The right nursing bra—one that’s comfortable, well-fitting and easy to unhook—can make breastfeeding genuinely easier. However, what works best during those early days might not be what works best when you’re nine months postpartum. “It is a good idea to have multiple,” says certified nurse midwife Brandi Fields. “Whether you find one you love and purchase a couple, or you have different kinds to meet different needs.” After testing many bras and interviewing experts, our top pick is the because it has good coverage and support and it’s stretchy—adjusting as your breasts change.
Who This Bra Is Best For
The Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime Nursing Bra is a great first nursing bra as it’s versatile and can work well for multiple stages of nursing. The bra provides good coverage and is nice and stretchy, so it adjusts easily during those first couple of months postpartum when your breasts are liable to change in size a lot. The stretchiness also makes it a good option for pumping with a wearable breast pump—check out our top picks for the best wearable pumps.
Senior baby and kids gear editor Margaret Badore likes this bra because it provides good coverage and support. “I appreciate that it has removable pads, and that the clips really can be opened and closed with one hand,” she says.
Who Might Not Like It
While this bra is good for a variety of circumstances, it doesn’t work the best as a traditional pumping bra. Check out if you need a bra that supports both.
This bra is also hand wash only, which adds an additional item to your postpartum to-do list. “I can’t always deal with handwashing it,” says Badore. “I have to confess that I’ve put it through the cold-wash machine cycle quite a few times (but always let it air dry), and it’s held up over the years despite this.”
Who This Bra Is Best For
All of our testers who tried the Auden Women’s Seamless Nursing Bra were impressed with the quality. “One of the best nursing bras out there,” says one. The clips come undone easily, and it’s a seamless option that looks nice under a t-shirt. It has sewn-in padding, which our testers appreciate since it means the padding doesn’t move around in the wash or after a feed. “Great fit and coverage. Stays in place all day,” says another tester.
Who Might Not Like It
One of our testers found that the material wasn’t as soft as some of our other top picks. If your main goal is to find something super soft and comfortable, consider the .
Who This Bra Is Best For
The Momcozy Jelly Strip Busty Nursing Bra is great for both plus-sized moms as well as those with a large bust thanks to its inclusive sizing options. It also has thicker straps that help support a larger bust. A jelly strip in the bra provides support while still being stretchy and creates a seamless look. The scalloped edges add a pretty too, if you want something that’s not strictly utilitarian. It’s made of Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified fabric, which means it is free from over 1,000 harmful substances. This isn’t only a perk for you, but for your baby who spends a lot of time at your breast, too.
Who Might Not Like It
Because of the deep v-neck, some people find that this bra doesn’t keep their breasts in place as much as a higher-cut bra does.
Who This Bra Is Best For
A soft and comfortable sleeping bra is a must for many breastfeeding women, especially in the early days. Between engorgement, leaking and breast changes, it often feels more comfortable to wear a bra overnight. The Cake Maternity Cotton Candy Seamless Nursing Bra is incredibly soft, making it a great nighttime option. “It is so incredibly comfortable, so secure and so soft. I didn’t know a nursing bra like this existed,” says one of our testers. Another tester likes how well it stays in place, which is great for overnight. The clips are easy to undo, another must when you’re nursing while half asleep.
Who Might Not Like It
You need to put this bra on over your head since only the bottom back portion has clasps, which is possibly a deal-breaker for some moms.
Who This Bra Is Best For
Once your milk supply has regulated—which typically happens by three months postpartum—this is a great everyday bra that looks good under clothes. Badore finds that it has very good coverage and support. “I got this nursing bra after the birth of my first son, and it shows virtually no wear after about two years of heavy use,” she says. “I like that the cups have just the right amount of padding to cover your nipples and catch little leaks but the they still fold out of the way easily.”
This bra is a really great option for those looking for something with a little bit more structure but that’s still soft, comfortable and underwire-free. The lace trim is a nice touch for those who prefer something pretty.
Who Might Not Like It
This bra has a bit more structure to it and doesn’t have quite as much stretch as some other options. It’s not the best option for the first couple months when you’re dealing with engorgement and rapid breast changes.
Who This Bra Is Best For
Bodily’s The Everything Bra is ideal for women looking for something comfortable that they can lounge around in. It’s especially good in the first month postpartum when your milk is getting established, or if you’re dealing with engorgement and breast changes. It’s not quite as supportive as some other options, but it’s soft and it stays in place. This makes it a good pick for sleep, too.
All of our testers liked the silky and soft feel of the fabric. The fabric is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, so you can feel good about your baby being snuggled up close to it.
Who Might Not Like It
Described as “barely-there” by Bodily, this bra is thin and doesn’t have any padding. It’s also not a seamless option, and one of our testers didn’t like the way it showed through clothes. It’s not the best option if you need something seamless and smooth to wear under clothes.
Who This Bra Is Best For
I wore this bra often once my milk supply was established, and it was my go-to when I needed something that looked nice under my clothes. Even though I’m done nursing, it’s still one I reach for. The fabric is soft, and the clips are easy to undo. The thin foam cups help contribute to a smooth under t-shirt look. Thirdlove is more size-inclusive than many other nursing bra brands as well, with cup sizes going up to H (DDDDD). The underwire provides some support without being uncomfortable.
Who Might Not Like It
Because this bra has underwire, it’s not ideal for the first few months postpartum nor for women who are prone to clogged ducts and mastitis. Lactation experts, including Fields, recommend avoiding underwire bra styles, at least during the initial postpartum period. “We don't want wires or tight-fitting seams of the bra to compress too much that you end up with reduced milk supply, clogged ducts or mastitis,” she says.
How We Chose The Best Nursing Bras
- Fit and need: Breasts go through changes throughout the nursing journey. Because people need different types of bras at different times, we included different types of nursing bras to fit various stages and preferences.
- Personal experience: Between our editors, writers and testers, we’ve tried nearly every bra on our list. We reviewed testing notes and considered our own experience when making picks.
- Expert insight: We considered the insight from two experts, who provided information about what to look for in a nursing bra as well as what qualities to avoid.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted baby and kids gear team is made up of experienced caregivers, including three moms with a combined nine kids.
- Author Alicia Betz is the baby and kids gear writer. She’s a mom to three, including twins. She exclusively nursed all three of her kids and has tested a variety of nursing bras, including some on our list.
- Editor Margaret Badore is the senior baby and kids gear editor. She’s also a mom who breastfed all three of her kids. She has tested a variety of nursing bras, many of which are on our list.
- We frequently test and cover nursing and postpartum products, including the best wearable breast pumps and the best postpartum pajamas.
Our Experts
- , a pediatrician and lactation expert at Children’s National
- , CNM, a certified nurse-midwife at Pediatrix Medical Group