow. We love the minimalist look, too. There are no extra layers or slits or clips to with which to deal. It’s just easy.
Some tops call for a plunge neckline—you probably have a regular bra for that. But if your favorite maternity bra is a scoopneck style, it won’t work under those clothes. This reversible option from Bumpsuit allows you to dress in those plunge styles. It has a crossover V-shaped neckline on one side and a deep ballet-style neckline on the other, so it can hide seamlessly under more of your tops and dresses. The material also lives up to its comfy name. The nylon-spandex blend truly is the softest of any maternity or nursing bra we’ve tested, including pima cotton options. It’s ideal for people whose skin or nipples are feeling especially sensitive. Our recommendation is to size up; this style seems to run a bit small.
We spoke with experts, such as Caldwell and reviewing bras for key attributes, from both department store and indie brands, to gather the best maternity bras to support you in your journey. I also personally tested many of these while I was pregnant. (I really did literally live in one of these for nine months and will keep wearing it long after I stop breastfeeding, I’m sure). I also polled friends and colleagues to get their recommendations. Caldwell has more than 17 years of experience fitting thousands of folks, many of whom were pregnant or nursing, and was instrumental in steering us toward the right types of bras.
The best maternity bras have a stretchy or flexible cup as opposed to a molded cup and are wireless, says Caldwell. She recommends a bralette for wearing around the house or for sleep and a bra with a bit more support to wear for exercise or work.
Avoid anything too tight or firm, she advises. But also beware of anything overly stretchy. “Your bust will be heavier than ever and needs some kind of support during the day,” explains Caldwell. “It’s tempting to think they’ll be so cozy, but often the lack of support is uncomfortable for fuller busts or any major activity.”
Switch to a maternity bra when your regular bra stops fitting well and feels uncomfortable. If your breast tissue is spilling over the sides or top of the cup, the band is digging into your ribs or breast tissue, or it still feels tight on the loosest hook, it’s time for a maternity bra.
Don’t be surprised when this happens; it’s natural. “In general, busts tend to grow two or more cup sizes during pregnancy,” says Caldwell, noting that for most people it happens right away. “The biggest change is in the first trimester—almost seemingly overnight! Then your breasts will still grow slightly throughout pregnancy, but it's really the band/torso that is changing then.”