Choosing a maternity bra

There are many styles of maternity and nursing bras out there. It can feel confusing to know what will suit you. The good news is, you don’t have to work it out alone. Trained fitters can help you find a bra that feels comfortable and supportive as your body changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Getting professionally fitted for your bras is a great idea. A well-fitted bra can make a big difference to how you feel day to day.

There’s no single ‘right’ time. Breasts start changing early in pregnancy, and everyone’s timing is different. Most of the changes have usually happened by around 16 weeks, so this can be a good time to get fitted. You don’t need to buy a bra thinking you’ll grow into it. Bras that are too big can feel just as uncomfortable as bras that are too small

Many women like underwire bras, but rigid underwires aren’t recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Your breast size and fullness can change during the day as milk is made and removed. A stiff underwire may press on a full area of the breast, which can lead to inflammation and increase your risk of mastitis.

Some maternity bras have flexible, low-gauge wires that are designed to move with your body. These are less likely to cause problems.

When you’re trying on bras, think about how they feel and how easy they are to use. You might find these features helpful:

• Soft, breathable fabrics such as cotton, bamboo or modal blends that stretch gently with your body
• Easy feeding access. Try opening and closing the cup with one hand
• Full cup drop styles, where the whole cup folds away, rather than 'trapdoor' styles that may press on your breast
• Comfortable clasps at the shoulder or front. Choose what feels easiest for you
• Adjustability in the band (extra hooks and eyes) to allow for changes in size
• Seamless or wireless designs if your breasts feel sensitive

There are lots of styles available. You might like to try a few to see what suits you best.

Clip-down (drop-down) cups
These are the most common for breastfeeding. The cup unclips from the strap and folds down for easy access.

Pull-aside or crop-top styles
These don’t have clips, just stretchy fabric you pull to the side.

• Often cosy and comfortable
• Can work well for sleep or for smaller cup sizes
• May offer less support for fuller breasts
• Can sometimes be trickier with certain breastfeeding clothing

Seamless bras
Soft, stretchy bras that adapt to your shape and are often very comfortable in early breastfeeding.

Sleep bras
Light, soft bras designed for overnight wear, especially if you want to hold breast pads in place.

Front-closure bras
Fasten at the centre front. These can be helpful if reaching behind your back feels difficult.

If you’re expressing milk, you might like to consider a hands-free pumping bra.

These bras are designed to hold pump flanges in place so you can express without having to hold the bottles. Some styles can also be used for breastfeeding, so you can choose a bra just for pumping or one that does both.

A pumping bra may be helpful if you:

• express often
• need to pump at work or while caring for other children
• want to free up your hands during pumping

If you’re considering a pumping bra, you might like to check that:

• the openings are easy to use
• the fit is snug enough to hold the pump flanges securely
• it still feels comfortable for everyday wear

It’s up to you. Some mums like the extra support or want to keep breast pads in place overnight. Others find bras uncomfortable at night. You could try a sleep bra, a crop top, or any soft-cup bra that feels good.

© Australian Breastfeeding Association June 2026