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Best Nursing Bras of 2025

Updated
Everything you need to know about finding a comfortable nursing bra.
Breastfeeding requires a lot of gear, but nothing is quite as essential as a solid nursing bra. Your breasts are working overtime to feed a tiny human, often dealing with soreness, cracked nipples, and major size fluctuations.

Shopping postpartum is tough. You don’t have hours to scroll through reviews, yet you desperately need support that doesn’t dig into your shoulders or require a PhD to unhook with one hand.

We have been there. After testing dozens of options, we found the best nursing bras to support you through every feed, nap, and pumping session. Here is how to keep your boobs supported and comfortable.

Our Top Picks

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Best for Sports: Surewin Seamless
  • Soft breathable fabric
  • Adjustable shoulder straps
  • Easy drop cups for convenient feeding
Best for Everyday: Leonisa Comfy Everyday
  • Super-comfy SkinFuse fabric
  • Double-opening cup design
  • Supportive underbust band
Best Strapless Option: Strapless Pump and Nurse
  • Superior all-in-one strapless bra
  • Hole-free patented design
  • Works with all electric breast pumps
Best on a Budget: Sayceli Wire Free
  • Utilizes 4-way stretch fabric
  • Removable cups
  • One-hand quick access
Top Sexy Pick: Loving Moments Wire Free
  • One-hand accessible nursing clasp
  • Light padding and underwire
  • Convenient back closure
Best Full Coverage: Motherhood Lightly Lined Full Coverage
  • Clip-down nursing feature
  • Maximum coverage
  • Fit and support your breasts
Best for Hands-Free Pumping: Simple Wishes Hands-Free Pumping
  • Modest cover & tight seal
  • Ultimate comfort
  • Offers exceptional hands-free support
Best for Sleep Nursing: Kindred Bravely Sleep
  • Award-winning comfort
  • Ultra-soft fabric
  • Busty sizing available
Best for Large Breasts: Baomosi Nursing Bra
  • Removable, molded foam cup
  • Ultimate seamless, comfortable experience
  • Recommended by health care experts
Best for Plus-Size Moms: Gratlin Softcup Plus-Size
  • 100% cotton
  • Firm support
  • Moisture-wicking fabric

Do You Really Need Nursing Bras?

Nursing bras are designed specifically for lactating mothers. Unlike standard bras, these house your baby’s food source, meaning convenient access is non-negotiable.

The cups unclip or pull aside to let you feed your baby without taking the bra off. While they aren’t strictly mandatory, struggling with a regular strap while holding a hungry, crying newborn is a nightmare you want to avoid. A good nursing bra makes the process smoother and faster.

Different Types of Nursing Bras

The market is flooded with options, which can feel overwhelming. Here is a breakdown of the most common styles to help you decide what you need.

Sleep Nursing Bra

Comfort is king here. Regular bras have hard clasps or adjusters that dig into your back when you lie down. Sleep nursing bras are typically softer, wireless, and stretchy. They are essential for keeping breast pads in place to prevent milk from leaking onto your sheets overnight.

Breast-Pumping Bra

A breast-pumping bra features small openings to hold breast pump flanges securely. You can wear these over or under a regular nursing bra. This gear is a lifesaver if you want to pump hands-free while multitasking.

Underwire Nursing Bra

If you have a larger bust, you might crave the familiar support of an underwire. These provide structure and lift similar to your pre-baby bras. However, ensure the fit is perfect; a wire that presses on milk ducts can cause clogged ducts or mastitis.

Sports Nursing Bra

These function like standard sports bras but include clips or pull-away fabric for feeding. They usually lack wires and rely on compression and nylon/spandex blends. They are great for light exercise or moms who simply prefer a firmer hold.

Seamless Nursing Bra

Seams can irritate sensitive, engorged breasts. Seamless designs offer a smooth silhouette under t-shirts and reduce the risk of chafing. They are often very stretchy, making them forgiving as your size changes throughout the day.

Soft-Cup Nursing Bra

Soft-cup bras look like traditional bras but allow you to unclip and lower the cup for breastfeeding access. They usually offer decent separation and shape without the rigidity of a wire.

Strapless Nursing Bra

Summer dresses and tank tops are still on the menu. Strapless nursing bras have hidden openings to make feeding easy without straps getting in the way. Look for ones with wide bands and strong elastic to keep “the girls” up.

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How to Choose

Here are the critical features we evaluated when comparing products (1).

Support

Your breasts are heavier when nursing. You need a bra that handles the weight without causing back pain. We looked for strong side panels, reinforced under-cup bands, and wide straps that don’t dig in.

Closures

One-handed access is vital. You will usually be holding a baby with one arm while trying to unhook your bra with the other. We tested clasps to ensure they open smoothly and snap back shut without a struggle.

Comfort

Breastfeeding can make nipples sensitive and breasts sore. The fabric must be soft, breathable, and non-irritating. We prioritized materials that feel good against the skin and wick away moisture.

Adjustability

Your size will fluctuate, especially in the first few months. A good nursing bra should have multiple rows of hooks in the back and adjustable straps to accommodate these changes (and the occasional nursing pad).

Color and Style

Function comes first, but you shouldn’t have to feel frumpy. We looked for bras that offer style, lace details, or fun colors. Feeling good about how you look is just as important as the mechanics of the bra.

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Product Reviews

We have tested and reviewed the top-rated nursing bras to help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.

Best Everyday Nursing Bras

Every mom needs a reliable daily driver. You need a bra that disappears under a t-shirt, handles spills, and keeps you comfortable from morning coffee to bedtime. These picks are perfect for daily wear.

Leonisa Comfy Everyday Nursing Bra

This Leonisa bra strikes a great balance between structure and softness. The clip-down cups provide immediate access, which is crucial when your baby starts rooting.

It features a supportive underbust band that replaces the need for a wire, making it comfortable for all-day use. The double-layered fabric helps conceal nursing pads and provides a smooth shape under clothing.


QT Intimates Cotton Nursing Bra

If you prefer natural fibers, this cotton-spandex blend offers breathability and a soft touch. It allows for a bit of stretch, which accommodates size changes between feeds.

The traditional bra silhouette feels familiar, yet the functional clips make nursing accessible. It comes in standard colors like black, white, and nude, making it a versatile staple for your drawer.


Simple Wishes Everyday Nursing and Pumping Bra

This is a true multitasker. It functions as a maternity bra, a nursing bra, and a hands-free pumping bra. If you pump at work or exclusively pump, this design saves you from constantly changing gear.

The layered design holds pump flanges securely, so you can keep your hands free. Despite the extra functionality, the material remains stretchy and soft enough for long wear.


Best Strapless Nursing Bras

Don’t retire your cute summer tops just yet. These strapless options provide the lift you need while keeping your shoulders bare and your baby fed.

Strapless Pump and Nurse Bra

This unit works hard for moms who pump and nurse. The design holds pump shields in place hands-free, or you can drop the cup to breastfeed directly.

Since strapless bras rely heavily on the band for support, the multiple back clasps allow you to tighten it as the elastic wears or your body changes. It is a smart pick for formal events or summer heat.


Mothers En Vogue Strapless Nursing Bra

This option uses a lift-up layer rather than a drop-down clip. You lift the top layer to reveal openings in the layer beneath. This design offers a bit more discretion in public.

Reinforced bands keep the bra from slipping down, which is the biggest complaint with strapless styles. It also includes pockets for breast pads, so you don’t have to worry about leaks showing through your dress.


Best Nursing Sports Bras

Even if you aren’t hitting the gym, sports bras offer excellent containment and comfort. They are durable, washable, and great for keeping everything secure.

Surewin Seamless Nursing Bra

This wireless option focuses on breathability. The fabric is soft against sweaty skin, and the drop-down clips are easy to operate one-handed.

It features adjustable straps and a hook-and-eye back closure, giving you more customization than a standard pullover sports bra. The stretch accommodates engorgement well without feeling restrictive.


Rosie Pope Seamless Nursing Sports Bra

Rosie Pope designed this for active moms. The lightweight fabric wicks moisture, making it suitable for yoga or a brisk walk with the stroller.

The clips are durable, and the inner sling keeps the strap in place when the cup is dropped. It offers a cozy fit that transitions easily from a workout to lounging on the couch.


Best Budget Nursing Bras

Babies are expensive, but your bra doesn’t have to be. These budget-friendly picks prove you can get quality support and easy access without spending a fortune.

Sayceli Wire Free Nursing Bra

This bra features 4-way stretch fabric that moves with you. The drop-down clips are standard and reliable, allowing for quick feeds.

You can remove the foam cups if you prefer a natural shape or need more room for breast pads. The side ribbing helps prevent “side boob” spillover, and the back extender gives you extra breathing room if your rib cage expands.


Lataly Seamless Nursing Bra

Sold in multi-packs, these offer incredible value. The seamless knit is soft enough to sleep in but supportive enough for daytime errands.

The wide back band uses three vertical hooks, offering better weight distribution than thinner bands. If you need to build a wardrobe quickly on a budget, this is a solid starting point.


Best Sexy Nursing Bras

Postpartum life can feel unglamorous. Reclaim your confidence with bras that feature lace, plunge cuts, and stylish details without sacrificing nursing functionality.

Loving Moments Wire-Free Nursing Bra

This bra proves you can have lace and comfort simultaneously. It looks like standard lingerie but includes the necessary nursing clips.

Available in sizes 34B to 36D, it targets average bust sizes. If you want to feel a little more like your pre-baby self for a date night or just because, this is a great morale booster.


Momanda Lace Nursing Bra

The deep V-cut on this Momanda bra works perfectly with low-cut tops. It allows you to wear fashionable clothes while keeping milk accessible.

Despite the delicate lace look, the underbust band is thick enough to provide lift without a wire. With over 15 colors, you can find one to match any outfit.


Best Full Coverage Nursing Bras

If you have a larger cup size or just prefer feeling “locked and loaded,” full coverage is key. These bras prevent spilling and offer maximum containment.

Motherhood Lightly Lined Full Coverage

This bra uses an underwire and light padding to give you a smooth, rounded shape. It is ideal if you are returning to work and want a professional, tailored look under blouses.

The size range is extensive (32C to 42DDD). The clips are sturdy, and the full cups ensure you won’t be constantly adjusting yourself throughout the day.


Kindred Simply Sublime Nursing Bra

Kindred Bravely is a favorite among moms for a reason. This bra uses soft spandex to cover high on the chest, ensuring nothing spills out when you bend over to pick up the baby.

The wide back band helps smooth out back bulges and distributes weight evenly to reduce shoulder strain. It is supportive enough for light yoga but comfy enough for naps.


Best Hands-free Pumping Bras

Multitasking is a survival skill for moms. Hands-free bras hold the pump flanges for you, letting you type, scroll, or eat while you express milk.

Simple Wishes Hands Free Pumping Bra

This is a dedicated pumping bustier. You zip it on over your nursing bra or bare skin. The Velcro back panel offers 10 inches of adjustment, which is brilliant for weight fluctuations.

It holds the flanges tight against the breast to maintain suction. It is machine washable and durable, making it a staple for exclusive pumpers.


Essential Relax Pump and Nurse Bra

This crossover style creates a pocket for the pump shield. There are no zippers or Velcro to fuss with; you just slide the flange in.

The cotton-spandex fabric is soft enough to sleep in. While it offers less support than a structured bra, the convenience of not changing clothes to pump is unbeatable.


Best Nursing Sleep Bras

Leaking doesn’t stop at sunset. These sleep bras are designed to hold nursing pads in place comfortably so you can (hopefully) get some rest.

Kindred Bravely Sleep Nursing Bra

Made from French terry, this feels like your favorite sweatpants in bra form. There are no clips to fumble with in the dark; you just pull the cup aside.

The racerback design keeps straps from slipping off while you toss and turn. It offers gentle containment rather than firm support, which is exactly what you want at 3 a.m.


Cakye Nightly Nursing Bra

This crossover style is incredibly easy to use for nighttime feeds. The fabric is lightweight and stretchy, putting zero pressure on your ribcage.

It features pockets for breast pads, which is a must-have feature for heavy leakers. The multi-pack options allow you to stock up so you always have a clean one ready.


Best for Large Breasts

If you are blessed (or cursed) with a heavy bust, you need serious engineering. These bras offer wider straps, stronger bands, and deeper cups for proper support.

Baomosi Nursing Bra

This bra goes up to size 40E. It uses wide elastic bands and supportive weaving in the fabric to lift heavy breasts without an underwire.

The included band extender is a nice touch for customized fitting. It is a budget-friendly option for larger busts, which usually come with a high price tag.


Kindred Bravely Racerback Nursing Bra

This “Busty” size line is specifically designed for women with small bands and large cups (up to I cup). It provides ample fabric so you don’t spill out the sides.

The racerback distributes weight across your back rather than digging ditches into your shoulders. It is a pull-over style, so keep that in mind if you have mobility issues.


Best Plus-Size Nursing Bras

These picks are designed with wider bands and extended sizing to ensure full-figured moms get the comfort and access they deserve.

Gratlin Softcup Plus-Size Nursing Bra

Available in over 45 sizes, this Gratlin bra is inclusive and comfortable. The moisture-wicking fabric helps with the sweating that often happens postpartum.

It features an inner sling for support while nursing and a drop-cup design for privacy. The extra rows of hooks in the back allow for significant size adjustments.


Motherhood Maternity Plus Size Nursing Bra

This seamless bra offers medium support without wires. It is great for lounging or running errands. The fabric stretches generously, making it a forgiving choice if you are between sizes.

You can use the removable pads for modesty or swap them for absorbent nursing pads. The clips are easy to locate and operate without looking down.


Best Racerback Nursing Bras

Racerback straps stay put. If you spend your day chasing toddlers or bending over bassinets, these bras ensure your straps won’t slide down your arm.

Gratlin Racerback Nursing Bra

This non-padded option feels freeing and light. The racerback cut keeps the weight centered, relieving shoulder pressure.

It features front-opening clips that are accessible and durable. The side sling ensures the strap doesn’t snap back when you drop the cup, making re-clasping easier.


Bravado Racerback Nursing Bra

Bravado uses high-quality cotton that lasts through endless wash cycles. The racerback design is sporty and supportive, suitable for light activity or sleep.

It offers a full drop-away cup for maximum skin-to-skin contact with your baby. This is essential for bonding and helps stimulate milk flow during feeds.


Best DIY Nursing Bra Clips

Love your pre-pregnancy bras? You can convert them. With a little sewing skills and these clips, you can turn your favorite regular bra into a nursing-friendly one.

Dritz Nursing Bra Clips

These Dritz clips are the industry standard for DIY conversions. They come in black and white to match most undergarments.

They work on bras, camisoles, or tank tops. If you have a hard-to-find size or a specific bra you adore, these clips let you keep using it.


KAMsnaps Plastic Nursing Clips

These plastic clips are durable and easy to install on any strap width. They allow you to one-handedly detach the cup just like a store-bought nursing bra.

Converting your own clothes is a huge money saver and ensures you get the exact style and fit you prefer.


Nursing Bra FAQs

When Should You Start Wearing a Nursing Bra?

You can switch to nursing bras in your third trimester. Your ribcage expands and breasts grow during late pregnancy, so your regular bras will likely feel tight anyway. Plus, buying them early means you are prepared for the hospital.

Should I Go Up a Cup Size for a Nursing Bra?

Generally, yes. Your breasts will be larger when your milk comes in (usually 2-5 days postpartum). A good rule of thumb is to buy a bra one cup size larger and one band size larger than your pregnancy size, or look for “flex-fit” bras that span multiple sizes.

How Many Pairs of Nursing Bras Do I Need?

Aim for at least three: one to wear, one in the wash, and one in the drawer. Realistically, having five or six reduces laundry stress, as milk leaks and spit-up happen daily.

How Often Do You Change Your Nursing Bra?

Change it whenever it gets wet or dirty. Damp bras can harbor bacteria and lead to thrush or mastitis. If you leak heavily, you might change your bra (or at least your breast pads) multiple times a day.

Can Nursing Bras Decrease Milk Supply?

Only if they are too tight or have a restrictive underwire. A bra that digs into breast tissue can block milk ducts. Ensure your bra fits snugly but comfortably without leaving deep red marks or causing pain.

How Do I Measure Myself for a Nursing Bra?

To measure yourself, wear a non-padded bra. Measure around your ribcage directly under your bust for the band size. Then, measure around the fullest part of your bust for the cup size. Subtract the band number from the bust number; each inch of difference equals one cup size (1 inch = A, 2 inches = B, etc.).

The Bottom Line

Our top pick for the best nursing bra is the Surewin Seamless. It hits the sweet spot between comfort, support, and affordability.

The breathable fabric handles postpartum temperature spikes, while the seamless design prevents irritation on sensitive skin. The clips are easy to use one-handed, which is the most important feature when you have a crying baby.

Whether you are lounging at home or heading out for a walk, the adjustable straps and supportive band keep everything right where it should be.

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Headshot of Jennifer Schlette, MSN, RN

Reviewed by

Jennifer Schlette, MSN, RN

Jennifer Schlette MSN, RN, is a pediatric intensive care nurse at Children's Hospital of New York for the past 14 years. Jennifer also has extensive experience teaching Maternity and Obstetric Nursing, as well as Pediatrics Nursing.