When to Buy a Nursing Bra - Plus, a Handy Guide on Fit, Style & Leakproof Options
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Time to read 6 min
Googling when to buy a nursing bra at 8pm on a Saturday night? Welcome to a whole new world. Six months ago, your drawer was full of curated sets—now you're searching for a bra you can undo one-handed at 3am.
Stretchy dresses might work through pregnancy, but bras? Not so much. Whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, or just want your boobs to breathe, a good maternity bra is a game-changer.
Thankfully, clunky designs are out. Supportive, stylish options from mum-founded brands like The Mutha Project and Lesh are in. Here's when—and how—to build your maternity lingerie drawer.
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Do you really need a nursing bra? When to buy a nursing bra? Trending nursing bras What exactly is a nursing bra and why do you need one? Why are underwire bras not recommended? What to look for in a nursing bra What are clips? How to choose the right nursing bra for you How to find your bra size 9 Nursing & Maternity Bras we Love Best nursing bra for sleep Best Bravado nursing bra Best sports nursing bra Best cute nursing bra Best leakproof nursing bra Best nursing bra for pumping Trending breastfeeding accessories Frequently Asked Questions
When to buy a nursing bra?
It might surprise you but trimester one is not too early. In the beginning weeks of pregnancy your boobs change a lot - it's all thanks to hormones. There's also a major change in the early weeks of postpartum; so buy early and wear for months.
Do you really need a nursing bra?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding is of course possible sans bra, but a quality nursing bra can be vital in avoiding discomfort and difficulty in feeding. Lactation Consultant, Independent Nurse and author Sarah Oakley told us: ‘When breastfeeding breasts are full and heavier than usual, especially in the beginning, or in larger breasted mothers, a supportive bra… can be helpful in terms of comfort and help reduce back strain. Nursing bras … can make feeding out and about much easier too, as opposed to wearing a normal bra.’
What exactly is a nursing bra and why do you need one?
Doing what they say on the tin, nursing bras are bras that let you nurse, or breastfeed, with much greater ease.
"ill fitting bras can cause blocked ducts and mastitis.’."
Photo by Helena Jankovičová Kováčová:
Shop Nursing & Maternity Bras we Love
Best nursing bra for sleep
If you’re sleeping in a bra (hi, breastpads and middle-of-the-night feeds), it has to be this one. The Renue Soft Cup Bralette is the kind of wireless, silky-soft support you forget you’re even wearing. Made from buttery Tencel Lyocell, it’s breathable, temperature-regulating, and gentle on sensitive skin. The wide underband and plush straps keep everything comfortably in place, while the flattering shape means you can get up and go as it looks just as good under clothes, as sleepwear.
Best clasp free nursing bra
No wires, no clasps, no digging in—just soft stretch from The Mutha Project. You'll love the pull-aside design on hazy nights and early mornings when ease is everything. The clever stretch fabric moves with your changing boobs (and shrinks back too), so this underwear will see you through the stages of motherhood.
Best sports nursing bra
If you’re ready to work out, consider Natal Active’s Artemis Nursing Sports Bra that fits up to a G cup (a solid option if you need a nursing bra for larger breasts).
Best cute nursing bra
If you’re missing a more flirty style, then Six Studio’s Rosa Lace Trim Nursing Bra is the one for you
Best leakproof nursing bra
If you’re prone to leaking, we’d recommend investing in Lesh’s Freeflo Leakproof Nursing Bra which absorbs any surplus milk and even postpartum sweat - we told you it was revolutionary.
Best nursing bra for pumping
If breastfeeding isn’t how you feed your little one, or you want to enjoy some of the freedoms that come with pumping, nursing bras’ adjustable sizing and easy access make them ideal for slipping a hands free pump in too.
Your Complete Guide on Choosing a Nursing Bra
What to look for in a nursing bra
When scrolling and shopping for a nursing bra, there's more to consider than free shipping. It pays to have these things in mind:
- Fluctuations in breast size
- Breastfeeding access
- Support needs
- Pumping access
- Clips or no clips
Why are underwire bras not recommended?
Nursing bras are typically without an underwire to improve comfort, but also to ensure your milk and milk ducts aren’t physically blocked or restricted.
What are clips?
Nursing bras with clips: Fashioned with clips above a fabric cup (called ‘drop down cups’), they allow you to access your chest and feed your child in a simple manoeuvre, as well as promoting that much-lauded skin to skin contact.
Nursing bras without clips: Designed with a low V-neckline that easily pulls to the side for feeding. Front strap sliders allow quick support adjustments—ideal for fluctuating cup sizes during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Styles vary from traditional clasp backs to elastic crop-top designs.
How to choose the right nursing bra for you
According to Lactation Consultant Oakley, while feeling supported is great for back pain and general comfort, a too small bra, or one that has restrictive underwires, is your biggest concern when choosing a maternity or nursing bra as, ‘ill fitting bras can cause blocked ducts and mastitis.’
How to find your bra size
You’ll need a tape measure to get two key measurements: band size and bust size.
To measure your band size, wrap the tape measure under your breasts, around your rib cage, keeping it snug but not too tight.
For your bust size, measure around the fullest part of your breasts. These two measurements will help you determine your cup size.
To calculate your cup size, subtract your band size from your bust size. Each inch of difference corresponds to a cup size. Here’s a guide for UK cup sizes:
- 1 inch = A cup
- 2 inches = B cup
- 3 inches = C cup
- 4 inches = D cup
- 5 inches = DD cup
- 6 inches = E cup
- 7 inches = F cup
- 8 inches = FF cup
- 9 inches = G cup
- 10 inches = GG cup
Once you’ve got these measurements, you can confidently choose the right nursing bra for support and comfort during pregnancy and beyond.
Oakley suggests, ‘sizing can be an issue if you buy [bras] before birth as breasts will change size and shape when milk comes in and then again when supply stabilises…I would suggest just getting one or two [when pregnant] and then investing in more once baby has arrived to allow for changes in breast size.’
Photo by dihandrea
More support
Trending breastfeeding accessories
So, now you know just how necessary nursing bras are, how they work, when to get one, that they can be used for pumping and that the right size can help avoid blocked ducts, shop our collection and bring more joy to feeding time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you stop wearing underwire?
Damage can occur if the underwire is too tight, restrictive, and presses against your breast tissue. It's advised to avoid underwire bras during the first trimester of pregnancy and in the first 4-6 weeks postpartum, as this is when breast size tends to fluctuate the most.
Do underwire bras affect milk supply?
Underwire can press on the edges of the milk ducts, potentially leading to blockages, according to NCT. If you choose to wear an underwired bra, make sure it fits with extra care and avoid it if it shows any signs of pressing into your breast tissue.
When to measure maternity bra size?
It’s recommended to have your bras professionally fitted on a regular basis and to update them every six months. This becomes especially important during pregnancy, as breast size and shape often change. Consider getting measured in the first trimester for the best fit.
Many department stores and specialty shops provide free measuring services- even in bras they don't stock.
Is it ok to sleep in a maternity bra?
Yes, as long as you're avoiding underwire. For the best comfort, choose sleep specific brands and think about leakage too. Lesh are changing the game with their leakproof bra.
