Let’s be real: pregnancy changes everything, and your breasts are often the first to get the memo. Whether you’re dealing with tenderness, rapid growth, or just a general need for better containment, finding a maternity bra that fits now (and in three months) is a tall order.
Few physical stores carry a decent selection of maternity bras, and the ones that do often lack variety. That leaves most moms shopping online, crossing their fingers that the size chart is accurate. But you don’t have time for returns and uncomfortable wires.
We’ve done the heavy lifting (pun intended) to find the best supporters for your new curves. Our team tested a wide range of styles to find the best maternity bras to keep you comfortable, supported, and ready for whatever pregnancy throws your way.
- Ultra soft fabric
- Hook and eye closure
- Doubles as a nursing bra
- Perfect for day & night wear
- Super comfy fabric
- Breastfeeding access
- Mom's Choice Award winner
- Molded cups
- 4-way stretch fabric
- Removable molded padding
- Designed for A-C cup sizes
- No underwire
- Luxuriously soft smooth fabric
- Removable molded cups
- Tightly knitted underband
- Hook and eye closure
- Breathable mesh
- Enhances bust figure
Why Do I Need a Maternity Bra?
During pregnancy, your body is in a constant state of flux. Your rib cage expands, and your cup size increases to prepare for milk production. A standard bra simply isn’t engineered to handle this rapid growth. You need a specialized bra to accommodate these changes:
- Hormonal shifts: Estrogen and progesterone spikes cause fullness and sensitivity.
- Weight gain: Extra tissue requires sturdier support structures.
- Rib cage expansion: Your frame widens to make room for the baby, meaning your old band size will likely feel suffocating.
- Swelling: Water retention can make tight elastic dig in painfully.
- Milk production: Even before birth, glandular development increases breast mass.
What to Look For
When hunting for the perfect maternity bra, keep these features top of mind:
No Underwire
Underwires are rigid, and right now, your body needs flexibility. Rigid wires can dig into fluctuating breast tissue, potentially leading to clogged ducts or even mastitis (1). Plus, let’s be honest; a wire digging into a sensitive baby bump is the last thing you need.
Flexible Fabric
Since your cup and band size will likely change throughout the trimesters, rigid fabrics are a no-go. Look for bras with a high spandex content or stretchy blends (like bamboo or knit nylon) that can expand and contract with you.
Full Coverage
Your nipples may darken and grow larger, and leakage (colostrum) can happen earlier than you expect. A full-coverage cup prevents spillage and offers enough room for nursing pads without them peeking out.
Wide, Cushioned Straps
As your breasts get heavier, thin straps can dig into your shoulders and cause tension headaches. Look for wide, padded, or racerback straps to distribute the weight evenly across your back and shoulders.
Soft Cups
Sensitivity is a major pregnancy symptom. Scratchy lace or rough seams can feel unbearable right now. Opt for buttery-soft linings, cotton blends, or seamless designs that won’t irritate your skin.
Wide Band
Most of a bra’s support comes from the band, not the straps. A wider band with reinforced elastic helps lift the weight of the breasts off your chest wall and reduces back strain.
Nursing Panels
While you don’t strictly need nursing clips while pregnant, buying a dual-purpose bra is a smart financial move. If the bra fits well and offers drop-down cups, you’ll get more mileage out of it once the baby arrives.
Extra Hooks
Standard bras usually have three rows of hooks. Good maternity bras often have four, five, or even six rows. This adjustability is crucial as your rib cage expands during pregnancy and contracts postpartum.
Product Reviews
We evaluated these bras based on comfort, stretch, support, and longevity to help you find your perfect fit.
Best Maternity Bras for Large Breasts
Kindred Braverly Simply Sublime Pregnancy Bra
Soft and Roomy
This is a cult favorite for a reason. The elastic is stretchy enough to handle size fluctuations but firm enough to keep everything hoisted. We love that it offers full-coverage cups so you don’t get that dreaded “quad-boob” effect. The wide band features reliable clasps that stay put, making it a fantastic daily driver for bustier moms who want comfort without sacrificing shape.
Our Ratings
Curve Muse Plus Size Maternity Bra
Pretty but Practical
Usually, we steer clear of underwires during pregnancy, but for those with very large breasts, sometimes wire-free just doesn’t cut it. If you need the structure of a wire, this is a solid choice. The key here is the fit; ensure the wire sits on the rib cage and doesn’t pinch breast tissue. It comes in a three-pack, offering great value, and the design is surprisingly cute compared to the beige monoliths often sold in this category.
Our Ratings
Bamboobies Seamless Pregnancy Bra
Racy Racerback
Bamboo rayon is a magical fabric for pregnancy, it’s cooling, incredibly soft, and moisture-wicking. This bra fits sizes up to 42F comfortably, especially when you utilize the included extender. It’s supportive enough for light yoga or power walking but cozy enough for a nap. The nursing clips mean it will transition seamlessly into your postpartum wardrobe.
Our Ratings
Best Maternity Bras for Small Breasts
Mothers en Vogue Seamless Maternity Bralette
Low-Key Loveliness
Designed specifically for cup sizes A to C, this bralette avoids the “wearing a helmet” look that padded maternity bras can have. The low profile works great under summer tanks or lower-cut tops. The blend of nylon, spandex, and cotton provides breathability while stretching just enough to accommodate those pregnancy breast changes.
Our Ratings
Gratlin Racerback Seamless Pregnacy Bra
Cosy Support
Fitting breasts as small as 32A, this is a lifesaver for petite moms. It mimics a sports bra but features hook-and-eye closures, giving you the adjustability standard sports bras lack. The dense knit underband provides lift without wires, and because it lacks heavy padding, it conforms to your shape rather than forcing you into a pre-molded cup.
Our Ratings
Best Plus Size Maternity Bras
Motherhood Maternity Sports Wireless Maternity Bra
Sweet and Sporty
Available in sizes 1X to 3X, this bra understands that plus-size bodies need side smoothing and back support. The straps are thick enough to prevent digging, and the elastic construction accommodates daily fluctuations in water retention. It’s versatile enough for lounging or running errands, making it a staple for your wardrobe.
Our Ratings
Gratlin Plus-Size Wire-Free Pregnancy Bra
Best for Sexy Support
Finding a cotton-heavy bra that feels sexy is rare, but Gratlin nailed it here. It follows traditional sizing, allowing for a precise fit. The standout feature is the six full rows of hook-and-eye closures, this gives you massive room for rib cage expansion without needing to buy a bra extender. It supports heavy breasts securely without the torture of an underwire.
Our Ratings
Best Maternity Bras for Sleeping
Kindred Braverly Terry Scoopback Sleep Bra
Easy Breezy
This is essentially the sweatpants of bras, in the best way possible. The French terry fabric is ultra-soft and breathable, which is great if pregnancy night sweats are keeping you up. With no clips or hooks to poke you in the back, it’s a pure pull-on comfort piece. It’s also incredibly easy to pull aside for those inevitable middle-of-the-night feedings later on.
Our Ratings
EMY Pregnancy Sleep Bra
Outrageously Soft
Sold in a 4-pack, these are perfect for budget-conscious moms who want a fresh bra every night. The crossover front style makes access easy, and the cotton-spandex blend is gentle on sensitive nipples. They even have pockets for nursing pads, which is a lifesaver if you start leaking colostrum before your due date.
Our Ratings
Gratlin Comfort Support Nursing Bra
Completely Natural Feel
This bra focuses on a natural shape and smooth silhouette. It’s fantastic for sleeping because it lacks stiff seams, but it offers just enough structure that you could wear it around the house on a lazy Sunday. It molds to your unique shape, which is helpful when one breast decides to grow faster than the other.
Our Ratings
Best Supportive Maternity Bras
Hofish 3-Pack Maternity Bras
Sexy and Sleek
Who says practical can’t be pretty? The deep V-neck and push-up padding give you a nice shape under lower-cut tops. The wide underband anchors the bra securely, preventing it from riding up your back. It includes bra extenders, giving you plenty of wiggle room as your bump pushes your ribs outward.
Our Ratings
Carriwell GelWire Maternity Nursing Bra
Fit with Flexibility
If you miss the lift of an underwire but fear the health risks, Carriwell has the answer. Their “gel wire” technology is soft and pliable, minimizing the risk of blocked ducts while still providing distinct cup separation and lift. It’s a brilliant compromise for moms who feel “uniboob” in standard wireless bras.
Our Ratings
Best Nursing Maternity Bras
Bravado! Seamless Nursing and Maternity Bra
Ultimate Skin-to-Skin
Bravado is a heavyweight in this industry for good reason. The fabric has a four-way stretch that accommodates size fluctuations amazingly well. The standout feature is the cup drop; it falls away completely for maximum skin-to-skin contact, which is lovely for those first few weeks with a newborn. The removable foam inserts provide modesty if you’re feeling self-conscious about “headlights.”
Our Ratings
Playtex Seamless Nursing Pregnancy Bra
Smooth, Simple Cup
This is a reliable workhorse of a bra. The seamless design disappears under t-shirts, and the X-Temp technology helps regulate body temperature (a godsend during hormonal hot flashes). It offers a wide band with plenty of hooks, ensuring you get the support you need even when you feel at your heaviest.
Our Ratings
Best Wireless Maternity Bras
Gepai Wire-free Front Button Maternity Bra
Flirty Florals
If you are tired of plain beige and black options, these floral prints are a breath of fresh air. The front-button closure is a cute style detail that also functions as easy nursing access later. Despite being wireless, the structure is surprisingly robust thanks to the supportive strap design and four-row back closure.
Our Ratings
Aibrou Wirefree Padded Pregnancy Bra
Real Versatility
This bra comes with an extender right in the package, which we love seeing. It extends the life of the bra significantly. The padding is removable and washable (essential for milk leaks), and the elastic is durable enough to survive many wash cycles without losing its snap.
Our Ratings
Best Maternity Sports Bras
Fittin Racerback Pregnancy Sports Bra
Fit and Foxy
If you are committed to your prenatal workouts, skip the nursing hybrids and get this dedicated sports bra. It sits slightly higher on the torso so the band doesn’t roll down over your bump. The moisture-wicking capability is superior to standard cotton bras, keeping you dry during intense sessions.
Our Ratings
AKAMC Removable Padded Maternity Sports Bras
Hard Working Bra
These offer a medium-impact support level that is perfect for walking, prenatal yoga, or pilates. The pads provide modesty (it gets cold in the gym!), but you can toss them if you need more room. The racerback allows for a full range of motion, and they are durable enough to be machine washed, which is a huge plus for busy moms.
Our Ratings
Best Cheap Maternity Bras
Hofish Full Bust Matenity Bralette
Thrifty Three-Pack
Hofish delivers incredible value here. The bras are forgiving and stretchy, making them ideal for those rapid growth spurts in the second trimester. They come with clips and extenders included, meaning you don’t have to buy accessories separately. It’s a complete starter kit for a very reasonable price.
Our Ratings
Caramel Cantina Pregnancy Bras
Value for Money Option
Getting three bras for the price of one is a steal. You can choose fun, bold colors to brighten up your wardrobe. They are machine washable and feature easy-to-use nursing clips. While they might not offer the heavy-duty support of expensive brands, they are perfect for lounging and light daily activities.
Our Ratings
ILoveSia 3-Pack Maternity Bras
3 for the Price of 1
This set is fantastic for moms preparing a hospital bag. The fabric is buttery soft, and the knitted underband provides gentle lift without digging. If you anticipate messy feedings or leaking, having a 3-pack means you always have a clean, dry backup ready to go.
Our Ratings
Is a Maternity Bra the Same as a Nursing Bra?
Technically, no. A maternity bra is engineered to support growing breasts and an expanding rib cage during pregnancy. A nursing bra is designed with clips or panels to allow breastfeeding access.
However, the lines are blurred these days. Most modern maternity bras now include nursing clips because manufacturers know moms want value for their money.
Pro Tip
Our advice? Buy a stretchy, forgiving nursing bra during pregnancy. It will handle your growth now and serve you well during those first few weeks of breastfeeding when your size fluctuates wildly. Once your milk supply regulates (around 3-4 months postpartum), you can get measured for a more structured bra.
How Many Maternity Bras Do I Need?
You don’t need to replace your entire lingerie drawer. Since your size is a moving target, buying 10 bras now might result in 10 ill-fitting bras next month.
Start with three bras:
- One on your body: Your daily driver.
- One in the wash: Because laundry happens.
- One in the drawer: A backup for emergencies.
Rotate these until the fit becomes uncomfortable, then reassess your size and buy a few more.
Maternity Bra FAQs
When Should I Start Wearing a Maternity Bra?
Listen to your body, not the calendar. Some moms need the extra support in the first trimester, while others can wait until the second. If your current bra leaves red marks, feels tight around the band, or causes “spillage” over the cups, it is time to upgrade immediately.
Should You Size Up Your Bra When Pregnant?
Absolutely. Most women go up at least one band size and one to two cup sizes. If you are using the tightest hook on your current bra and it still digs in, you need a larger band. Always fit a maternity bra on the tightest hook so you have room to loosen it as your rib cage expands.
At What Point in Pregnancy Should You Stop Wearing Underwire?
You can technically wear underwire safely if it fits perfectly, meaning the wire sits on the rib cage and never touches breast tissue. However, because breast tissue expands into the armpit area during pregnancy, wires often end up resting on milk ducts. We recommend switching to wireless as soon as your underwire starts feeling restrictive or uncomfortable.
Is a Maternity Bra the Same As a Normal Bra?
No. Maternity bras have wider straps, more hook-and-eye closures (often 4-6 rows), and softer linings to accommodate sensitive nipples. They are built for comfort and adaptability, whereas normal bras prioritize style and a fixed shape.
What’s the Best Bra to Wear While Pregnant?
It depends on your priority. For pure comfort, we love the Kindred Bravely Terry Sleep Bra. For budget-friendly value, the Hofish Full Bust is hard to beat. If you need to feel sexy, try the Gratlin Lace options.
How Do I Measure for a Maternity Bra?
Measure yourself with a soft tape measure. For the band, measure around your rib cage directly under your bust; for the cup, measure around the fullest part of your breasts. Do this every few weeks, as your size will likely change rapidly during the second and third trimesters.
The Bottom Line
You’ve got the maternity jeans and the oversized shirts, but don’t neglect the girls. A good maternity bra isn’t just a luxury; it’s a tool to prevent breast pain, backaches, and damaged tissue. Whether you go for a sporty racerback or a soft sleep bra, prioritizing support now will keep you comfortable until the baby arrives (and beyond).
