And medium impact is generally going to work in your early postpartum weeks and months. This bra impressed us not only with its fit, but also with its unique features, like a strap adjustment system we’ve never seen before. For support, the Show Off relies on cups shaped through seams as well as by a wide band that provides a solid foundation, especially for larger busts. Stretchy nylon-spandex fabric contributes to the taut, supportive fit, while a soft cotton lining provides comfort and breathability (the lace is layered over the nylon-spandex). Shaping in the cup and power mesh—strong, stretchy fabric like that used in control-top pantyhose—in the back provide even more support where it’s needed most. The flexible wire used in this bra is less rigid than the wire used in regular underwire bras.
If you’re starting to feel frumpy and uncomfortable, it’s time to invest in the right underwear. Made from smooth organic cotton with a hint of stretch, this classic maternity bra comes in ivory or navy and promises a seamless silhouette under your t-shirt. Drop cups offer easy nursing and shaping around the cup provides extra support. Plus it comes in a two pack so you can wear your comfiest bra on rotation. If you prefer the feel of natural fibers, this nursing bra uses Pima cotton with some spandex for stretch.
It’s important that it’s easy to slide the flange inside the opening, be it a flap or a slit; bras can also have two layers that you crisscross to hold the flanges in place. The bra should allow the flange to fit snugly onto your nipple without creating extra pressure or compression. It should help to angle the flange downward so that you don’t have to hunch forward to send milk flowing down into the collection container, says Polin. It is highly advisable that expecting women or new moms go for frequent bra shopping for good-fitting, comfortable and versatile maternity/nursing bras. In the course of advancing pregnancy women experience gradual increase in breasts’ size and often sore sensations at nipples. This happens as pregnancy hormones trigger lactation in breasts in preparation for feeding newborns.
After we narrowed our most important features and had a solid crowdsourced and researched list of the most popular nursing bras available, we called in samples of 38 bras. We tried on each one to determine if it was true to size, took notes on our first impressions and inspected fabrics, seams, clasps, and hooks for quality. Through this process we were able to eliminate 14 models and ended up with a list of seven seamless bras, eight underwire bras, four wireless bras, and five crossover bras that we sent to our panel of testers. The options we presented were seamless, underwire, wireless, crossover, or other . That’s why one of the best nursing bra around is its Q-T Intimates Wrap ’N Snap Nursing Bra.
Add some sass to your underwear drawer with this racy red nursing bra by Ann Summers. It has a flexible underwire for moms that need extra support and drop-away nursing cups with clip-fastenings that can be opened and closed with one hand. Yes, maternity bras and nursing bras are designed with a clear purpose in mind—but that doesn’t mean they have to be wholly utilitarian without any frills. These are our favorite sexy nursing bras that look as good as they feel. Plus, the four-way stretch fabric comfortably adapts to your changing body, and also wicks moisture away . It’s even OEKO-TEX certified, meaning you can rest assured there are no nasty chemicals in the materials of this Medela nursing bra.
“Some people, especially those who have larger breasts, prefer the extra support of wearing a nursing bra full-time. Wearing a nursing bra at night also helps catch leaks” since they can hold an absorbent pad in place. This bra is as adjustable as seamless bras get but has a skimpier sling than any other bra of its type we tested (it’s just an extension of the shoulder strap). But it lacks the higher neckline of the Cotton Candy and thus isn’t quite as effective as our main pick at containing spillage.