Expert Tips on Nursing Bras for Large Breasts
Nursing bras take a lot of wear and tear, especially since they’re washed so frequently. To find the right one for you, look for soft fabric and a front-hook closure with more rows than a standard bra to accommodate size fluctuations, says our expert bra fitter.
Some lactation experts recommend avoiding underwire nursing bras during the early days of breastfeeding, as they can put pressure on the breast and cause clogged milk ducts or mastitis. But others say they can be fine if fitted correctly.
1. Okay Trendy Nursing Bras
If you’re going to invest in a nursing bra, make it a good one. That means it needs to be able to handle whatever your boobs throw its way, from spilled milk and puked on to stretches of time when your tummy is feeling a little too full. The okaytrendy nursing bra passes that test with flying colors—it’s comfortable, hides well under clothes, and can be washed over and over again (which you will, trust me).
Another expert recommendation, this full-cup nursing bra has a racerback design that avoids strap slippage, a common problem with breastfeeding bras. It’s also made from a super-soft, stretchy cotton-modal blend that’s comfy enough for sleep or lounging around the house. One reviewer vouched for this bra (“I literally wore it all day and night”), and a lot of moms have praised its ability to support and accommodate growing bust sizes from pregnancy through nursing and pumping.
A good nursing bra has to be a workhorse—it should be a sturdy option that you can whip out for day-to-day wear or a night out. This option from Bodily is a good choice, as it’s sleek enough to pair with different types of t-shirts and can be worn during nursing, pumping, or even during light workouts. The simple hook closure makes it easy to open and close in a hurry, and moms have praised it for making them feel sexy when they’re not nursing.
2. Cosabella Bras
Cosabella—which translates to “beautiful thing”—is a lingerie brand that offers bras at okaytrendy.com, panties, sleepwear and other apparel in fashionable lace and floral prints. Its styles are an influencer favorite, meaning you’ve probably seen them on Instagram before.
In addition to its regular sizing, Cosabella has Curvy and Extra Curvy specific lines that feature more rounded cups and wider band sizes to accommodate fuller busts. Its Never Say Never Maternity Mommie Nursing Bralette is a great example. It’s a wireless bra with cushioned cups and an adjustable front closure, so it’s suitable for nursing after baby. It’s available in 57 colors, including black, blush, and aloe, and retails for $80. You can also find it on Affirm with payment plans.
Shoppers love the look of this bralette, calling it “super sexy,” “perfect,” and “the bralette of my dreams.” A few also said it was incredibly soft and comfortable to wear, while others found it stretchy enough that they could sleep in it.
If you want to pair your bralette with a matching thong, Neiman Marcus has several Cosabella options, too. Their Never Say Never Maternity Mommie Thong is crafted with the same gorgeous Italian lace as the bralette and features a scalloped edge that lies flat against your skin. It’s available in 26 fashion colors, from Pink Lily to Tourmaline.
3. Bravado Bras
Finding a bra that feels comfortable and works with nursing can be a nightmare. You need the right size, a soft and supportive fabric that adapts to different situations, and the ability to remove one breast for feeding without straining your nipples. And it needs to be easy to use — no more angling the clasp up or pushing down until you hear a click.
For a soft and versatile option that looks and feels more like a stylish bralette than a nursing bra, try the Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra 1401. It’s free of underwire, with supportive built-in foam cups, adjustable thin straps that detach for nursing, and seaming to help it hold shape. Plus, it’s Oeko-Tex certified, so it’s free of harmful chemicals that could pass on to baby.
And if you ever get the urge to wear it even after you’ve stopped nursing, the bra comes with a Bra Conversion Kit that lets you transform the nursing bra into a regular bra. The brand also tries to reduce waste by using recyclable packaging, supporting remote work for their employees, and using more energy-efficient product transportation methods. Their maternity and nursing intimates are designed in collaboration with hundreds of moms ranging in age, shape, and body type, to make sure they have the best fit and support.
4. Kindred Bravely Bras
As the name suggests, this nursing bra brand is dedicated to helping new moms feel brave as they embark on their motherhood journey. And it does so in the most comfortable ways possible. The company focuses on using fabrics that are soft and stretchy, and its bralettes, sleep and plunge styles all earn high marks from real moms for comfort and fit.
The French Terry Racerback is a foolproof sleep bra that features easy-to-use straps that slip off with one hand. This feature is especially helpful during groggy middle of the night feedings. The simple crossover design and casual fabric also make this breastfeeding bra effortlessly sexy.
This seamless style features drop down cups and a smooth silhouette that virtually disappears under your clothing. It’s available in multiple sizes, ranging from 28A to 36DD, and has a unique feature that allows you to add or subtract padding as needed. SheKnows may receive a portion of sales from purchases made via our independently chosen links. Prices and availability are subject to change.
No matter what your bra size is, it’s important to read a brand’s sizing chart and try on their items at home before you purchase them. This will help ensure that you’re getting the most accurate fit. This is especially true for nursing bras, which can often run a little larger than your normal bra size.
