Best maternity bras

This black maternity and nursing bra from New Look is pretty but comfortable. It is a non-wired design with a soft printed under band. This maternity bra has a hook and eye fastening and adjustable shoestring straps. The moulded triangle cups clip down, so this is a great option if you want to use this bra through pregnancy and post birth for breastfeeding.

Mums in our BabyCentre community said:
"The maternity/nursing bras that I’ve found most comfortable are from New Look. I always look for non-wired ones or sleep ones."

This sports bra style nursing bra from Bravado is made from stretchy material that hugs your body. This bra is full coverage and comes in lots of different colours. It has moulded cups and removal foam inserts. This is a great option for a nursing bra too as the cups drop down for feeding your baby. It has a hook and eye fastening, and is seamless and wire free for a smooth silhouette.

Mums in our BabyCentre community said:
"I’ve found some really nice and comfortable maternity and nursing bras from Bravado and each of their sizes seems to cover a couple of regular sizes so great as you grow!"

These George at Asda maternity bras come in a pack of two and there are a range of different colours available. The bras have a pretty lace overlay and bow detail. They are non-wired, and have fold down cups for nursing. They also have adjustable straps and a hook and eye fastening.

Mums in our BabyCentre community said:
"I got some really reasonable bras from George at Asda! I kept changing size so didn't want to spend loads each time!"

If you are not a fan of bras with padding, this two pack of lace nursing maternity bras from MAMA at H&M will be a hit. They have a crossover front and no fasteners which means the cup can be easily pulled to the side for feeding. So, if you plan to breastfeed and want a bra that will see you through from pregnancy, these are a great option. They also have wide lace straps which is a pretty detail.

Mums in our BabyCentre community said:
"I bought some from H&M, they are really soft and wireless and are also nursing bras so will be useful after birth as well."

This maternity bra from Latched UK is available in black, beige and white, and is non-wired and seam-free. It’s made from soft, stretch fabric for maximum comfort. It’s also nursing-ready too with removable foam pads for a smooth silhouette and drop-down cups with discreet nursing clips for ease.

Mums in our BabyCentre community said:
"I got one at a baby show by Latched UK, it’s so comfy that I now have every colour! Very reasonably priced too."

This Bravissimo bra was recommended in our community as the best maternity bra for a large bust. It’s not technically a maternity bra but the Nova Lounge bra from Bravissimo has been designed with comfort in mind, so is perfect for your changing body. It doesn’t have wires or padding and the whole bra is made from soft, stretchy fabric. It has a hook and eye fastening. The cross over front style means it is also great for nursing mums as you can simply pull the cups to the side. It is available in black, pink and cornflower blue.

Mums in our BabyCentre community said:
"I have big boobs and so if you are over a D cup I recommend maternity bras from Bravissimo."

Another wire-free maternity bra that is great for larger breasts is this bralette from Hotmilk. It is made from soft lace and has a longer under band than other styles. The ‘multifit’ cup fits sizes D-G, so it’s great for this time when you’re not sure how your size could change. The panelling and full coverage provide great support. It will also grow with you during your pregnancy. The detailing on this bra looks great too, from the lace, to the pretty triple straps at the back. It also has a hook and eye fastening, and clips to help the cups fold down easily for nursing.

Mums in our BabyCentre community said:
"I love the Hotmilk bras. I am a HH so find it difficult to find good bras. They're pretty, supportive, and have space for growing."

Made from responsibly sourced cotton and added stretch for comfort, this two pack of nursing bras from M&S were another popular nursing bra choice amongst our community. They are padded for a smooth look under clothes, and have lace trim and bow detailing. They feature adjustable straps and four rows of hook and eye fastenings to help get the best fit for your changing body. With clips to allow the cups to fold down easily, they are also great for nursing.

Mums in our BabyCentre community said:
"I went to M&S last time I was pregnant, they do a bra fitting service. They were really good and fitted me with a bra I could 'grow' with. They were SO comfy! 100% recommend!

This comfortable maternity and nursing sleep bra from JoJo Maman Bébé has wide straps and a lovely lace trim detail. It is made from soft cotton with some added stretch. It is great for wearing at night, especially to keep breast pads in place when feeding. It has a deep back for support and comfort, and is a pull-on style bra. The cups pull to the side for easy feeding.

Mums in our BabyCentre community said:
"I lived in JoJo Maman Bébé maternity bras from 10 weeks till over a year postpartum - they were also nursing bras. So comfy. I’ve never worn an underwired bra since!"

If you have a special event to attend and an outfit that doesn’t work with the wider straps on a maternity bra, a multiway bra is a great option. Whilst not part of Marks and Spencer’s maternity range, this bra is wire free, and padded for comfort. It has detachable multiway straps so it would work under a variety of different necklines of tops and dresses. This would not be an easy bra to breastfeed in though, so keep that in mind if you go for this one.

Mums in our BabyCentre community said:
"I have bought a couple of M&S non-wired strapless bras and I find them super comfy and they do provide a decent amount of support."

If you’re looking for some maternity underwear that feels more like lingerie, this pink and mocha maternity bra from Seraphine will have you feeling amazing. You can also buy the matching knickers separately. It is fully adjustable, with easy clips for nursing access and has no under wiring. The contrast lace trim is a lovely detail, but Seraphine alternatively do it in a black version too.

Mums in our BabyCentre community said:
"My new nursing bra from Seraphine is so gorgeous and comfy....a must look at store for lovely maternity wear!"

If you are looking for the ultimate in comfort this pack of two crop tops from Next will provide that! They are the perfect mix of comfort and style with a stretchy under band with Next logo detailing. They also have adjustable shoulder straps. If you are nursing your baby, they have a drop-down panel, with access to both the left and right sides - and not an underwire in sight.

Mums in our BabyCentre community said:
"I got a maternity bra from Next the other day - looks nice, good support and no wires."

When should you buy a maternity bra?

We asked Sarah Hurst, mum of three and writer of the parenting blog Arthur WearsOpens a new window for her advice on maternity bras.

Sarah suggests: "Your breasts will start to change as soon as you are pregnant. In fact, for some females, this is one of the first signs of pregnancy! With this in mind, you can start wearing maternity bras from the start of your pregnancy, as soon as you notice a change in your breast size. It is also important to regularly get fitted for new maternity bras throughout your pregnancy as your breasts grow, to make sure that they are properly supported."

What is the difference between maternity bras and nursing bras?

Shopping for maternity bras can be a little overwhelming, especially when bras go by different names. Some are called maternity bras and some are called nursing bras. So, are maternity and nursing bras the same? "Maternity bras are made to support your breasts during the changes of pregnancy, whereas nursing bras are to aid with breastfeeding. However, lots of maternity bras are also nursing bras as they can be worn during pregnancy and beyond! If you plan on breastfeeding it is worth choosing a maternity bra that doubles up as a nursing bra so that you can use it once your baby is here if you plan to breastfeed." Sarah explains.

Having a bra that will take you from pregnancy to postpartum is great idea in theory, however it's worth bearing in mind your body will change a lot during that time. Sarah points out: "Your breasts will both increase and decrease dramatically during different stages of your pregnancy and breastfeeding journey so keeping hold of your different-sized maternity nursing bras will be handy later on if you need to go up or down a size or two."

There are different features to look out for in maternity and nursing bras - particularly if you plan to breastfeed. "Nursing bras usually have fastenings on the straps so that they can unclip and pull down for access to the breasts for nursing. Sleep bras are often stretchy, cropped top-style bras with no fastenings, which can just be pulled aside."

Do I need a maternity bra?

"This depends on your usual style of bra. Your breast may become more tender and heavier during pregnancy, as well as increasing in size - and so padded bras, underwires or bras made for style rather than comfort may not be suitable." Sarah discloses.

If you had large breasts before getting pregnant, it is important to make sure you find a bra that will be supportive and fits well. Maternity bras often have wider straps and fuller coverage that will help with this. "The most important thing is that you are wearing the right size and feel supported."

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