Whether you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, investing in the best nursing sports bras will make movement easier and more enjoyable. Of course you can always go up a few sizes in your current favorite bra, but if you want high-quality nursing sport bras, you’ll want something tailored to the maternity experience. And if you’re planning on having more kids, sports bras specifically designed for pregnancy or postpartum should be a staple in your activewear collection.
To get the lowdown on all things nursing sports bras, we spoke to the people who know best: moms. We found that there are quite a few bells and whistles to look for when shopping for the best bras, so we distilled the most commonly mentioned features to make your life a little bit easier.
What to Look For in Maternity and Nursing Sports Bras
- Support: Depending on the kind of movement you’re doing, you’ll want a supportive bra to match it. Jogging, HIIT, and other high-impact workouts will need more support (think: wide straps, molded cups, and a thicker band) and are generally more full coverage. A stretchy bralette or crossover-style bra is more suitable for yoga or Pilates.
- Room to grow: Any new mom will tell you that your breasts are going to grow quickly during pregnancy and throughout nursing. It’s important to look for a sports bra that’s stretchy enough to grow with you, or an option that has an adjustable hook-and-eye closure (similar to traditional bras), so you can loosen it as you get further along.
- Zip-up front closure: Many moms we spoke to prefer zip-up sports bras for a few reasons. First, they reduce friction and chafing on sensitive nipples when putting them on and taking them off. A front closure also makes them easier to put on as your belly is growing—especially if it’s a racerback sports bra.
- Crossover style: Crossover-front sports bras give easy access for pumping or breastfeeding moms. They’re often lower-support and stretchy, too, so they make nice sleep bras.
- Adjustable or detachable straps: Straps that can be adjusted create a perfect fit and can offer more support. For hands-free breastfeeding access, some moms mentioned looking for straps that detach using Velcro or clips, that way you can go from your workout to pumping or nursing your baby quickly.
- Comfort: Pregnancy isn’t always comfortable, but your nursing sports bras should be. Even when looking for a high-support sports bra, it should still be comfy and breathable. You might want to choose wire-free options for less pressure on your rib cage.
Below, 15 of the best nursing sports bras, handpicked by fitness-loving moms, that will take you all the way through your pregnancy journey and beyond. Some of them have cup sizes, others go by standard top sizing, but all of them have solid reviews and recommendations to boot. Need help finding the right fit? Here are expert tips on finding the right bra size.
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