The Best Maternity Bras, According To Moms And Expert Fitters

Sizes: S to XL (A to G cups) | Material: Viscose, micromodal, elastane | Closure: Hook and eye | Other features: Nursing clips, OEKO-TEX fabric, 5-row back closure for extra adjustability

We’ve heard rave reviews about Bodily from many moms in our circles when we asked about their favorite maternity bras; some vouched for its bras for both pregnancy and postpartum. The company worked with lactation consultants to design The Everything Bra 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; we also appreciate the brand’s five-row back closure to accommodate several changes in band size. The bra is stretchy, soft and designed to be extra comfortable and non-restrictive. Just note that it might not feel as supportive to those who are used to an underwire bra—but this one really isn’t designed to be.

By the way, if you’re looking specifically for a pumping bra, we recommend Bodily’s The Do Anything bra (also our top choice for nursing bras), which you can read more about in our in-depth review.

What our editors say: Senior updates editor Karen Tietjen, who recently welcomed her second child, shares, “This lightweight, comfy bra is made with the same soft material as The Effortless Bra (my go-to sleep bra), making it another favorite of mine for sleeping or lounging.”

Sizes: XS to XL (32.5 to 42.5 inches) | Material: Nylon and spandex | Underwire: No | Closure: Pull-on | Other features: Nursing clips, removable pads OEKO-TEX fabric

Forbes Vetted’s editors have frequently recommended Quince when it comes to shopping for high-quality clothing that isn’t too expensive. Recently pregnant mom Tietjen is one of them, and she adds that Quince has also become her go-to for maternity wardrobe staples. “The majority of items I’ve purchased from here really do deliver, especially for the price,” she says. One of her favorites is Quince’s moderate-support maternity sports bra. It’s made with a comfortable blend of spandex and nylon that offers enough support for low-impact activities without sacrificing stretch. We also like the seamless construction and racerback style, which provide a nice overall lift without being too constricting.

What our editors say: Tietjen notes, “I wanted a low-impact maternity sports bra for walking without making a huge investment, and Quince certainly delivered. At $25, this stretchy bra, which has removable pads for added coverage, offers enough support for light activity.”

Sizes: S to XXL (A to E cups) | Material: Viscose, nylon, elastane | Underwire: No | Closure: Pull-on | Other features: Crossover neckline for nursing, no clips or fasteners, hypoallergenic fabric

The worst thing about pregnancy for many—aside from the insomnia—is the night sweats. This bra’s moisture-wicking, antibacterial bamboo viscose fabric helps keep you cool on those kinds of restless nights. 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 the fact that it comes in a twin pack makes it a great value.

What our writers say: Though co-author Elyse Moody hasn’t tried this pick firsthand, she had very good reason to include it in this exclusive list: “I liked the bamboo-blend fabric, the sleep-friendly design and the value at $45 for a twin pack,” she explains. Reviewers also praise these bras’ wearability, with one noting, “They’re comfortable and offering some relief as my original clothes are increasingly no longer fitting. ... [However], they’re not super supportive—but that could also be me getting used to no underwire.”

Sizes: 32C to 40H | Material: Nylon, elastane, cotton | Underwire: Yes | Closure: Hook and loop | Other features: Nursing clips, 4-row back closure for extra adjustability, French embroidery

French brand Cache Coeur’s Louise Maternity And Nursing Bra is a carefully constructed one—it’s designed to be both comfortably supportive and delicately flattering. It’s an expert-recommended bra that will serve you well both during pregnancy and postpartum. In addition to the stretchy but supportive fabric, the bra features wide shoulder straps and a four-row hook-and-eye back closure that expands with your band size. Plus, it’s nursing-friendly with discreet clip-down nursing cups. For larger cup sizes in the F to H range, the bra is available in a version with a more reinforced underwire and even wider straps. But our favorite part is the romantic dandelion lace embroidery, meticulously crafted by French embroidery house Potencier.

What our experts say: Bra-fitting expert Shelly Domenech, owner of I.C.London Lingerie, recommends Cache Coeur as a top source for supportive bras that last through pregnancy and nursing. “My customers love the material—very soft and comfortable with a good amount of stretch and support.” she says. Domenech suggests sizing up at the beginning of pregnancy and “using [the bra] on the tightest hook, then moving to the second and third rows of hooks as you progress in pregnancy.”

Sizes: S to XL (A to G cups), with Extended and Curvy sizing | Material: Polyamide, elastane, cotton | Underwire: No | Closure: Pull-on (hook and loop in Curvy) | Other features: Nursing clips, adjustable straps, removable pads, nursing slings, sweetheart neckline

We can see why Cosabella calls its Never Say Never bralette the OG of all bralettes: With its pull-on, wireless design and pretty but stretchy lace, it’s the epitome of feminine comfort.

This bra’s design elements help accommodate a growing bust, while the nursing clips 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. (It doesn’t hurt that it comes in so many fun colors and that many of them often go on sale for a fraction of the sticker price.)

Note that most reviewers recommend sizing up. The bralette is also available in Extended sizes for plus-sized individuals and Curvy sizes for those who need smaller bands and larger cup sizes. Plus, the Curvy sizes offer a hook-and-eye closure for additional support.

What our writers say: The Never Say Never bralette is also our top pick for large breasts in our roundup of best nursing bras. Moody, who compiled testers’ feedback for that story, says she was surprised by their enthusiasm for this lacy pick. “The material is deceptively comfy thanks to the cotton-blend lining of the sewn-in cups and slings. That makes it feel softer and more breathable than bras with cheaper [synthetic] linings,” she says. “Everyone loved its unique design and expanded sizing. ... It’s lightweight and does not feel bulky.”

Sizes: 32F to 44K in UK (G to O cups) | Material: Polyester, nylon, elastane, cotton | Underwire: Yes | Closure: Hook and loop, 4 hooks | Other features: Nursing clips, nursing sling, adjustable straps, moisture-wicking mesh cups

It’s quite the challenge finding a maternity and nursing bra that is equal parts practical, supportive and flattering; it’s arguably even tougher when you have a larger bust and a smaller frame. Enter Elomi’s Molly bra, another expert-backed pick. It has a stretchy microfiber fabric that’s non-wicking and comfortable, but the underwire and side support lift your breasts and bring them in for that flattering forward-facing silhouette. Plus, the attractive lace trim on the cups isn’t just pretty; it also gives them a more rounded shape. As the name implies, this bra is well equipped for feeding: It has clip-down cups and an inner sling to make nursing a bit easier.

What our experts say: Bra-fitting expert Domenech also recommends Elomi’s maternity bras due to their ideal combination of comfort and support. She pointed to the Molly Nursing bra for a pick that checks off both the “sexy maternity” and “large breasts” boxes.

Sizes: S to XL (A to DD/E cups) | Material: Pima cotton, spandex | Underwire: No | Closure: Pull-on | Other features: Hardware-free, feeding-friendly elastic neckline, shell button back detail

One of only two almost-100% cotton picks on our list, the Skin To Skin bra’s soft and stretchy fabric won’t irritate or compress those with tender breasts; the only shaping is from slight darts at the bust. It’s a bra you can sleep in, as well as feel comfortable wearing out if you typically prefer an unpadded, minimalist bra. Co-writer Moody, in fact, owns half a dozen of these bras, and they’ve stood up well to machine washing and the occasional trips through the dryer (though note that they’re meant to be line-dried only). After a year of experience with the bra, Moody recommends sizing up if you want to use the bra postpartum for sleeping or breastfeeding.

What our writers say: Moody “literally lived” in the Hatch Skin To Skin Bra through all nine months of her recent pregnancy and has since bought a handful more. (Read her full review for more details.) She writes, “It meets my prenatal criteria: no spandex, no weird puckering, no clips, no fussy details. ... The cotton-lycra blend is buttery soft; it really does feel nicer than wearing nothing right now.”  She adds that the bra’s fabric and minimal shaping were “perfection” for her sore breasts—so much so that she napped in the bra daily during her first trimester.

Sizes: XS to 3XL (A to I cups) | Material: Polyester, spandex | Underwire: No | Closure: Hook and loop | Other features: Nursing clips, adjustable straps, removable cups, moisture-wicking fabric, figure-hugging strappy back design

This expert-approved maternity sports bra by Love & Fit may have the trappings of a nursing bra, but many pregnant folks will find plenty to love in its design and construction. As its name implies, the Strappy Back 2.0 has back straps that are both flattering and form-hugging; it’s equipped with both adjustable shoulder straps (which the brand recently updated to be longer) and a hook-and-loop back closure for extra adjustability—handy when transitioning into postpartum. Plus, its removable cups mean you can swap them with nursing pads once your baby arrives. According to several reviewers, the fabric is comfortable and stretchy but still offers low-to-medium support for activities as varied as weight-lifting, grocery runs and yoga.

What our experts say: Kim Perry, a fit pregnancy coach, is a big fan of Love & Fit’s nursing sports bras. In our story on the best maternity workout clothes, she tells us that the brand’s offerings “provide excellent coverage and support and are great for transitioning into postpartum.”

Sizes: S to 2XL (A to F cups) | Material: Cotton, spandex | Underwire: No | Closure: Hook and loop | Other features: Nursing clips, adjustable straps, compatible with most pumps, OEKO-TEX certified

Momcozy’s Hands-Free Pumping bra won over one Forbes Vetted mom with its convenient two-in-one design and its perfect balance of comfort and support. And considering how compressive some pumping bras can be to adequately hold up breast pumps, achieving that balance is no small feat. This particular bra is wireless and made with an impressive 93% cotton blend, making it soft and comfortable enough to sleep or feed in. It’s also supportive enough for you to run errands, even while you’re pumping. Not only is the bra compatible with most brands of pumps, but you can also cross the back straps to add extra support (or try another flattering fit).

What the parents say: Erin Lawler, Forbes data strategist for programmatic operations, loves the Momcozy Hands-Free Bra’s convenient two-in-one design. She adds, “The material is very soft, and it has adjustable straps and three hooks in the back which are great for support. It’s also easy to pack in your bag if you need to switch out on the go.”

Sizes: XS to XL (A to E cups) | Material: Modal, spandex | Underwire: No | Closure: Hook and eye | Other features: Lightweight stretch fabric, double-layer cups, adjustable straps, tag-free, OEKO-TEX certified

Designed to offer light-to-moderate support through all four trimesters, the simple Storq Everyday Bra is a great clasp-free alternative for those with small-to-medium cup sizes looking for a pregnancy and nursing bra in one. It’s made with a super-soft and stretchy modal jersey fabric that’s both cozy and practical. If you plan to use the bra for nursing, you can easily pull aside the cups to feed (instead of clips) without worrying if the material will return to its supportive shape. (In fact, one mom says she prefers this style because “you don’t have to worry about fussing with the clips or accidentally undoing them while trying to get dressed in the morning.”) Not to mention, it probably won’t feel like you’re wearing the typical nursing bra.

But just because it’s ultra-cozy doesn’t mean it lacks structure and coverage—the cups are double-layered and bolstered with light shirring and darting details. The adjustable shoulder straps and hook-and-eye back closure allow for adjustment as your breasts and underbust grow. Just note that the Storq’s Everyday Bra is meant for small or medium cup sizes (specifically A through E). If you’re looking for an option that provides more support for larger breasts, the brand recommends its Comfort Zone Nursing bra.

What the parents say: Cory Baldwin, Forbes Vetted’s executive director of commerce and strategy, recommends Storq’s Everyday Bra (she owns three colors) because of how easy it is to wear every day. She says, “The material is super soft and has a lot of stretch, which is great for changing cup sizes during maternity and postpartum. Something to keep in mind: I wear (and wash) this bra so often that the lighter color I own—which was with me through two pregnancies—has gotten pretty dingy, while Black and Red have held up fine.”

Sizes: S to XL (A to E cups) | Material: Modal, nylon, elastane | Underwire: No | Closure: Pull-on | Other features: Nursing clasps, adjustable straps, discreet slits for pumping, ribbed fabric, OEKO-TEX certified

Hatch’s Essential Bra is one of the pricier picks on this list, but its design and the quality of its construction make it worth the investment. Recommended by Baldwin as a great choice for both pregnancy and postpartum, the Essential Bra is made from a seamless, ribbed modal fabric blend; this makes it comfortable enough for everyday wear and allows the cups to easily pull down during nursing or to accommodate changing cup sizes. One of the biggest highlights is the smart design, particularly the front fabric overlap that discreetly hides slits designed for pumping. Plus, despite being multipurpose and able to hold up awkward pump parts, the bra itself isn’t bulky.

What the parents say: Baldwin says Hatch’s Essential Nursing And Pumping Bra is well worth the investment—after treating herself to one during her second pregnancy, she ended up loving it so much she bought a second. She shares, “It’s nice and stretchy to accommodate changing cup sizes throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding while still plenty supportive, and throughout my year-long breastfeeding journey, the opening for pumps never stretched out.” She also recommends sizing up in this bra (and the matching undies, too, if you’re considering them): “They’re very compressive (great for postpartum, but uncomfortable during pregnancy unless you size up a couple sizes).”