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Apr 20, 2023

Best Maternity Bras 2023

The best maternity bras support growing bustlines and may even soothe those

The best maternity bras support growing bustlines and may even soothe those suddenly tender breasts. A great pregnancy bra is supportive but soft and flexible, so it can expand with you as your body changes—and it just might be a wireless brassiere or a maternity version from your favorite undergarment line. It doesn't need to be labeled as a maternity bra per se, but it does need to fit well. I selected the Bodily The Everything Bra as the best maternity bra for the most shapes given its ultra soft and accommodating structure. Ahead, discover more of the best maternity bras.

The best maternity bras leave the wearer irritation free.

"Maternity bras may have a special design that makes them well suited for this time, or they may be a ‘regular’ bra that fits and functions well during pregnancy," explains Kimmay Caldwell, an undergarment educator and bra coach at HurrayKimmay.com.

Just like choosing a nursing bra, you want to take special considerations when picking out a bra to wear while pregnant. Not a lot of things about pregnancy are comfortable. The last thing you need is a pinch-prone, terrible bra. If you can't nap in it, do yourself a favor and count it out. Here are the best maternity bras no matter your size or style preferences. When you finish perusing this list, be sure to check out our favorite maternity clothes, pregnancy pillows and maternity underwear, too.

Bodily

Sizes: S-XL (A-G cups) | Fabrics: Micromodal, elastane | Closure: Hook and eye | Type: Maternity to nursing with clips

Bodily elicited rave reviews from seemingly everyone when I asked a group of editor and publicist friends about pregnancy and nursing bras. One loved its bras for both pregnancy and postpartum. The company worked with lactation consultants to design The Everything Bra, so it's made to grow with you during the last months of your pregnancy, when minimal support and ultimate comfort are exactly what you want. Front adjustable straps with nursing clips let you seamlessly transition to nursing after baby arrives. It's stretchy and soft and designed to be extra comfortable and non-restrictive. By the way, one of Bodily's other bras, The Do Anything, is now one of my favorite pumping bras. I wish I’d known about the Bodily brand earlier.

What the reviews say: Comfort and ease of use topped reviewers’ favorite attributes of this Bodily bra. "I bought bras from multiple brands, and this was the ONLY bra that didn't hurt my already sensitive nipples," writes one. "I recommend this bra over and over again to my girlfriends!" Another says: "Best nursing bra I have found. Clips are very easy to use. Super comfortable and stylish." The Bodily bra won't feel as supportive to those who are used to an underwire bra, but it really isn't designed to.

Amazon

Sizes: S-XXL (F-K cups) | Fabrics: Nylon, elastane | Closure: Hook and eye | Type: Wireless bra

Caldwell brought this brand to my attention as one of the best comfortable, wire-free options out there. Its basic bralette has the customizable feel of a regular bra thanks to its adjustable straps and band. Two other features make it extra supportive: Instead of underwire, two slings inside the cup lift and cushion your breasts. The back straps can also be crisscrossed in a racerback-style to give you a more support as needed.

What the reviews say: Many reviewers love the wireless feel of this bralette. "These bras are hands down the most comfortable bras I’ve ever worn," writes one. Raves another: "As a 34K US, I struggle to find bras that don't leave indelible welts on my shoulders and ribs. This bra is so comfortable... if I could afford it, I would buy one for every day of the week. I did order an L based on the fit quiz on the Sugar Candy website, and I think in future I will get an XL and maybe add some hooks as the cup area is a little too small. Still, this is the most comfortable bra I own now, and it gives a perfectly convincing shape."

Seraphine

Sizes: S-XXL (A-E cups) | Fabrics: Viscose (bamboo), nylon, elastane | Closure: Pull-on | Type: Wireless maternity and nursing bra

The worst thing about pregnancy for me—aside from the insomnia—was the night sweats. When I finally would fall asleep, I’d wake up in drenched pajamas. The moisture-wicking, antibacterial bamboo viscose of these bras helps keep you cool on restless nights like those. Of course, they may not cure the sweats, but they certainly won't add to it either. The stretchy, comfy crossover styling with no clips or hooks means there's nothing else to irritate you. After baby arrives, you can easily pull down one side at a time for hassle-free night feedings. And a twin pack? Perfect.

What the reviews say: While reviews are not available on the Seraphine site, this pair of soft, wireless bras offers wide appeal. The deep V may bother some with larger chests, but the wide band under the bust and pull-on nature of this sleep bra are hard to argue with in terms of comfort. If you’re in between sizes, be sure to order up to give your breasts the room they need.

Cosabella

Sizes: S-XL (A-H cups with extended sizing) | Fabrics: Polyamide, elastane | Closure: Pull-on; hook and eye (extended sizes) | Type: Wireless maternity and nursing bra

Cosabella calls its Never Say Never bralette the OG of all bralettes, and there's no wonder it inspired a trend. With its pull-on, wireless design and stretchy pretty lace, it's the epitome of feminine comfort. The maternity version is just as comfort perfect. (The curvy sizes offer a hook and eye closure for additional support.) The design elements help it accommodate a growing bust while the nursing clips might just allow you to transition from pregnancy to postpartum life. The sweetheart neckline offers fuller coverage, and you can loosen the adjustable straps for a roomier fit. We love that it comes in so many fun colors (and many of them often go on sale).

What the reviews say: Reviewers rave about the quality and look of the bra, as well as its padding coverage that conceals both nursing pads and nipples. "This is my absolute favorite nursing bra," says one happy reviewer. "It is actually cute and comfortable, which is a rarity in any bra!... can totally see myself wearing it after I’m done breastfeeding if it still fits." Most do recommend sizing up.

Cosabella

Sizes: S-XL (DD-L cups in Curvy/Extra Curvy) | Fabrics: Polyamide, elastane | Closure: Pull-on | Type: Wireless maternity and nursing bra

Cosabella's cult favorite bra also comes in an unusually large range of size combinations for people who have larger busts, including people who need bigger cups with smaller bands. Its Curvy and Ultra Curvy options cover people who might not find the size they need elsewhere. Sizes start at the DD range. It's lightly lined and the lace isn't sheer, so there's still plenty of coverage here, too.

What the reviews say: This bralette is beloved for its comfort and pretty lace colors. "It can be difficult finding a bralette that's comfortable and supportive for a larger bust, but this one does it and looks great, too," a reviewer dishes. "I've managed to wear this all day and then sleep in it, which goes to show how comfortable it is. The lace isn't scratchy, and the support is perfect. Love the color options and that they're often on sale."

Hatch Collection

Sizes: S-XL (A-DD/E cups) | Fabrics: Cotton, lycra (white); Pima cotton, spandex (black, anise, sand) | Closure: Pull-on | Type: Wireless maternity bra

I literally lived in this Hatch bra for all nine months of my recent pregnancy. It's the only nearly 100% cotton maternity bra on our list, and I found that to be perfection with my sore breasts. It's soft and stretchy and won't irritate or compress your breasts. The only shaping is from slight darts at the bust. It's definitely a bra you can nap in—I did daily during my first trimester—and feel comfortable wearing out if you’re the kind of person who typically wears an unpadded, minimalist bra. I bought a half dozen, and they’ve stood up well to machine washing and occasional trips through the dryer (ideally you line dry these) for nearly a year now. My only regrets? I wish I had sized up, so that I could sleep in them now that I’m breastfeeding. I also wish the fun floral and leopard prints had been available when I was shopping.

What the reviews say: Other reviewers, including this one, agree that this bra is easy to sleep in: "I have bought this bra twice over now. It's soooo comfortable! I wear these to sleep even when nursing isn't part of the equation," writes one. "These are soft and breathable—the best! Highly recommend." Writes another: "This bra is my absolute fave. It feels fantastic. It's so soft but supportive at the same time. It's great for easy access for breastfeeding. I received one as a gift and after one wear bought two more."

True & Co

Sizes: XS-2X (A-DDD/F cups) | Fabrics: Nylon, elastane | Closure: Pull-on | Type: Wireless bra

Caldwell recommends True & Co bras for maternity bras, because they’re soft and wireless. The company recommends this style for moms-to-be to wear while exercising (no matter what that means for you), because it has a wide bottom band and a heavier weight version of its softest nylon-elastane blend fabric for a little extra support. This bra comes in 17 colors and sizes XS to 2XL, in both standard and full cup sizes.

What the reviews say: Reviewers praise the comfort of this bra with one describing it as "buttery soft." "This bra is truly a dream come true! It's smoothing without being restrictive and supportive without painful underwire," writes one. "The material is smooth, soft and still durable—easily my new favorite bra." Another agreed: "I am large enough that some sports bras give me a uniboob, but the fit and padding is comfortable and supports me without cutting or the uniboob issue." Others would prefer more support, especially for larger busts: "This bra is buttery soft, incredibly comfortable and light as air," writes a reviewer. "But for larger chests (I’m 34 DDD), it just doesn't have much support at all."

Larken

Sizes: XS-XXL (A-I cups) | Fabrics: Polyester, spandex | Closure: Pull-on | Type: Wireless, nursing, pumping bra

Most pumping bras include enough structure to provide the support you need to hold up the breast pump's flanges. Those features can make it too compressive to wear while you’re pregnant or in your first few months postpartum. The Larken X, however, is so stretchy and soft on sensitive skin that you can safely wear it before baby arrives. It gives just enough support to take the weight off your breasts and allows them plenty of room to grow. We love the minimalist look, too. There are no extra layers or slits or clips to with which to deal. It's just easy. In fact, it's the only bra this reviewer (an exclusive pumper who's prone to clogs and pain) can tolerate.

What the reviews say: Reviewers love the softness of this bra and the way that it makes both pumping and nursing a bit easier. "So easy and comfortable to wear. The material is thinner than I expected, but the support is still good," says one. Another writes: "I’m a mama of twins that BF two at the same time and pumps after to increase supply, so I needed to find a combo nursing and pumping bra. This one was by far the winner of all that I tried. Most combo bras have bulky clips on top of each other or give you a weird pointy boob—or worse your nipple pokes out of the hole. This one is so comfortable you can sleep in it."

BUMPSUIT

Sizes: XS-XL | Fabrics: Nylon, spandex | Closure: Pull-on | Type: Wireless maternity/nursing bra

Some tops call for a plunge neckline—you probably have a regular bra for that. But if your favorite maternity bra is a scoopneck style, it won't work under those clothes. This reversible option from Bumpsuit allows you to dress in those plunge styles. It has a crossover V-shaped neckline on one side and a deep ballet-style neckline on the other, so it can hide seamlessly under more of your tops and dresses. The material also lives up to its comfy name. The nylon-spandex blend truly is the softest of any maternity or nursing bra we’ve tested, including pima cotton options. It's ideal for people whose skin or nipples are feeling especially sensitive. Our recommendation is to size up; this style seems to run a bit small.

What the reviews say: Why buy too many bras, right? This one pulls double duty with its reversible neckline shapes, and moms are happy about it. "I absolutely LOVE this bra," writes one. "It's so dang soft, and the fact that I can reverse it for a different neckline is the best idea ever. I sleep in this and wear it throughout the day. Nursing with it is easy because of its design and stretchiness." Writes another, "Hands down my favorite bra! Love how comfortable it is. It feels so delicious! I LOVE that it's reversible."

I spoke with experts like Caldwell and reviewed bestselling bras from both department store and indie brands for key attributes to gather the best maternity bras to support you in your pregnancy. Caldwell has more than 17 years of experience fitting thousands of folks, many of whom were pregnant or nursing, and was instrumental in steering me toward the right types of bras. I also personally tested many of these while I was pregnant. (I really did live in the Hatch one for nine months and will keep wearing it long after I stop breastfeeding.) I also polled friends and colleagues to get their recommendations and pored over firsthand reviews.

Forbes Vetted also regularly covers parenting shopping subjects, including maternity and postpartum subjects, baby gear, from bassinets to high chairs, and non-maternity women's underwear, bras and clothing. This story is regularly updated to ensure accuracy and was most recently updated in January 2023.

The best maternity bras have a stretchy or flexible cup as opposed to a molded cup and are wireless, says Caldwell. She recommends a bralette for wearing around the house or for sleep and a bra with a bit more support to wear for exercise or work.

Avoid anything too tight or firm, she advises. But also beware of anything overly stretchy. "Your bust will be heavier than ever and needs some kind of support during the day," explains Caldwell. "It's tempting to think they’ll be so cozy, but often the lack of support is uncomfortable for fuller busts or any major activity."

We loved the Bodily The Everything Bra best overall given that it checks all these boxes.

Switch to a maternity bra when your regular bra stops fitting well and feels uncomfortable. If your breast tissue is spilling over the sides or top of the cup, the band is digging into your ribs or breast tissue or it still feels tight on the loosest hook, it's time for a maternity bra.

Don't be surprised if a major change happens sooner than you expect—it's natural. "Busts tend to grow two or more cup sizes during pregnancy," says Caldwell, noting that for most people it happens right away. "The biggest change is in the first trimester—almost seemingly overnight! Then your breasts will still grow slightly throughout pregnancy, but it's really the band/torso that is changing then."

"I suggest purchasing maternity bras that fit well (snug) with the back band on the middle hook," says Caldwell. "This is different than what I usually suggest, buying bras snug on the loosest hook. That's because if your bra stretches you can adjust the band in and retain a good fit and support. And if your body and underbust grow (you are growing a human inside of you, after all), you can adjust it."

Want more room to expand or contract? Look for a maternity bra that has more than the usual three-hook adjustment in the back. That's a pretty common feature of both maternity and nursing bras.