Getting ready for your new baby is an exciting and wondrous experience. It is also a great opportunity to get some fun and functional retail therapy in! While stashing away piles of cute babygros and teeny socks is fun, you may find quite early on that you need some new bras. Choosing the best maternity bra can be a bit overwhelming, however, as there are many points to consider.
We've put together an in-depth guide to help you find your fit, taking into consideration fabric choices, support, aesthetics and construction. Whether you need the best maternity bra for a large bust, a wireless nursing bra that grows with you, or something for the first trimester, our picks from Hot Milk, Jojo Maman Bebe and more will make it even easier to style up your new maternity wardrobe.
Quick List - Top Maternity Bras
HOFISH
Comfortable and Pretty Seamless Multicoloured 3 Pack
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
Table of Contents
There are two main types of maternity bra on the market: the pregnancy bra and the nursing bra. The first of these is a soft bra designed to ensure you are comfortable and well-supported throughout your pregnancy.
A nursing bra also offers comfort and support but with the additional feature of better access for feeding your baby, so if you intend to breastfeed then it is certainly worth investing in a few. Many are dual-purpose and can be worn during pregnancy as well as after birth. Top tip: make sure you can clip and unclip the nursing catch one-handed!
Whether you think you'll find a use for one or both of these varieties, your bra should accommodate your breasts as they grow and change during your pregnancy and through to your breastfeeding journey.
While you're here, why not get yourself a pair of maternity underwear too?
Looking after yourself is especially important when you’re busy growing and nurturing a mini human, and when it comes to maternity bras, this means that comfort is queen! So, look for bras made from soft, smooth fabrics for comfort. Your breasts can be really sensitive or even sore, so also consider seamless bras to reduce friction and discomfort..
Natural materials are not only soft but breathable too, which is a very beneficial feature at a time when your temperature may be slightly higher than normal, so cotton- and bamboo-rich fabrics are a fantastic option. Think smooth, think cool.
Proper support for your breasts is probably the number one purpose of a bra at any stage of your life. However, it is absolutely crucial during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Bras have come a long way in terms of design, and you can get better support and comfort through the cut and fabric composition of the bra. For instance, a wraparound-style provides both of these essential elements simply by its construction.
Avoid underwires as not only are they uncomfortable, but they can also cause painful blockages in your milk ducts. Instead, choose designs in which the fabric itself provides the support. Materials with elastane give flexible support with stretch, so look for bras that contain some elastane.
Being comfortable at all times is important especially when you're nursing a newborn, browse our comfy yet practical maternity pyjamas!
Every woman is different, and not only will your breast support needs be different to those of other women while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, but your own needs will constantly be changing too. Your maternity bra needs to be able to cope with that variation, so make sure you choose a bra that is designed to give you flexibility.
Some brands are also more geared towards larger-breasted women. So, if you need additional support, look for DD+ styles as these cater for ladies with bigger busts. Remember, your bust can increase by several cup sizes, so bear this in mind when selecting a bra!
It’s not only your cup size that increases during pregnancy – as your baby grows, your ribcage will also flare out to make space for your child, which means that your band size will also increase. Maternity bras are available in a variety of band styles, from the traditional hook-and-eye fastening to pull-on crop tops.
The general rule of thumb is to select pregnancy bras which fit on the tightest hook to allow room for growth, and nursing bras which fit best on the loosest as your ribs will begin moving back to normal after the birth.
Whether your maternity bra is a crop-top style bra or fastens with a hook and loops, ensure that it fits comfortably around under your bust and offers flexibility for your changing needs. You may need to consult each brand's sizing chart and measure yourself to be sure.
Feed your baby anytime, anywhere with these nursing covers!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | HOFISH Full Bust Seamless Nursing Maternity Bras | ![]() | Comfortable and Pretty Seamless Multicoloured 3 Pack | |
2 | Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime Nursing Bra | ![]() | Soft, Seamless Comfort for Breastfeeding and Maternity | |
3 | Hot Milk Temptation Flexiwire Nursing Bra | ![]() | Seamless and Silky-Smooth for Pregnancy and Beyond | |
4 | Bravado Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra | ![]() | A Pretty and Practical Option Available in Smaller Sizes | |
5 | Cake Maternity Tutti Frutti Bamboo Wire-Free Nursing Bra | ![]() | A Pretty, Practical Nursing Bra Available in Smaller Sizes | |
6 | Panache Sophie Drop-Cup Nursing Bra | ![]() | A Functional Yet Beautiful Maternity and Nursing Bra | |
7 | Royce Blossom Nursing Bra | ![]() | Cleverly Adaptable and Perfect for Larger Busts | |
8 | Hot Milk Forever Yours Seamless Nursing Bra | ![]() | A Great No-Nonsense Maternity T-Shirt Bra | |
9 | Cake Maternity Milk Bamboo Sleep and Nursing Bra | ![]() | A Super Soft and Sustainable Bamboo Sleep Bra | |
10 | Jojo Maman Bebe Emma-Jane Seam-Free Maternity and Nursing Bra | ![]() | A Practical, Comfortable Maternity Wardrobe Staple |
With over 26,000 positive reviews on Amazon and 4.5 stars, we just had to include this 3 pack from HOFISH as our top pick. Made from a soft and stretchy fabric, this pretty-yet-unassuming bra offers wire-free, seamless support with nothing poking or digging into the flesh, nor unwanted spilling on the sides.
The adjustable feeding clasp can be removed in one-step for easy breastfeeding. It can also be adjusted to accommodate your changing shape throughout the different stages of pregnancy. Best of all, you get a pack of 3 supportive, high quality bras that should last you a long time!
These beautiful bras are available in a variety of pretty colours, from black, twilight, to nude. Wire-free, and with fully adjustable straps that can be removed for easy breastfeeding access – this bra offers the perfect combination of style and substance.
Suitable throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding, the material has amazing stretch memory that will fit any stage of your pregnancy and postpartum just right. If you are looking for a more traditional-style bra or just fancy something that looks cute without sacrificing comfort, then look no further!
If you're looking for a more traditional design, look no further! This gorgeous, feminine bra features a lace overlay that hides a comfortable and practical nursing bra. The flexi-wire ensures you get the shape and support you need and the one-handed clips ensure your baby gets fed fast!
Suitable during pregnancy and while you’re nursing, the bra can be adapted to suit your changing body, with six hook and eye fastenings to tailor the fit. Matching knickers are available too. Maternity wear doesn’t have to be boring, and this bra proves it!
This luxuriously soft nursing bra offers seamless support that moulds to your body and grows with you. Available in sizes XS to XXL (A-GG), it boasts 4-way stretch fabric for unbeatable wire-free support. Great for smaller-chested ladies, it also comes with removable foam cups for a little extra oomph should you want it.
If you find seams irritating, or just want a good, comfortable bra without all the frills, then this would be a reliable choice. The silky fabric and seamless design will leave you feeling so comfy it’s like you’re wearing nothing at all!
Bamboo is a great material for nursing bras as the fabric is breathable and silky-soft, and it’s eco-friendly too. These attractive racerback nursing bras are wire-free and have lightly padded cups for a smooth outline under tops and dresses while giving you the support you need to keep everything in place!
The Tutti Fruitti is seamless for ultimate comfort and is also comfortable enough for sleeping or low-impact workouts. Marrying practical design with a few touches of prettiness, this bra is available in three colours (mocha, black or rust) and from B to DD cups, so it is a good option if you are smaller-chested.
Panache is one of the most trusted maternity bra brands and the Sophie bra is a gorgeous fusion of style and function. It comes in a range of sizes, from D-H, making it ideal for ladies with larger busts. It also offers six fastening positions to ensure the perfect fit, and provides a supportive fit without an underwire.
Featuring soft cotton cups with a gorgeous lace overlay and a range of cute colour combinations such as black and nude as well as ivory and pink, this a gorgeous, feminine maternity and nursing bra that blows the myth that maternity wear can’t be cute out of the water. Matching knickers are also available.
These innovative maternity and nursing bras feature an adjustable ruching at the front which allows you to adapt its shape to your changing needs. Made of super-soft fabric to minimise irritation to your sensitive skin, these bras are comfortable yet supportive.
The wire-free support is provided by a deep underband made of stretchy fabric that will stretch to suit your body, too. Available in a wide range of triple-cup sizes to account for size fluctuations, the Blossom will fit from a C to JJ cup. These cute bras are great if you love your comfort but don’t want to sacrifice on nice designs.
This t-shirt bra offers soft, padded cups and a seamless, smooth look under t-shirts. It boasts six rows of hooks and eyes to ensure the perfect fit, and the larger sizes offer wider straps for better support. With a flexi-wire and side sling support, it keeps the girls secure and comfortable while you get on with your busy mum life.
Available in sizes A-F, it also offers cunning clips that allow you to drop the cups one-handed, a very handy feature when you have a hungry baby to feed. If you are looking for a good no-nonsense maternity t-shirt bra, you can't go wrong with this one. There are also some great matching knicker options available.
This deliciously-soft sleep bra boasts a clever crossover design to allow you to easily pull aside the fabric to quickly and comfortably feed your hungry baby. Made of super-silky bamboo that’s gentle on sensitive skin as well as being a sustainable material, it also has concealed pockets for slipping in your breast pads to keep leaks at bay.
It also offers good wire-free support with its powermesh racerback design, and overall, if you need a comfortable sleep bra, this is a great choice. Just be aware that this design will only fit up to an E cup, so it's not suited to larger-breasted women.
Jojo Maman Bebe offers a range of great maternity wear and this bra is no exception. Its wire-free design relies on firm-yet-stretchy fabric that cradles and supports your breasts while adapting to your changing needs throughout pregnancy and nursing. It also boasts a seamfree design that is both comfortable and great for ensuring smooth lines under clothing.
It has clippy drop cups to facilitate feeding as well as four rows of hook-and-eye fastenings to adjust the bra for the perfect fit. Practical and comfortable, this bra is a great basic to include in your maternity wardrobe. Our only gripe is that it can be difficult to get hold of.
Your body will undergo some extraordinary changes during the nine and a bit months you play host to a small growing human. One of these changes is the rapid growth of breast tissue as your body prepares to feed your new arrival. Now, more than ever, it is important to make sure that you wear a good-fitting bra to help support your breasts without pinching or trapping the tissue.
Choosing the right maternity bra can do just this, as well as reducing sagging and discomfort. Ladies with larger breasts can be particularly at risk of back problems if their breasts aren’t given adequate support, so picking out a cute, supportive maternity bra will help keep you more comfortable as your pregnancy progresses.
It is recommended that you purchase pregnancy bras as soon as your regular bras begin to feel too tight or uncomfortable. Typically, this begins around six weeks into pregnancy.
We recommend getting one band size larger and one to two cup sizes bigger than your usual size. If you were a 34B, for example, try a 36B or 36D.
No. 1: HOFISH|Full Bust Seamless Nursing Maternity Bras
No. 2: Kindred Bravely|Simply Sublime Nursing Bra
No. 3: Hot Milk|Temptation Flexiwire Nursing Bra
No. 4: Bravado|Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra
No. 5: Cake Maternity|Tutti Frutti Bamboo Wire-Free Nursing Bra
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Automotive
Baby Products
Beauty
Books
Business, Industry & Science
Computers & Accessories
DIY, Garden & Tools
Electronics & Photo
Fashion
Grocery
Health & Personal Care
Home & Kitchen
Large Appliances
Musical Instruments & DJ
PC & Video Games
Pet Supplies
Sports & Outdoors
Stationery & Office Products
Toys & Games