Back when I was a first-time mom, I heard all about the benefits of breastfeeding. What I heard nothing of, was the struggles I would face finding a nursing bra that fit for even half of the time I was wearing it! Most of the ones I tried either slid down, lacked support, or pushed against me uncomfortably between feedings.
Fast forward to my second kid and after trying many different brands and styles, I have finally mastered choosing a quality nursing bra. I find that the materials used to make the bra and the support offered by the bra are most important.
So you don’t have to go through these same struggles, here’s a look at some of the best nursing bras for large breasts.
Best Nursing Bras for Large Breasts
The iloveSIA Womens Full Bust Nursing Bra is a 3 pack of nursing bras that have a four clasp closure and a sling to keep your heavy milk-filled breasts supported, while the Essential Pump & Nurse Bra is a single pull-over bra that offers support but is both a nursing and hands free pumping bra.
HOFISH Full-Bust Nursing Bralette
The HOFISH Full-Bust Nursing Bralette is sold in a three-pack with bra clips and extenders. This offers a more flexible fit that will support a mother’s growing body through pregnancy.
The overall design of this bralette gives mothers support where they need it most. A wide band under the breasts and an additional triangle of support material near the top help lift the breasts and prevent sagging. You can customize the fit with the included bra clips and create a no-show bra for any tank top.
The material of this bralette is 92% nylon and 8% spandex, creating a breathable and flexible fit. While not a very supportive sports bra, it could be used comfortably for low-impact exercises.
The bra extenders included allow for adjustments through each trimester and into nursing. Additionally, the flexible design of the sides will accommodate swollen breasts.
Also, it is easy to use these bras when breastfeeding. The shoulder straps are adjustable with a non-slip design. You can also unfasten and refasten the cups with a single hand, which makes breastfeeding easier.
A round, foam insert can be removed from the bras as you would like. They can twist slightly on occasion while inserted, but they are thick and generally stay in place throughout the day.
Pros
- Comes with extenders for a flexible bra size
- Very supportive
- Bra clips let you adjust support and positioning of the straps
- Easy to undo and redo clip when nursing
Cons
- Insert might twist slightly while wearing
We’ve got a full list of all the top-rated nursing bras to help you pick the best nursing bra, no matter your cup size.
Essential Relaxed Pump & Nurse Bra
For busy mothers, the Essential Relaxed Pump & Nurse Bra has a hands-free pump option that makes pumping more convenient. You can even feed your baby out of one side while pumping from the other.
Unlike others mentioned so far, this pumping bra is made from 90% cotton and 10% spandex. It is breathable and super comfortable to wear, providing support without feeling restrictive. So comfortable, that moms even report sleeping in this bra.
A word of caution about using a bra for sleep while nursing. It has been found that constrictive clothing, bras especially, also constrict milk flow promoting plugged ducts and mastitis. Caution must be used when choosing a bra for sleep while you are nursing.
The folding layers of this bra work as the hole in the cups like most of the other hands-free pumping bras. Instead of a hole the layers hold your best breast pump in place and also make it easy for your baby to access your breast for breastfeeding.
This bra is a pull-over model. It does not have an adjustable back or straps, instead relying on the stretchiness of material to support your breasts. Therefore, it is a good choice later in your pregnancy when your breasts have already filled out quite a bit.
Pros
- Allows you to pump and nurse at the same time
- Breathable, soft, and comfortable
- Provides support but is notl elastic
- Hands-free pumping with the layered design
Cons
- Best for later trimesters into nursing days
- No adjustable features
iLoveSIA Full-Bust Seamless Nursing Bra
The iLoveSIA Full-Bust Seamless Nursing Bra is sold in a three-pack and comes in several color choices including neutrals and some fun colors too.
A single-hand clip makes it easy to open and close the bra for feeding. It is one of the largest bras, available up to a size F with an extra-large.
Designed with a wide nursing sling inside, this bra provides support and prevents sagging. And th seamless design overlaid looks good under any clothing.
An extra-wide ribbing keeps this bra secure and provides the support your large breasts need. It features 4 hooks in the back and adjustable straps for a secure, customizable fit.
Other nice features of this bra are breathability and flexibility. The ribbed gore material used in the making accommodates the frequent breast growth and shrinkage experienced while breastfeeding. It makes a good low-impact sports bra.
One downside is that the pad inside this bra moves when you are moving around a lot. Also, the opening is small, so readjusting the padding can be difficult, however, it does help to conceal nursing pads.
Pros
- Breathable and flexible design
- Support from 4-hook closure
- Nursing sling inside bra to prevent sagging
- Seamless design looks good under clothing
Cons
- Can be hard to adjust inner padding when it moves around
Gratlin Women’s Full Support Comfort Nursing Bra
The Gratlin Women’s Full Support Comfort Nursing Bra falls just shy of a 5-star rating. This bra is designed for large breasted nursing women. It comes in 11 different colors and is available in sizes S to 5XL.
Designed with 96% cotton and 4% spandex, this nursing bra is comfortable and provides just the right amount of stretch without being too stretchy. It is a pull-on bra, so there are no clasps or hooks, just the ones in the front for the drop-down cups.
You’ll notice that there is full coverage front to back and the wide band at the bottom also helps to keep everything in place. The shoulder straps are wider than most nursing bras and extra comfortable as well.
Pros
- Comfortable fabric
- Wideband at bottom and wide shoulder straps
- Full coverage front and back
- Pull-over style
- Available in 11 different colors and sizes S to 5XL
- Great price
Cons
- Thin fabric in front (some complained that nipples show through)
Best Nursing Bras for I Cup Size
The Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime Busty Seamless Nursing Bra is basically a sportts bra with thick supportive straps and has a single handed clasp for nursing; whereas the Kindred Bravely French Terry Racerback Nursing Sleep Bra is similar but is a racerback style with no clasps to fuss with when nursing.
Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime Busty Nursing Bra
The Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime Busty Nursing Bra is exactly as it claims – simply sublime. This bra covers large breasts with cups sizes up to an I and a band size of up to 42-inches.
This bra is not the typical larger version of a normal bra. It is made specifically for large breasts with more fabric and more space in the cups and with thicker more supportive straps. The fabric, not too stretchy, provides the perfect support and without an underwire.
One of the nice features of this nursing bra is the neutral color options including black, nude, and gray. You might miss a white option, but nude looks better under white shirts anyways! The Kindred Bravely bra maintains its color and softness through washing.
These bras are made using 93% nylon and 7% spandex for a breathable, supportive, and flexible fit. While ordered by letter size and not cup size, the hook and loop closures in the back helps to customize your fit. And, though this is a wireless bra, the wide band that goes around your ribs is supportive and without pressing too tightly.
Breastfeeding is made easy with one-handed flip-down cups, which are perfectly padded to provide much-needed coverage and a little bit of separation for a better look and shape than other nursing bras. And, the padding is easily removed, so you can discreetly breastfeed. But, beware, this padding will bunch up and you may be better off using your own nursing pads.
Pros
- Super soft material
- Neutral colors
- Single-hand clasp
- Designed specifically for bigger chests
Cons
- Letter sizes might not fit correctly
- Padding bunches up
Kindred Bravely French Terry Racerback Nursing Sleep Bra
This French Terry Racerback Nursing Sleep Bra from Kindred Bravely is made of a 92% Rayon and 8% Spandex blend that offers the perfect amount of stretch.
You’ll find in the back, this nursing bra offers full coverage, whereas the front is a crossover v-neck style. A wide band at the bottom and expanded fabric in the cups also help to keep everything in place. No dealing with closures or clips, this nursing bra is a pullover bra. This bra is a “Mom’s Choice Award Winner” for comfort and practicality.
Unlike many nursing bras, this specific nursing bra offers “busty” size options, form E up to I, in addition to the regular sizes. Many moms love this bra because of how comfortable it is. You can expect some spillage and slippage here and there, and defientily when you lay on your side, but it is most likely this case for every crossover style bra.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Available in “busty” sizes
- 7 different colors
- No wires, hooks, or clasps
- Wideband at the bottom to keep everything in place
Cons
- Spillage and Slippage when laying on the side
- Higher price for 1 bra
Most Supportive Nursing Bra
Cake Maternity Croissant Underwire Nursing Bra
The Cake Maternity Croissant Nursing Bra has the optional underwire support that some of us need. While, a wire-free nursing bra is the healthier option and works fine for staying around the house or maybe for running to the store, sometimes we want to look a bit more polished. The support and comfort of this underwire does just that. This bra lifts and defines with comfort, so it not only look greats, but it feels great too. Remember and take special care and ensure that the milk ducts in your arm pit areas are completely emptied while wearing an underwire bra. Or your big night out may turn into a big plugged duct.
This nursing bra is one seamless piece, which is hard to come by in an underwire bra. This full coverage bra is designed to prevent spillage. The drop-down A-frame cups offer extra support while nursing and are thinly lined with a conforming padding that flatters your own natural shape.
You can buy this bra and wear it all the way through the pregnancy and into nursing. The supportive band has either 5 or 6 different rows of hooks, depending on the size, making it easily customizable for just the right fit and especially helpful if your rib cage expands. The chest band is both wide and supportive, and the U-shaped back also keep the band from riding up.
This bra is 86% nylon and 14% stretch elastane. All the materials used in the making are Oeko-Tex Standard 100, so you can rest easy wearing this bra near your sweet baby. Sadly, though this bra is hand wash only!
Pros
- Supportive underwire doesn’t pinch or poke
- Soft and safe materials
- Lots of hooks on band to choose from
- Comes in cup sizes C to K
- Seamless and not too padded
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Thinner cups don’t hide thick nursing pads
Comparing the Best Nursing Bras
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| Cake Maternity Croissant Underwire Nursing Bra | 3.9 | 8.0 | 68.36 |
| Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime Busty Nursing Bra | 9.7 | 8.6 | 45.99 |
| Kindred Bravely French Terry Racerback Nursing Sleep Bra | 9.9 | 8.0 | 36.99 |
| iLoveSIA Full-Bust Seamless Nursing Bra | 9.3 | 9.0 | 29.99 |
| HOFISH Full-Bust Nursing Bralette | 9.9 | 9.2 | 29.99 |
| Essential Relaxed Pump & Nurse Bra | 9.4 | 8.0 | 24.00 |
| Gratlin Women's Full Support Comfort Nursing Bra | 9.7 | 8.8 | 23.99 |
FAQs for Nursing Bras
What are the benefits of wearing a nursing bra?
For most mothers, swollen breasts and morning sickness are the earliest signs of pregnancy. Even before your bundle of joy arrives, you may need to buy new bras to accommodate your new breasts.
Breasts swell during pregnancy. It is part of the natural process of your body preparing for your baby. This indicates that your breasts are developing the milk duct system that will later provide nourishment to your little one.
When you wear a supportive nursing bra, it cradles the breasts and provides the support you need to prevent stretch marks and sagging. Nursing bras also decrease the back pain that comes along with supporting larger breasts.
Plus, a good nursing bra will help you feel your best at a time when your body is still adjusting.
What is the difference between a nursing bra and a maternity bra?
It is not uncommon to hear the terms nursing bra and maternity bra used interchangeably. While they are both designed with extra support for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and each can be used for breastfeeding, a nursing bra provides easier access to your breasts, usually by way of a drop-drown cup.
If you are not planning to breastfeed, take a look at these postpartum or post-breastfeeding bras instead.
How can I choose a good nursing bra?
Good nursing bras will provide the support you need with convenience to feed your little one. Here are some things to consider when buying a nursing bra:
- Stretch of the fabric- While you want the fabric to be firm enough for support, it should have some give. A mother’s breasts will swell with milk between feedings. The should be enough give to accomodate this larger size.
- Sizing- Proper fit is critical for support. If you choose a bra size that is too loose, your breasts will not be supported and this could result in back pain. If you choose a bra size that is too tight, it can be uncomfortable to wear.
- Breathability- Some bras are designed with a plastic lining to stop leaks. However, these are not breathable and trapping liquid in a confined space encourages soreness and leads to bacterial growth.
- Design- Some nursing bras are designed with a front that opens completely, while others unclip a the cup one at a time. And while the open-front bras may seem more convenient, it is actually difficult to keep your girls from escaping when you are trying to put them away. It is best to choose a brand that lets you open the cups with a single hand. This way, you can hold your baby and prepare to feed at the same time.
Should I wear an underwire nursing bra?
While underwire may provide more support, it can be uncomfortable to wear. And, most of the underwire nursing bras available don’t offer extra padding. So, really they are no more comfortable than your average bra.
However, when you are already blessed in the boob department and then factor in pregnancy and nursing, your larger breasts may require the ultimate in support. And this unfortunately, is still an underwire bra.
Be careful though, as an underwire bra can block milk ducts and not only make it harder for your little one to feed, but also put you at risk for developing a plugged duct. Look for a bra that actually fits, no bulging or pinching anywhere. And err on the large side to make sure that your breasts have room to fill and empty with feedings.
The best plan is to have wireless nursing bras to wear around the house and an underwire bra for the nicer occasions, such as dates or dinners (ha ha), or just for whenever you need the extra support.
Can I buy a nursing bra online?
Many mothers choose to buy nursing bras online because of the lower prices and wider selection. It may be helpful to size yourself by trying the bra on in a retail location. Then, come home and save money buying online if you like.
If you don’t want to go to the store and try one on, then you can easily measure yourself at home. Wear a bra that fits you well and isn’t too tight. Measure around the fullest part of your bust and write down the number. Then, measure where your bra band should sit (not where it rides up to or stretches out to!) and write down that number. The second number is your band size. Subtract the second number from the first number to get your cup size. Remember that each inch equals one cup. So if you have a 3-inch difference, that’s a C cup, if you have an 8-inch difference, that’s an H cup, etc.
Once you know your size, make sure to read reviews to see if the bra fits true to size or runs small or large. Armed with this knowledge, you can feel confident buying online!
