The best affordable nursing bras for new moms
The best affordable nursing bras for new breastfeeding moms
Sometimes, you don’t want to spend a huge chunk of change on a new bra. Especially if you’re not going to use it for years. As a matter of fact, you’ve probably already spent a ton of money on your new baby, maternity clothes, and about a million other things that popped up, so investing hundreds more in nursing bras may not be at the top of your list.
Don’t worry – I’ve got you. I rounded up some of the best and most affordable (but not *always* cheap) nursing bras to get you started on your breastfeeding journey.
As a new milk makin’ mamma there are a ton of changes happening to both your body and your wardrobe. Many of those cute tops and dresses you were so excited to wear after you exited your maternity clothes may still be off-limits if they don’t have nursing access.
The good news is that style for the breastfeeding mamma is a step up from maternity gear. The bad news is that your lingerie drawer may need a total revision as you embark on your nursing adventure. Since finding the right nursing bra is so critical for a good breastfeeding experience, I rounded up some of the best nursing and pumping bras for every occasion. As a fellow currently breastfeeding mom, I’m reviewing them live and providing input for you below.
This post contains affiliate links. That means if you buy something using one of my links I may receive a small commission – at no additional cost to you! How cool is that? It’s kind of boring, but feel free to read my full disclosure if you want more info. I did receive some of these bras for free to try so I could include them in this post. That said, all the opinions are my own, and I’d never recommend something I wouldn’t buy myself.
✔️ The Mamma’s List Top Pick for an affordable and comfortable nursing bra
I have SO many options for you – but if you just want me to skip right to my top pick, just try the Motherhood Maternity seamless nursing bras. I think they are the overall best option for most new moms, although you may definitely want to consider other styles to round out your nursing bra drawer.
Motherhood Maternity Seamless Clip Down Maternity & Nursing Bra
This bra is wireless, seamless, and is stretchy awesomeness. I slept in these occasionally, wore them at the end of pregnancy, and used them as my “main” bras once my milk regulated and I continued to nurse for another year.
They have removable pads so I didn’t worry about my nipples showing through or any leaking, the panel pulled down all the way, and the pads weren’t so thick that I was unable to easily move it out of the way for nursing.
There really aren’t a lot of bad things I can say about these bras, other than that they might not be the sexiest things around. However, in my nursing season, I prioritized function over fashion and these absolutely fit the bill. The price was also right. While I wanted something comfortable, it also needed to be budget-friendly. I didn’t want to pay $75 for bras that I’d only wear for a short time.
Care Instructions
Fabric and care: 96 %Nylon, 4% Spandex, Machine Wash
Cost: $$
TML Verdict: Buy. At least one or two to have immediately, then you can add more once you change sizes. Try it out in your nursing rotation and then determine if you need more of the same style.
I’m going to go into details on a LOT more nursing bra styles, but first, I thought I’d answer a few of the most common questions I see from new moms in my Facebook group to make sure you had the most up to date information on everything nursing bra related.
What size nursing bras do I need?
This is a great (and important) question. It can be really hard to know which size nursing bras you should buy. And you’re going to hate the answer. Because it depends. Specifically on where you are in your pregnancy/postpartum period.
Your breasts will change size a LOT over the first year of postpartum and nursing. I went from wearing a size large in the stretchy I LOVE SIA bras when I was at the end of my pregnancy and nursing down to a size small in the motherhood maternity bras (made of the same material) somewhere around 6-8 months postpartum.
During pregnancy, you will likely need larger bras as your breasts grow and you gain your pregnancy weight. Your breasts will also grow again to accommodate your milk coming in, and will then slowly deflate as you lose weight and your milk supply regulates.
My breasts went up and down at least three cup sizes throughout the first year postpartum. I was measured two months postpartum, and my pregnancy C cup was measuring a DDD. I thought the woman was crazy.
My advice is to only buy a few nursing bras at a time. While you might want to go out and buy 10 nursing bras immediately after delivering, waiting until your milk regulates will save you money.
When should I buy a nursing bra?
Really, anytime after you get pregnant, but know that your breasts will continue changing throughout your pregnancy and nursing as I mentioned above. The best time to buy nursing bras for immediately postpartum is about 38 weeks pregnant.
Know that your milk will come in and your breasts COULD still grow 1-2 cup sizes, but most nursing bras account for this fluctuation. When in doubt, size up. If you buy any earlier your breasts may still continue to grow.
I was already wearing a stretchy nursing bra by the end of pregnancy, so I waited to purchase more until I’d lost a little weight and my milk had regulated. If you buy all your bras the week your milk comes in, they likely won’t fit a month later.
How many nursing bras should I buy?
You’ll need at least three, but I always had more. One for daytime, one for sleep, and one for both. The other opinion on three is one to wear, one to wash and one extra. Either way, at least three is a popular number.
That said – postpartum sweating is a REAL thing. You will need more than two nursing bras. At first, I was sweating through a bra a day. The good news is that we did a load of laundry a day for the baby anyway, so I didn’t have any issues. However, if you’re really freaking out about laundry – get the cheaper bras for the first month or so. Wait to invest in the nicer ones until your body and breast size regulate.
Best Budget Nursing Bras
I Love SIA: Amazon
While not the sexiest bras on the planet, these were the most comfortable bras I had during the final stages of pregnancy. They are also one of the cheapest options on the list. The stretchy band is made to accommodate an expanding rib cage, and the removable cups were great for coverage during pregnancy. I ended up taking them out and using nursing pads while nursing, but they were perfect for my needs during pregnancy.
The cups fully drop down, putting less fabric between you and your baby, which is so important during the early breastfeeding days. The stretch is great and comfort is king with these bras.
The main downside is the style. They truly look like nursing bras and there’s no hiding it. The fabric can also look a little strange when pulled over a disposable nursing pad. I never had any real issues with this showing through my shirts, but it definitely wasn’t a smooth or seamless look. Once I started wearing the motherhood maternity bras that already had liners (and was no longer wearing the disposable pads) my shirts looked a lot smoother.
The padded cups that come with these bras are also thick and slightly inflexible. This is fine during maternity but infeasible to flip down for nursing. It was more formed than I was expecting based on other bras lined with pads.
**WARNING: Wash the black one immediately in cold water, multiple times. I forgot to wash it at first and dyed a pillowcase and my maternity pillow just from sitting up against them without a shirt on. These bras are so cheap I can overlook an issue like that since the dye eventually washed out, but definitely don’t want the same thing to happen to anyone else.
Care Instructions
Fabric and care: Material: 92% Nylon + 8%Spandex
Cost: $
TML Verdict: Definitely a must-buy for the price. I wore these during the end of pregnancy and through nursing until they no longer fit.
Lataly 5 Pack Seamless Nursing Bras
This 5-pack of nursing bras is a great budget-friendly option. They are the cheapest at the time I’m writing this, so if you’re looking for a combination of function and ease on your wallet – this budget bra is the winner. With over 6,500 reviews and 4.5 stars on Amazon, a ton of other moms think so too.
This style of nursing bra is super convenient as it clips down to expose your breast for nursing, and the stretchy fabric helps with your expanding ribcage during pregnancy and postpartum.
Care Instructions
Fabric and care: Material: 92% Nylon + 8%Spandex
Cost: $
TML Verdict: Awesome value. Worth trying just for the price per bra and stretchy comfort.
Best Nursing Bras for Large Breasts
Storq Full Cup Bra
This version of Storq’s maternity and nursing bra is made for the fuller chested ladies. I’d venture to guess that if you’re shopping for when your milk comes in, this is their bra that will fit you best.
I’m not normally a big-chested woman but when your breasts grow three cup sizes as milk comes in and regulates, it’s pretty hard to stay in the ABCD range (which is the range for the Storq everyday bra) if you had anything there before. This bra is also unlined and I would have preferred a little more coverage for the end of my pregnancy.
However, since I was using it mainly after my milk had come in it was comfortable combined with breast pads.
The Storq bra bands felt tighter than some of the other bras I tried. The thicker band on the full cup bra provides a lot more support than the Everyday bra. While both are wireless and acceptable for nursing, I’d go with the Everyday bra for much later in your nursing journey, and the Full Cup for early nursing.
The Storq bras aren’t on the cheap side of the bras I reviewed, but they are definitely higher quality than some of the budget options. That said, I’d make sure you’re confident that you’ll wear the size for a couple of months so you get the maximum wear out of these.
Pros: Comfortable and very soft, with more support than the Everyday bra
Cons: Band feels tight if you plan to wear at the end of pregnancy or early nursing. Size up.
Care Instructions
Fabric and care: 90% Modal 10% Spandex. Machine or hand wash in cold with like colors. Lay flat to dry. Made in China.
Cost: $$$ ($40+)
TML Verdict: Good for early nursing as long as you size up and get the correct band size.
Motherhood Maternity Full Busted Seamless Clip-down Nursing Bra
This is the full-busted option for their traditional seamless clip-down nursing bra, so if you’re a larger busted nursing mamma, this is an awesome find.
In case you missed it above, this is my top pick for an affordable and comfortable nursing bra. While it may not be the sexiest nursing bra out there, the fact that it’s relatively cheap and oh-so-comfortable more than makeup for it. And the above option accommodates the large busted nursing moms too.
You won’t be upset if you choose this one.
Fabric & Care: 96% Nylon, 4% Spandex, machine wash
Cost: $$
Lively Busty Maternity Bralette
The Lively Busty Maternity Bralette is the same light and airy maternity bralette, but made for busty mammas – size D-DDD. This is a great upgrade to this bra. The original version is super light and airy, but towards the end of my pregnancy and early nursing, there was no way my huge boobs would fit in the smaller cups.
If you’re looking for a fashion-forward and comfortable nursing bra that has support for more busty mammas, this is a great option.
One of the best things about Lively bras is that while I wouldn’t label them cheap, they’re super affordable. They don’t cut corners on quality, and they’re prettier than a lot of the super-stretch bras.
Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime Busty Seamless Nursing Bra
This is another option for a seamless clip down nursing bra, that has tons of positive reviews on Amazon. These bras all have easy nursing access, which is a must if you’re looking for a great breastfeeding bra.
I haven’t tried this style myself, but Kindred Bravely bras are all awesome. They’re known for comfort and quality fabric, which I can definitely vouch for with the nursing sleep bra.
Check it out if you’re busty and looking for a great supportive seamless option.
Most like a non-nursing bra
Lively Mesh Trim Maternity Bralette
This bra is billed as a maternity and nursing bra, but you need to size up during late pregnancy. Even with my bra extender it looked like I was going to stretch it out a bit after lots of wear.
This bra is one of the prettiest nursing bras I’ve seen, and is super breathable and comfortable. It’s wire-free with a thin band underneath, so it doesn’t have the most support, but even unlined does a better job than most with nipple coverage.
The fabric and mesh make it very comfortable and breathable, even with a nursing baby on top of you. Definitely size up during late pregnancy and early nursing. Cup and coverage are small for early nursing but are much better once milk regulates.
The best news – the folks at LIVELY heard the plea for bustier and bigger bras for pregnancy and nursing, and created the Busty Maternity Bralette. This is a much better option for anyone in the early days of nursing or later in pregnancy. I have the original version but look at the busty version above to ensure you get the right size.
Care Instructions
Fabric and care: Nylon and Spandex
Cost: $$
TML Verdict: Worth it for the price. Not as comfortable as the “super stretch” bras from Motherhood Maternity, but make up for it in style. Still comfortable enough to wear all day, and a fantastic option for a bra if you don’t want to scream nursing mom.
Storq Everyday Bra
This bra is a soft cup (unlined) bra that pulls aside for nursing. There are no tags, clips or anything else that would be uncomfortable or dig into your skin.
This bra is billed is both a maternity and nursing bra and I will say that the bottom band is pretty tight during late pregnancy. I may have just gone up a band size, but even with my bra extender, it looked like I was going to stretch it out a bit after lots of wear.
If you’re planning to wear this one during pregnancy or immediately postpartum, be sure you measure correctly and go up a size if you’re unsure. Both the band and cups are pretty small for this time period.
This bra is comfortable and I love the pull aside cups, but I think I’d love it even more if it were lined a bit. I use breast pads most of the time I’m nursing, but for the end of maternity and when my milk no longer leaks it would be nice to have some coverage. Although it’s not see-through it left some nipple coverage to be desired.
The lack of thick band on the bottom, as well as the material, make this bra a little more breathable than some of the others. However, this wasn’t my favorite for the immediate postpartum period. The good news is that they remedied this by offering a busty version (linked above). This was a great bra to purchase after your milk has regulated.
Pros: Comfortable, breathable, easy nursing access, no extra clasps, tags, or clips.
Cons: Thin band and unlined bra provide little/no support for heavier breasts, small cups if you plan to wear at the end of pregnancy or early nursing.
Care Instructions
Fabric and care: 90% Modal 10% Spandex. Machine or hand wash in cold with like colors. Lay flat to dry. Made in China.
Cost: $$$
The Mamma’s List (TML) Verdict: Comfortable for pregnancy if you size up, and nursing once your milk regulates. Don’t buy for the period when your milk is coming in or if you need a lot of support. Their full cup bra (below) has a bit more support.
The Best Nursing & Hands-Free Pumping Bras
The Dairy Fairy: Rose Hands Free Nursing & Pumping Bra
The Rose is an unlined hands-free nursing and pumping bra, and in my opinion, is one of the best pumping bras to wear all day. It’s also one of the most affordable nursing and pumping combination bras. Since these bras are dual function, many of them come with a higher pricetag, but not The Rose!
It’s wire-free and has a thin band underneath, along with adorable detailing along the edges. What I love about this bra (besides the fact that it’s beautiful and comfortable) is that it does it all. When I was breastfeeding my first daughter I was constantly swapping between my nursing bra and hands-free pumping bra throughout the day.
Having one bra with the ability to accomplish both nursing and pumping is amazing. The opening for nursing is big enough to feel like a regular nursing bra, while the pumping section is tight enough to allow for hands-free pumping. Combining the functionality of both options while also being pretty and comfortable enough to wear all day makes this an easy choice.
My favorite thing about this bra is that it allows you to both nurse and pump, with only one set of clips and fabric. There isn’t any confusion about whether you grabbed the correct clip, or any extra fabric to hold in the pump. The pump slips through the outside of the bra and fits securely with only one set of clips.
Another awesome feature is the 4” of hook and eye closures that make your changing size a breeze. Many of the other bras I reviewed need an extender if you buy when you’re larger, or you risk shrinking out of them when your rib cage and breasts deflate. The Dairy Fairy accommodates for your fluctuating size and rib cage with additional hooks as you change sizes. Genius.
One of my only complaints about this bra is that it’s unlined, making it necessary for breast pads unless you’re no longer leaking at all.
For $35 it’s a no-brainer. Combining the functionality of nursing and pumping without a ton of extra clips and fabric, with great style, is awesome.
Pros: Functionality & Style. Hands-free pumping, nursing, extra inches, AND it’s the prettiest nursing bra I tried.
Cons: None. I’d prefer a lined bra, but this is one I can wear all day and still be comfortable!
Features:
- Lightweight materials and support are like a load off your shoulders
- Double handsfree pumping with accessible openings and nursing clip for easy boobie access
- Detachable shoulder straps to crisscross for extra racerback support
- Compatible with all popular breast pump makes and models
Cost: $$
TML Verdict: A must buy. This bra wins the most versatile of the group and is one of my overall favorites.
Related: Nursing Tops & Clothing that Doesn’t Suck
Belibea Nourish Nursing Bra + Cami
BeliBea Nourish Nursing Bras and Camis have two drop-down features, one for pumping and one for nursing. I got both of these at the end of my pregnancy and was closest to the Large band size. As of writing this post, about three months postpartum, I’m definitely a smaller size. Most people will go down a size after their milk regulates and rib cage deflates, so keep that in mind if you’re buying bras with a lot of stretch before you’re due.
The bra is soft structured and stretchy, which is great for maternity and postpartum bellies that haven’t quite shrunk back to a normal band size. There are two drop-down clips, one for pumping and one for nursing.
This bra and cami were one of the most comfortable options I tried, but unfortunately having two sections got a little cumbersome at times. I was never sure if I’d grabbed the correct clip when I was going to nurse. The good news is, Melissa shares some great tips on the Belibea home page for how to use both layers, and how to insert your pump parts. She definitely wants to ensure all mammas have the best experience possible.
This is definitely a bra to get if you’ll be pumping more frequently versus nursing most often. The cups are soft and are great for coverage if you’re at work and want to pump without changing bras. If you’re only nursing a couple of times a day I could see this bra being a good option.
I would also advise against getting this bra or cami before your milk has regulated, or you’ll need to get a separate size if you shrink. Three months postpartum I am no longer a size large, and the bra is too loose to hold the pump securely if I’m using it hands-free. I also tried the Medium and it worked much better for pumping since the fit was tighter. It’s definitely important to get the correct size for hands-free pumping or your pump won’t work properly.
Pros: Super comfortable and stretchy. Dual nursing and pumping functionality. Definitely, items you can wear all day.
Cons: Two sections can become cumbersome if you’re nursing a lot and try to keep the pads in the bra for coverage. If you change sizes the hands-free pumping no longer works, which makes the bra not worth the hassle for nursing only.
Care Instructions
Fabric and care:
Bra: Body & Nursing Lining: 92% Nylon, 8% Spandex, Foam Cup: 100% Polyester. Machine Wash Gentle Cycle. Line Dry
Cami: Body & Nursing Lining: 92% Nylon, 8% Spandex, Foam Cup: 100% Polyester. Machine Wash Gentle Cycle. Line Dry
Cost: $$$
TML Verdict: Comfortable, but I’d choose another nursing/pumping combination without two sets of clips.
Simple Wishes Hands-Free Pumping Bra
The Simple Wishes hands-free pumping bra is one of the most popular hands-free pumping bras on the market, for a reason. It’s a fully-adjustable hands-free pumping bra that stretches from size x-small to large in one bra. (They also have one that starts at Large-XL for plus size women.) This allows you to only purchase one bra and get a great tight fit as your rib cage shrinks after pregnancy.
I used this bra with my first baby for an entire year while pumping and work, and it held up really well. I’m using it again with my second daughter, and we’re already eight months in with no issues. I’ve been able to adjust it as needed multiple times.
This bra works with all major brands of breast pump and has two flaps to keep your flanges in place. The straps are optional, but I like them to keep everything super tight.
This hands-free pumping bra is machine washable, and at the time of this writing has over 12,000 reviews at 4.5 stars on Amazon. It’s a great addition to the nursing bra collection if you’re pumping. I will note that this isn’t a nursing and pumping combination bra. If you’re nursing and want a bra that has dual function this isn’t the way to go. However, if you’re looking for an awesome hands-free pumping bra for work, it’s a great choice.
The most comfortable nursing Sleep Bras
Kindred Bravely French Terry Nursing & Sleep Bra
This bra is a light support, unlined (padding free) sleep bra with double layered cups. It’s incredibly stretchy with pull aside cups for nursing – perfect for sleep or just lounging around. This bra is SUPER comfortable, but as with other unlined sleep bras, you’ll need to add nursing pads if you don’t want to wake up soaked as your milk regulates.
This bra is definitely one of the most comfortable bras I own, and perfect for sleep. I’ve been wearing it almost every night. The back is full coverage and high, so unless you’re wearing it with a large t-shirt, it’s probably not for daily wear.
If you’re looking for a great sleep bra with easy pull-aside nursing access, look no further.
Pros: Comfort, ease of nursing, no tags or clips
Cons: Unlined so you need additional pads for overnight, low cut for nursing ease but pads can fall out a bit at night when you move around.
Care Instructions
Fabric & Care: 92% Rayon of Bamboo, 8% Spandex. Machine wash cold, gentle cycle. Tumble dry low. To avoid staining, wear breast pads when using ointments or lanolin products.
Cost: $$
TML Verdict: Absolutely worth it for comfortable sleep. I wouldn’t wear it during the day with most of my clothing.
CAKYE Maternity & Nursing Sleep Bra
This maternity bra three-pack is an awesome value and loved by many moms. There is no underwire, no hooks, and no clasps to worry about, with a pull-aside cup for easy breastfeeding access.
{Buying Tip: These are awesome for stretchy overnight comfort. If they’re listed for under $25, it’s a bargain!}
The bra stretches for fluctuating breast size, has one-handed nursing access, and even has a built-in place for breast pads so you’re not leaking through your bra if baby sleeps longer than normal!
Care & Details: 95% cotton, 5% spandex,
Cost: $
The Best Nursing Sports Bras
Kindred Bravely Sublime Support Low Impact Nursing & Maternity Sports Bra
This bra has no extra hooks, clasps or snaps (other than for nursing) and is super stretchy. It is made for low-impact sports like Yoga, walking or Pilates, but is also a great everyday bra due to the comfort and stretch.
The breathable and sweat-wicking material is great when you start to get back in shape postpartum. Racerback, with adjustable straps, this is a great addition to your nursing bra collection.
Care & Details: Made of 54% nylon, 37% polyester, 9% spandex
Cost: $$
Sweat & Milk Nursing & Pumping Sports Bra
The Sweat & Milk nursing and pumping sports bras all look awesome. I was able to review the Capucine 2, which is patent pending. It’s a high-impact nursing and hands-free pumping sports bra, and there’s a lot to like with tons of functionality.
A high impact nursing and hands-free pumping sports bra is rare, so this was a great find. If you’re running or going to interval classes, this may be a bra for you.
I wear it to chase a preschooler around and it works great. The first time we tried to play tag in one of my stretchy nursing bras, I could only run about three feet before feeling like my breasts were going to smack me in the face. I knew I needed something more sturdy if I was ever going to be able to get back into working out again. This bra fits the high impact bill.
I found the Sweat & Milk bras online and was really excited to see if they worked well. Overall, Capucine 2 does what it’s supposed to do. It’s a high impact bra that allows you to nurse and/or hands-free pump. It also has a cool open back design that helps for sweaty workouts. I liked the bra better for its ability to function for high impact, and less for its nursing and pumping functionality.
The biggest issue I had was around the additional zip access for nursing. I’m guessing that may be resolved if you chose another bra from the Sweat & Milk line without the zip front. I didn’t love that once you unzipped the bra, you had to tuck it totally behind your breast so it wasn’t smashing into your baby’s face. Additionally, the nursing hook kind of hangs off the shoulder piece of the bra, so you have to search for it to reclasp.
Pumping access is in the mesh inside of the bra. This part of the bra really wasn’t tight enough to be super effective for pumping because the mesh fabric keeps you cool for workouts. I did get the pump on and it did function, but I wouldn’t be excited to use this bra for pumping frequently.
If you’re not sure or are in between sizes, size up. I thought I’d fit into the small, but I was unable to zip it when I hadn’t nursed in a while. Even though it fit over my head. I tried the medium and it fits great.
Pros: The feel of the fabric is amazing, and it’s actually a high impact bra that works. Even with milk makers that are about two sizes larger than normal! I was pleasantly surprised at how well it kept the girls in place. You also have both nursing and hands-free pumping functionality. Since you’ll pay a lot for a high impact bra that works, you may as well have one with nursing access if you’re breastfeeding.
Cons: It’s pricey, and the zip front does kind of get in the way when you’re trying to nurse as I mentioned above. I didn’t love the pumping functionality.
Fabric and care: Lux tech fabric. 87% polyamide, 13% spandex. Breathable, four-way stretch, anti-bacteria. Care instructions: Wash with colored clothes, avoid with towels, bedding, or items with zippers. Machine wash cold, lay flat to dry.
Cost: $$$$
TML Verdict: Well made high impact sports bra with nursing access. If you need a nursing sports bra it definitely fits the bill. I’d probably try a style that doesn’t have the zippered front for easier access.
Click here to learn more or to buy the Capucine 2!
If you liked this post, feel free to share it on Pinterest, or just pin it for later to find another great bra. Sharing is caring!
I hope this post was helpful and that you were able to find a nursing bra that fits your needs and style post-baby. Although we might have to change up our wardrobe a bit, there’s no reason you can’t still be a sexy milk makin’ mamma throughout your nursing journey!
The best affordable nursing bras for new moms
