When you are literally growing a whole other person, the least of your worries should be keeping your growing breasts at bay. Much like your traditional beloved bra, maternity bras offer support and comfort throughout the day (and, if you're anything like us in pregnancy, throughout the night). Still, the big difference is they tend to be more spacious and softer on your skin, and some feature convenient nursing straps for when baby has arrived.
The very best maternity bras will accommodate your growing bust and back as your body blossoms into a radiant baby-making machine. Having the right bra throughout your pregnancy and nursing journey will stop you from having a lot of pain in the long run, as an ill-fitting bra can lead to extra backache, pains in your shoulders and even breast pain. Life's too short to wear a bad bra.
Maternity bras truly are the chameleons of the maternity lingerie jungle, gracefully adapting to your ever-changing curves, unlike their rigid traditional counterparts. Trust us; having one on standby from the first trimester is our top tip for pregnancy. We're speaking from experience here - one night, you're rocking your regular chest, and the next minute, you're in serious need of some extra support.
The best maternity bras at a glance:
Best overall: Skims Fits Everybody Maternity Pumping Scoop Bralette, £26 on Skims
Editor's pick: Boux Avenue Nursing Ribbed Seamless Heart Embroidered Bralette, £28 on Boux Avenue
Best maternity bra for support: Zest High Impact Nursing Sports Bra, from £32.80 on Boobydoo
Best maternity bra for comfort: Marbra Everyday Seamless Nursing Bra and Maternity Bra, £34.99 on Amazon
Best maternity bra for breastfeeding: Breastfeeding Bra, £24 on Modibodi
Unlike many maternity products, these bras don't have a nine-month shelf life. They are also a must-have for nursing, and a writer who will not be named may even still be rocking them two years post-partum on a lazy Sunday. Judging from the reviews on our top picks, we aren't the only ones.
SHOP: The Best Maternity Bras 2024
Best overall
![Skims Fits Everybody Maternity Pumping Scoop Bralette](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/3/2024/05/skims-maternity-bra.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
skims.com
We love the Skims maternity range, and this bra is highly rated for being ultra-comfortable, supportive, and looking great. Reviewers rave about the design, the fact that you can easily switch between nursing and pumping, and the high-quality materials. We love that it doesn't feel constrictive, fits well whether your boobs are engorged or drained, and looks great under clothes. Kimmy's done it again.
Pros
- Inclusive sizing and colourways
- Soft and comfortable
- Allows you to switch between nursing and pumping easily
- Looks great under clothes
Cons
- Some reviewers suggest sizing up
- The pump openings may be too large for some pumps
Editor's pick
![Boux Avenue Nursing Ribbed Seamless Heart Embroidered Bralette](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/3/2024/07/boux-avenue-nursing-bra.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.bouxavenue.com
Not only is this bra unbelievably comfortable and well-designed, but it also looks great and is available in ivory, pink, and blue. A nursing bra that still lets you feel like you? We're on board. Commercial Content Editor Jade Moscrop says, "Boux Avenue is a brand I look to for comfort and design, and when I spotted this nursing bra's all five-star reviews, I hoped it'd be a game-changer for me, too. I've struggled to find a nursing bra that fits well and is easy to unclasp, and this ticks both of those boxes. Plus, it's wonderfully soft, stretchy, true to size and looks great. I also love the wide band at the bottom and wider straps for support. I'm a 36DD and was worried about coverage, but the large size is perfect. Plus, you can get underwear to match. I'd recommend this to everyone!"
Best maternity bra for support
![Zest High Impact Nursing Sports Bra](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/3/2024/05/Zest_High_Impact_Nursing_Sports_Bra.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
boobydoo.co.uk
If you're a gym-goer, you'll know the importance of a good fitness bra. This maternity bra does everything that your trusty sports bra does and more. With full-coverage cups, a comfy cotton-lined A-frame sling and easy-feed clips, it keeps your breasts firmly in place and without the dreaded uni-boob. One fitness mama of two claimed it's the most supportive bra she'd ever tried. We love this bra because it offers the ultimate support without sacrificing comfort and giving you a heightened lift.
Pros
- The flexible wire does not dig in as your body changes shape
- Padded straps disperse the pressure of your growing breasts
- Six hook and eye sizing options so you can get the most comfortable fit
- It doubles up as a fitness bra
- Nursing clips for easy access to your nipple when breastfeeding
Cons
- It doesn't sit very well under all outfits due to the padded straps
Best maternity bra for comfort
![Marbra Everyday Seamless Nursing Bra and Maternity Bra](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/3/2024/05/Marbra_Everyday_Seamless_Nursing_Bra_and_Maternity_Bra.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Finding the perfect balance of comfort, support and practicality certainly isn't easy - but Marbra has got a lot going for it. In fact it's got our vote when it comes to comfort. We love that this bra has been globally tested to ensure it is safe and gentle for the skin. When we tested it, we found it to be lightweight, breathable and cleverly designed without irritating seams, which is perfect for a mama who wants something easy and cloud-like to throw on for a long old day. Reviewers have stated that they plan to wear this long after their pregnancy and breastfeeding journey ends - and this writer can attest to that.
Pros
- OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified
- Breathable material
- Nursing clips
- Adjustable straps and hook-and-eye closure for a customisable fit
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- Can't be tumble-dried
Best maternity bra for style
![Hotmilk - Heroine Nursing Bra](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/3/2024/05/HOTMILK_HEROINE_NURSING_BRA.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.bravissimo.com
If you aren't ready to succumb to the typical mum bra, this pretty lace bra offers all the features of a traditional maternity bra, but it's actually cute, too. The elegant lace design made reviewers feel great, and the soft wire offers both comfort and a flattering shape.
Pros
- Elegant lace design
- It fits wonderfully under clothing
- Soft underwire
- The strong drop-down cups are magnetic, which makes breastfeeding easier
Cons
- Some nursing mums found that the magnetic clasps were a little tricky to do one-handed.
Best maternity bra multi-pack
![](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/3/2024/05/2pk_Maternity_Lace_Trim_Nursing_Bras.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.marksandspencer.com
If you have large breasts, you'll know the pain of trying to find a bra that fits properly. Well, in true M&S style, when it comes to nailing that flawless fit, Marks & Sparks has got your back (and your front). Maybe that's why so many of our own mums dragged us there for our first bras. Sure, these trusty maternity bras aren't as revolutionary as some of the other bras in this list, but mums-to-be have said they do a solid job of offering comfort and support - and the best bit is they come in a multi-pack.
Pros
- Inclusive sizing
- Padded for a smoother appearance
- No wire for increased comfort
- It gives an extra lift
- Great value
Cons
- Some reviewers found that the sizing was a little small
Best maternity bra for confidence
![Sexy Lace Planet Maternity & Nursing Bra](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/3/2024/05/sexy-lace-planet-maternity-nursing-bra.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.annsummers.com
Being pregnant shouldn't mean that you have to stop feeling sexy. In fact, we think there's no better time than to embrace your new curves and radiant glow. We were delighted to find this sultry number, which is also available in red if you are feeling a little more risqué, which lots of mums said gave them confidence and made them feel like themselves.
Pros
- Great for feeling confident
- Crafted from recycled materials
- Magnetic clips
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- Some reviewers suggested sizing up
- Clasps can be hard to undo one-handed
Best maternity bra for breastfeeding
![Breastfeeding bra](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/3/2024/05/modibodi_breastfeeding-bra.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.modibodi.co.uk
When your baby is screaming for a feed, there's no time to fiddle with straps. Patience is a skill your newborn is yet to master, so having front-nursing clips for easy access is incredibly important. One of the reasons we've deemed this bra the best for breastfeeding is the internal sling, which helps support your breast whilst feeding. The other stand-out feature of this innovative bra is the leakproof cup. Instead of having to go through boxes of disposable breast pads, this bra absorbs up to 25ml per cup.
Pros
- Patented leakproof cups
- Front nursing clips
- A built-in internal sling that offers extra support for feeding one-handed
- Breathable mesh material
Cons
- Some customers found the sizing strange
Best maternity bra for pumping
![DEX - 4-in-1 Hands Free Seamless Stretch Fabric Pumping Bra](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/3/2024/05/DEX_4-in-1_Hands_Free_Seamless_Stretch_Fabric_Pumping_Bra.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
uk.momcozy.com
Planning to pump? Nothing beats the DEX bra. This maternity bra has longer straps that offer just the right stretch. We think it's the must-have bra for pumping because it keeps things snug yet oh-so-comfy, and the wider, padded straps ease the pressure while you work your magic. Plus, with increased cup capacity, you'll enjoy all the perks of in-bra pumping without sacrificing shape or style. It's a win-win for your boobs and your sanity.
Pros
- This bra has longer straps that give more space for hand-free breast pumps
- Padded straps for extra comfort
- Larger cups to allow for breast pumps
Cons
- Reviewers suggest it runs small
Best wired maternity bra
![Chantelle Merci Flexi-Wire Spacer Nursing Br](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/3/2024/05/Chantelle_Merci_Flexi-Wire_Spacer_Nursing_Bra.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
While some women love not wearing a wired bra during pregnancy, others prefer the extra support that it offers. A wired bra traditionally gives you a better shape and helps elevate larger breasts, but in pregnancy, your favourite wired bra may turn into a thorn in your side - quite literally. This flexible-wired bra offers all the support of your normal wire with none of the discomfort, designed to help your breast retain its shape, and provide support whilst feeding. Some reviewers stated that it's the 'best nursing bra' they've ever owned and is well worth spending the cash on.
Pros
- Flexible wire for comfort
- Breathable fabric
- Comfortable and provides good coverage
- Nursing drop-down cups
Cons
- Some reviewers found it isn't as comfortable when you are wearing breast pads
11.
Lounge Bare Bra
Best maternty bra for the later stages of pregnacy
![Lounge Bare Bra](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/3/2024/05/Lounge_Bare_Bra.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
lounge.com
The later stages of pregnancy are usually the most difficult. By this point, you are probably so over being pregnant and just want to meet your brand-new bundle of joy. Your bump has reached new heights, and the discomfort is sinking in.
For total comfort, we love the Bare Bra by Lounge. Even though it hasn't specifically been designed as a maternity bra, we recommend it for its generous cup sizes and lightweight material.
Unfortunately, because it isn't technically a maternity bra, it lacks the nursing access that most of the others on this list have. However, we've included it because reviewers hail it as the most comfortable bra that doesn't dig in.
Pros
- Comfortable, lightweight material
- Generous cup sizes
- Matching pants available
- Machine washable
Cons
- No breastfeeding access
When should you start wearing a maternity bra?
As previously mentioned, we recommend having a maternity bra on hand from the first trimester. Of course, each woman is different, so pinpointing the exact moment it will be needed can be tricky. After the first trimester, you may start to notice that your everyday bra has become a little bit tight or uncomfortable, and this is the best time to make the switch.
How is a maternity bra different from a regular bra?
A maternity bra has been specifically designed with expectant parents in mind. It usually has extra padding on the straps to distribute weight more evenly, larger cup sizes, and extra hooks that help the bra fit well for the whole duration of your pregnancy. The top maternity bras on the market also have nursing features like drop-down cups and easy-access hooks, much like the best breastfeeding tops.
Do I need to buy a different size of maternity bra during pregnancy?
Again, this is difficult to say because each individual body is different. However, maternity bras have extra cup space, and most people find that they can still order the same size as they usually wear. If in doubt, grab the measuring tape and look at each brand's sizing guide, order a few sizes to try, or head for a fitting at a local retailer.
Hannah Carroll is a Parenting, Lifestyle and Home Product writer for Grazia, specialising in product testing and reviews. With three children, Hannah loves testing the latest industry products on her own family.