Nursing Bra Styles and Fit Guide

During pregnancy, hormonal changes help prep moms to provide newborns with the sustenance they need to grow. In fact, at around four weeks along, sore, swollen, unusually sensitive breasts are commonly one of the earliest signs of pregnancy.

Some women can experience an increase of up to three cup sizes during pregnancy. Eventually, your usual bras will become too small and restrictive to serve their purpose. That’s when you’ll need to pick up a few comfortable, supportive maternity bras for daily wear.

This guide will walk you through the many types and features of maternity and nursing bras and how they differ from regular bras, as well as:

• When to Buy Nursing Bras
• How to Pick a Nursing Bra
• Styles of Nursing Bras
• How to Use a Nursing Bras
• Maternity Bras FAQs
• What's the Best Maternity Bra for Sleeping?
• How Do I Know if My Maternity Bra Fits Right?
• Why is Cotton Best for Nursing Bras?
• What are Breast Pads and Will I Need Them?

Now let’s find you a fab nursing bra!

A nursing bra is specially designed to deliver extra support and comfort with features that make it easy and convenient for you to nurse. Typically, it has a clasp at the top of the cup that can be released to expose the breast during feedings, and wider, adjustable comfort straps.

Most nursing bras are made from soft, stretchy materials, and they usually don’t have seams near the nipple to prevent chafing. Some are underwire, some are wire-free—it’s a personal preference. Cups accommodate fluctuations in breast size, and the back band may have extra hook-and-eyes that allow you to let out the bra as your rib cage expands.

You should get fitted for and take home your nursing bra around the eight-month mark. That's the recommended time because this is the size your breasts will most likely return to at around six weeks after birth, once your body regulates its milk supply.

Tip: During the first three to four weeks after giving birth, it’s extra important to wear a stretchy, comfortable, supportive bra because breast size fluctuates a lot. After the fourth week, your body will start to become accustomed to your baby’s eating patterns. We suggest having at least three nursing bras, so you can be wearing one while one is in the wash and the other is on the drying rack.

Still not sure what size to get? Call a Bra Fit Expert for a complimentary, personalized over-the-phone bra fitting at 877-728-9272 (select option 4).

When selecting your nursing bra, consider your lifestyle. What type of clothes do you typically wear? Are you active? Are you going back to work or staying at home? Answering these questions will help you determine what style of maternity bra will work best for you.

As with any bra, there are different styles of nursing bras available to choose from, including:

• Seamless
• Contour
• Plunge
• Sports
• Sleep
• Fuller Bust
• Soft Cup
• Molded Cups and more

You know better than anyone how important it is to listen to your body, and this also applies to shopping for nursing bras. Your maternity bra should never feel uncomfortable or restrictive. The straps shouldn’t dig in or feel too loose or too tight.

A traditional nursing bra fits a lot like a regular bra and may or may not have a clasp in the back. Unlike a regular bra, though, it also has clasps at the top of the cups. When you're ready to nurse your baby, you simply unhook that clasp on the side you want to nurse and fold the cup down. When you're done nursing, lift up the cup and re-fasten the clasp.

When you’re breastfeeding, you want a nursing bra that’s comfortable, supportive and easy to maneuver. We’ve sourced the top maternity bra brands for women of all shapes and sizes, and they’re all as stylish as you are.

Shop our full selection of nursing and maternity bras now.