Women with large breasts find it hard to buy bras at the best of times. But when you’re breastfeeding and your breasts have not only increased by 3-5 cup sizes but also fluctuate in size multiple times in the day, finding a well-fitting bra that suits your needs becomes a nightmare.
That is where this guide comes in.
I delve into the best nursing bras available out there for breast-feeding moms with large breasts. You will be able to stop wasting time and money on bras you end up never using. Instead, you will feel great in your new well-fitting nursing bra that suits your large bust.
What is important to look for when you are buying a nursing bra?
Comfort and Support
- Look for nursing bras that have strong, durable fabrics, preferably with extra or layered lining for support
- The material also has to be stretchy and flexible so your bra can expand when your breasts are full. Test your new bra by taking a very deep breath in. Your bra should still feel comfortable.
- Cotton-lined cups and soft fabrics are best. You won’t regret it when your nipples are chafed and sore.
- Make sure the bra cup fits well. When you put your new nursing bra on, check your breasts are fully encased in the cups. When you lean forwards, your breast should not fall out. Also look for wing support to avoid side boobs.
- Favour wide, adjustable bra straps that can disperse weight. You should be able to run 2 fingers under the straps. When you stand or sit, your shoulders should be drawn back slightly, not pulled forwards.
- Choose a wide back band as this helps support your breasts and back. You should be able to slip two fingers underneath the band easily. When you lift your arms up your band should not move.
- Go for wireless bras. But if you feel more supported with an underwire, make sure your nursing bra has flexible wires rather than normal bra wires.
- Make sure there are wide hook and eye closures. Look for nursing bras with 5-6 rows of hook and eyes to allow for ribcage expansion.
Allows easy and discreet breastfeeding
- Look for nursing bras that have drop-down cups so you don’t have to pull your breasts out in public.
- Even better, look for a nursing bra with an A-frame sling. These are bras with pull-down flaps that only expose your nipple for breastfeeding, keeping your breasts covered and supported while you breastfeed your baby in public.
- Some bras have cups that can be pulled aside for breastfeeding. These work well at home but not so much in public.
Looks good on you
- Go for bras with separate cups. Some bras for plus-sized women make you look like you have a uni-boob. This is not a good look. Plus, having your heavy milk-laden breasts squished and pushed together is pretty uncomfortable.
- Look for nursing bras with padding (or ones that will allow extra padding) to prevent visible milk leaks on your clothes.
Where is the best place to shop for nursing bras?
The best place, if you can find one locally, is a specialized bra boutique catering to women with large breasts. Unfortunately, there are not too many of those around and many lingerie shops and department stores don’t stock the large sizes you need.
This is where online shopping comes in. You have your pick of multiple specialized brands, no matter where they are in the world. Just make sure that you buy from a seller that allows returns so that if you don’t like the feel and look of your nursing bra, you can send it right back.
How many nursing bras do I need?
I recommend that you have at least three basic ‘everyday’ nursing bras; one to wear, one to wash, and one for just-in-case. If you are breastfeeding for a longer period of time, you should also have one or two ‘specialized’ nursing bras, for sleep, sports and for sexy time.
When is the best time to buy nursing bras?
Buy your nursing bras when you are around 8 months pregnant. Choose wireless and seamless nursing bras as during the first few weeks post-delivery, your breasts would be engorged and sensitive.
For a more structured nursing bra (one with wires and contoured ones), the best time would be about 3-4 months after delivery as your milk supply would be established and your breast size and shape is stable.
How do I measure myself for a nursing bra?
Check out this short video:
Now that you have the basics in place, let’s look at some of the best nursing bras around for breastfeeding women with large breasts.
Most comfortable everyday nursing bras for plus sized women
Bravado! Designs Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra
What’s good about it
- Soft, seamless and wire-free for extra comfort , feels like you are wearing nothing
- Made from soft 4-way stretch fabric for better expansion
- Wide band gives more support to your back
- Removable foam inserts that allows you a choice for a more flattering shape and prevent milk leakages
- Knit-in zones around cups to provide extra lift and support
- ‘B’ nursing bra clips to allow the cup to fully drop down so you expose your whole breast for maximum skin-to-skin contact
- Designed to fit up to F cup
- Comes in 14 different colours!
- It’s part of Amazon Prime Wardrobe where you can try before you buy
What’s not so good about it
- The side coverage is not adequate if your breasts are very big. This can cause side boob spillage and discomfort
- Cup sizes run small so maybe order a cup size up
Motherhood Maternity Plus Size Seamless Clip Down Nursing Bra
What’s good about it
- It’s seamless, wireless and made of soft material. It’s so comfortable that it can be worn the whole day and even at night to sleep!
- Specifically made for plus sized women from D cup onwards
- It’s part of Amazon Prime Wardrobe where you can try before you buy
What’s not so good about it
- Motherhood Maternity used a different size chart to usual – 1x, 2x, 3x. Make sure you consult their size guide.
- Cup sizes run small so order a size up
- The bra cups are only lightly-lined so your nipples can show through
Elomi Beatrice Soft Cup Nursing Bra
What’s good about it
- Fits up to cup JJ!
- It has enclosed seams and is wireless, ensuring no skin irritationSoft micro-fibre cups made from moisture wicking fabric
- Generous side coverage, avoiding side-boob
- Adjustable with 4 hook and eye closures
- It’s part of Amazon Prime Wardrobe where you can try before you buy
What’s not so good about it
- Due to the moisture wicking fabric, you will need to use nursing pads if your breasts are leaking milk
- Cup sizes run small. Order a cup size up.
- The bra is unlined and its material can pucker at the front, causing ‘cone boobs’ in some women
Best lacy nursing bras for plus sized women
Hotmilk Allure Bralette Nursing Bra
What’s good about it
- What a pretty nursing bra!
- The range is specifically designed for fuller busts, fitting cup sizes D to G
- Made of flexible material that can stretch and grow with your breasts
- Soft lace and a satin underbust makes it feel luxurious on your skin
- Side sling for side-boob support
- Come in a multi-fit style so you don’t have to be as accurate with size measurement
- It’s part of Amazon Prime Wardrobe where you can try before you buy
What’s not so good about it
- There are no back adjusters so if you prefer a looser fit, go up a size
Elomi Molly Nursing Bra
What’s good about it
- Fits up to cup size KK
- The three-piece stretch lace cup with side support gives your breasts more forward shaping, uplift and separation
- The banded underwire adds support
- Full circle internal foam sling for support while breastfeeding.
- FERAN® ICE finishing on fabric is moisture wicking
- It’s part of Amazon Prime Wardrobe where you can try before you buy
What’s not so good about it
- The band size runs large, so buy a smaller band size
- There are only 2 hook and eye closures along the back
- The lace along the top of the bra can tear if you are not careful
Best sexy nursing bras for plus sized women
Le Mystere Sexy Mama Nursing Bra
Check it out on Amazon!What’s good about it
- The bra is padded with poly-cotton and has memory foam hybrid cups, giving your breasts good shape – say good bye to lopsided breasts if you only breastfed on one side!
- It has wide wings with a double layer of mesh for added support
- It’s part of Amazon Prime Wardrobe where you can try before you buy
What’s not so good about it
- The cups are not stretch fabric, so it won’t expand much with fluctuations in breast size
- It has a contoured wired design, so you shouldn’t use this bra in the first 1-2 months of breastfeeding when your breasts still engorged and sensitive
- Only comes in 2 colours – black and natural
- Only fits up to G cup
- It can feel ‘stiff’ and uncomfortable initially but softens after a few washes
Hotmilk Eclipse Nursing Bra
What’s good about it
- Made of luxurious silky microfiber, lace and diamantes with 100% cotton-lined cups and straps
- The cups can stretch with your expanding breasts
- A-frame sling for discreet breastfeeding in public
- Wire-free for comfort
- It comes with wider straps for larger cups
- Adjustable with 6 hook and eye extenders
- It’s part of Amazon Prime Wardrobe where you can try before you buy
What’s not so good about it
- Only fits up to H cup size
Hotmilk Temptation Nursing Bra
What’s good about it
- It looks beautiful and sexy
- 3-piece cup provides good support
- Fits up to J cup
- The Flexi-wire and side sling adds extra support and prevent side boobs
- Convertible racer back
- Adjustable with 6 hook and eye closures
- Wider straps on larger cups
- It’s part of Amazon Prime Wardrobe where you can try before you buy
What’s not so good about it
- Snug around the back. Order up a band size
Best cotton nursing bras for plus sized women
Kindred Bravely Extra Soft Organic Cotton Busty Nursing Sleep Bra
What’s good about it
- 90% organic cotton, 10% spandex – great for when you’re recovering from surgery or have skin sensitivities
- No underwire, pull-aside nursing access
- No hooks or snaps, pull on style
- Designed for women wearing E-G cup
- Expanding fabric in the cups
- It’s part of Amazon Prime Wardrobe where you can try before you buy
What’s not so good about it
- Breasts can fall out at the side while sleeping
- Cup sizes run big so order down a size
- Material can stretch quickly
- Only fits up to G cup
Hotmilk Show Off Nursing Bra
What’s good about it
- 100% cotton lined cups and straps
- Wireless for more comfort
- Adjustable with 6 hook and eye closures
- Has a matching bikini
- Looks cute with lace tip, nude linings and bow. Also comes in some nice patterns for a change
- Wider straps on larger cups
- It’s part of Amazon Prime Wardrobe where you can try before you buy
What’s not so good about it
- Not enough padding
- Only fits up to cup size H
- The full cup fit covers too high up for some women
Best bamboo nursing bras for plus sized women
Cake Maternity Tutti Frutti Bamboo Wire free nursing bra
What’s good about it
- Comfy, soft, breathable bamboo – stretchy and expandable to grow with you
- Wire-free with a wide supportive under-band for added comfort
- It has a plunge neckline with a touch of lace
- Comes in 3 beautiful colours
- Memory foam moulded cups
- Folded side sling support to prevent side boobs
- Racer back design
- Oeko-tex® standard 100 certified
- It’s part of Amazon Prime Wardrobe where you can try before you buy
What’s not so good about it
- Only fits up to E cup
Cake Maternity Milk Bamboo Sleep Bra
What’s good about it
- Wire-free for comfort
- Pull aside cups for late night feedings
- Racerback design
- Moisture wicking cups and concealed pockets for breast pads
- Oeko-Tex® standard 100 certified
- It’s part of Amazon Prime Wardrobe where you can try before you buy
What’s not so good about it
- Only fits up to F cup
Best plus sized nursing bras for sleep
Hotmilk My Necessity Nursing Sleep/ Hospital Bra
What’s good about it
- multi-fit so you don’t have to worry about being too exact with your measurements
- can be worn with or without cup inserts
- ideal for first few weeks of breastfeeding and sleeping
- comes in 2 ‘cup sizes’ – A-D and DD-F
- 6 rows of hook and eye extenders
- It’s part of Amazon Prime Wardrobe where you can try before you buy
What’s not so good about it
- not recommended for cup sizes past F
- padded inserts don’t fit well sometimes
Kindred Bravely French Terry Racerback busty nursing sleep bra
What’s good about it
- Mom’s choice award winner
- Pull-aside breastfeeding for easy late night feeds
- Comes in many colours
- Ultra-soft fabric for a comfortable sleep – 92% rayon of bamboo, 8% spandex
- Easy pull on style, no hooks and snaps
- Expanded fabric for cups
- It’s part of Amazon Prime Wardrobe where you can try before you buy
What’s not so good about it
- Fabric stretches easily causing breasts to fall out during sleep
- Hard to pull on especially when you are sore from a C-section
Best plus sized nursing bras for pumping
Kindred Bravely Sublime Hands Free Pumping Bra
What’s good about it
- Underwire-free for more comfort
- Removable padding for easy washing
- Made from soft comfortable fabric
- Double layered cups for more support and protection
- Fits up to cup size 44I and all sizes come with bra extender
- Machine washable using a lingerie bag on delicate cycle
- Easy-clip design allowing ease of breastfeeding as well
- Fits all standard pump flanges from major brands – Medela, Spectra, Philips Avent etc.
- May be eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement
What’s not so good about it
- Bulky and heavy
- Uncomfortable to wear throughout the day
- Edges where the pump is inserted fray over time
Simple Wishes Signature Hands Free Pumping Bra
What’s good about it
- Fully adjustable 10 inch Velcro back panel
- Zip-in center panel in the front allows for 1 inch of side-to-side movement for proper positioning of breast pump flanges.
- 4-way layering support keeps tight seal of breast shields.
- Machine washable
- Fits all standard pump flanges from major brands – Medela, Spectra, Philips Avent etc.
What’s not so good about it
- The velcro wears off over time
- Can unravel at seams with use
- Supposed to fit up to J cups but even though band sizes good, cups run small
Best T-shirt nursing bra for plus sized women
Hotmilk Obsession Contour Nursing Bra
What’s good about it
- Designed for the fuller bust, fitting cups F to J
- Flexible underwire gives more support but expands and flexes without pinching
- Supportive contour cup made with spacer foam providing contour and shape but not bulk
- Adjustable with 6 hook and eye extenders
- Wider straps on larger cups
- Smooth line under clothing
- A-frame sling support
What’s not so good about it
- Cups can be a bit snug
- Nursing clips can be fiddly
Cake Maternity Croissant T-shirt Nursing Bra
What’s good about it
- Lightly contoured cup to prevent bulkiness
- Fabric has been described as buttery-soft (like a croissant)
- Fits up to cup H
- Flexi-wire for more support
- Drop-down cups with cotton-lined A-frame sling
- Adjustable with 5 hook and eye options
- Matching brief available
What’s not so good about it
- Cups run big so if in doubt, go one cup size smaller
Elomi Smoothing Moulded Nursing Bra
What’s good about it
- Flexible Underwires for added support
- Drop-down cup with full circle sling for modesty
- Non-slip shoulder straps
- Leotard back and seam-free for a sleeker look under T-shirts
- It’s part of Amazon Prime Wardrobe where you can try before you buy
What’s not so good about it
- Only fits up to cup H
- Only comes in black and nude
- Nursing clips difficult to undo
- Cups are unlined so nipples can show through and make you look pointy
- Only 2 eye and hook closures
Best nursing bras for plus sized women with underwire support
Motherhood Maternity Full Coverage Back Smoothing Nursing Bra
What’s good about it
- Made for large busted women
- Underwired bra giving full support
- Lightly-lined and structured cup and back
- Smooth back for a sleeker look under clothes
What’s not so good about it
- Wires can dig in and on occasion can pop out
- Sizing not always accurate so make sure you can exchange it if needed
Freya pure moulded nursing bra
What’s good about it
- Fully cushioned and puncture resistant flexi-wire
- Super soft spacer moulded cups
- A-frame sling for support and discretion
- Toe-back feature to prevent strap slippage
- Has pretty lace trims
- Fits up to size L
- It’s part of Amazon Prime Wardrobe where you can try before you buy
What’s not so good about it
- Straps on bigger sizes changes from ‘normal’ smooth straps to ruched (from I cup onwards)
- Lace can peep out of low-cut tops
- The cups tend to hold breasts slightly to the sides
Best wire-less nursing bras for plus sized women
Goddess Keira Nursing Bra
What’s good about it
- Made for heavier breasts
- A-frame sling for discreet breastfeeding in public
- 4-section soft cup for better support
- Side panels to prevent ‘side spill’
- Wireless but still offers great support with full inner circle frame and wide underband elastic
- Fits up to a whopping N cup!
- Moisture-wicking fabric to keep cool
What’s not so good about it
- Due to lack of padding, some breasts can look ‘cone-shaped’
- Comes in only 1 colour – nude
- Clasps difficult to undo and reclip with one hand
- Quality of fabric not great
Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime Seamless Nursing Bra
What’s good about it
- Ultra soft fabric – Parent Approved award winner
- Designed specifically for F cup and above, fits up to I cup
- Cups are made from flexible fabric that can expand with breasts
- Wide straps for better weight distribution
- Removable padding for easy washing
What’s not so good about it
- Cup sizes run small so buy a size up
- If you machine-wash it, the fabric can pill quickly
Best sports nursing bras for women with large breasts
Hotmilk Activate Sports Nursing Bra
What’s good about it
- Designed specifically for high impact sports
- Supports up to H cup
- A-frame sling for support and discretion during breastfeeding
- Made from cotton elastane fabric that is moisture-wicking and breathable
- Cotton-lined wide straps
- Available in fun colors
- Padded front straps and flexible underwire
- 6 hook and eye extensions for ribcage expansion
What’s not so good about it
- Good for gentle exercises but not supportive enough during running, jumping and other high-impact exercises
- Cup sizes run small
- Cup fabric only lightly-lined so nipples can still show through
Cake Maternity Zest Nursing Sports Bra
What’s good about it
- Comes in fun colors
- High impact flexi-wire and moulded cups minimize bounce during high-impact exercise and give support, lift and shape
- Wide padded straps to disperse weight
- Made of smooth spacer material to reduce friction and wick moisture away from body
- J-hook conversion for extra support and versatility
- Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 Certified material
- Matching brief available – Zest Brief
- Full coverage cups fit up to size 40K
- Cotton-lined A-frame sling for discretion and comfort
- Adjustable with 5 hook and eye options
What’s not so good about it
- Needs to be cold-handwashed, seams can unravel when machine-wash
- Band sizes run small and cup sizes run big
- Good for gentle exercises but not enough support during running and jumping
Best budget nursing bras for plus sized women
HOFISH Seamless Breastfeeding Bra
What’s good about it
- No.1 bestseller on Amazon.com!
- Adjustable straps
- Easy pull aside cups for night feedings
- Seamless back for a smooth outline under t-shirts
- Made of soft stretchy fabric
- Comes in packs of 3 for a very affordable price
- It’s part of Amazon Prime Wardrobe where you can try before you buy
What’s not so good about it
- Made from synthetic fabric so it’s less ‘breathable’
- There is an initial chemical smell to the bra
- Cup sizes run small so buy one size up
- The cup padding can get lumpy after a few washes
IloveSIA Full Bust Seamless Nursing Bra
What’s good about it
- Made from 4-way stretch fabric
- Adjustable soft strap
- Molded cups and removable foam inserts gives you the option of padding
- Ribbed stitch and front slight shirring at bust
- Seamless and sits well under t-shirts
- Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 Certified material
- Comes in packs of 3 for an affordable price
- It’s part of Amazon Prime Wardrobe where you can try before you buy
What’s not so good about it
- Size runs small
- Material stretches easily and quickly loses elasticivity
- Lumpy padding
- Fabric not breathable
Best strapless nursing bras for women with large breasts
La Leche League International Womens’ Seamless Strapless Bra
What’s good about it
- Inner nursing frame that can be flipped up from the bottom
- Seamless bandeau style strapless bra
- Wireless
- Removable cups
What’s not so good about it
- Rolls up under clothes easily
- Not enough support
N.B I don’t recommend strapless nursing bras, especially when you have large breasts, because they just never give enough support. However, if you need one for an evening out or just to wear for a few hours, the La Leche League International Nursing Bra above is the only one I would recommend.
To wrap up
As you can see, there are more choices for plus-sized women who are breastfeeding than you think. Remember that every woman is different and some bras just don’t fit or feel right no matter how much care you take in choosing them. So make sure you buy from a seller who allows returns and test your bra out in various positions and activities before you untag and wash them.
Have you tried any of the bras above? What are your thoughts about them? If I have missed anything, let me know in the comments below.
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