Finding the right maternity nursing bra is one of those things nobody warns you about — until you're standing in a changing room, nothing fits, and you're not sure whether to size for your bump or your post-birth body. Here's a straightforward guide to help you get it right.
Why Your Regular Bra Won't Cut It
During pregnancy, most women go up one to two cup sizes and a back size, and that's before milk comes in. A regular underwired bra can restrict lymphatic drainage and put pressure on developing breast tissue. A well-fitted maternity bra supports without compressing — and a nursing bra adds the ability to feed without fully undressing, which matters enormously at 3am.
What to Look For in a Maternity & Nursing Bra
1. A wide, adjustable band
Your ribcage expands during pregnancy and contracts after birth. Look for multiple hook-and-eye fastenings so you can let the band out as you grow and take it back in postpartum.
2. Soft, breathable fabric
Skin becomes more sensitive during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Avoid synthetic fabrics that trap heat. Cotton-blend or bamboo fabrics are gentler and more breathable.
3. Drop-down nursing cups
A good nursing bra lets you open one cup at a time with one hand — because the other hand will always be holding a baby. Magnetic or clip-down fastenings are the easiest to manage.
4. No underwire (or flexible underwire)
Traditional underwire can dig in as your shape changes. If you prefer structure, look for bras with flexible or removable underwire rather than rigid wiring.
5. Enough stretch to accommodate engorgement
In the early days of breastfeeding, your size can change dramatically between feeds. A bra with stretch fabric in the cup will accommodate this without becoming uncomfortable.
When Should You Buy a Maternity Bra?
Most women find their regular bras become uncomfortable around weeks 12–16, when breast tissue starts to grow in earnest. It's worth buying one or two maternity bras at this point, then reassessing around week 36 when you're closer to your final pregnancy size.
For nursing bras, buy one or two before your due date so you have them ready — but don't stock up heavily until you know how your size settles after birth and once feeding is established (usually around weeks 4–6 postpartum).
How to Size Yourself at Home
- Measure your bust: wrap a tape measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping it parallel to the floor.
- Measure your underbust: wrap the tape snugly around your ribcage, just under your bust.
- Our bras are sized by top size (XS, S, M, L, XL) — not cup size — so you don't need to calculate cup measurements.
- Size up if you're buying during pregnancy — your body will continue to change.
Not sure which size is right for you? Check our Size Guide for a full measurement chart.
When in doubt, go up rather than down. A slightly larger size is far more comfortable than one that's too small.
Our Pick
Our Maternity & Nursing Bra is designed with all of the above in mind — soft stretch fabric, a drop-down nursing clip, and a wide adjustable band that works from the second trimester through to the end of breastfeeding. It's the kind of bra you reach for every day because it simply works.
Looking for more postpartum comfort guidance? Read our guide on what to wear in the fourth trimester — coming soon.