A nursing tank is an essential item for any new mom. Breastfeeding can be challenging, especially when it comes to trying to get your little one to latch on while you are wearing a shirt.
Nursing tanks are very easy to slip on and off, making them the ideal solution. The best nursing tanks are not only comfortable and functional, but they also help you feel good about yourself.
First time mothers often find it challenging to decide on which type of nursing tank they should buy. It’s hard to know without doing your research so I’ve done it for you.
These are some of the best tank tops on Amazon. I’m sure you’ll find one that matches your body, lifestyle and budget.
- Best nursing tank overall: Cake Maternity Toffee Nursing Tank
- Best budget-friendly nursing tank: SUIEK Cotton Nursing Tank
- Best nursing tank with built-in bra: HOFISH Nursing Cami with built-in shelf bra
- Best outerwear nursing tank: Ekouaer Nursing Tank
- Best nursing tank for work: PARNIXS Nursing Tank Top
- Best sleep nursing tank: SUIEK Nursing Cami
- Best workout nursing tank: BLANQI Pull-down Nursing Tank
- Best nursing tank for pumping: Kindred Bravely Sublime Pumping Tank
- Best nursing tank for small breasts: Motherhood Maternity Nursing Cami
- Best nursing tank for large breasts: Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime Busty Nursing Tank
- Best cotton nursing tank: Kindred Bravely Organic Cotton Nursing Tank Top
- Best bamboo nursing tank: Bamboobies Nursing Tank Top
- Best smoothing nursing tank for tummy control: Upspring Baby Nursing Tank Top
- Best nursing tank for warm weather: Bearsland Nursing Tank
- Prettiest nursing tank: Gratlin Cotton Nursing Cami
- Buyer's guide
- To wrap up
Best nursing tank overall: Cake Maternity Toffee Nursing Tank
The Cake Maternity Toffee Tank is perfect for looking good and feeling great. This slimming tank is OEKO-TEX 100 certified and designed with a racerback option and built-in bra for support.
Why is the Cake Toffee Nursing Tank so awesome?
- There is a supportive built-in shelf bra
- Has adjustable straps that can be converted to racer-back design
- Stretchy enough for pregnancy and post-partum – the material hugs your curves, giving you a flattering silhouette
- Double-layered with reinforced knit at the sides to provide a light compression feel – also functions as maternity shapewear
What I don’t like about it
- The built-in bra is quite obvious – it’s better as an under-layer than worn by itself
- The bra is only thinly-padded. Your nipples will still show through.
Bear in mind
- Sizes run large.
Check out more clip-down nursing camis.
Best budget-friendly nursing tank: SUIEK Cotton Nursing Tank
Stop boob-sweat with the SUIEK Cotton Nursing Tank. As with other famous SUIEK tops, there’s a variety of designs and colors to choose from.
Why is the SUIEK cotton nursing tank so awesome?
- the empire waist hides post-partum tummies well
- super comfy if you had a caesarean section
- the lace racerback design looks good and prevents your straps from falling down
- comes in a 3-pack – great value-for-money
What I don’t like about it
- the built-in bra is really thin and hardly provides support – you’ll need to wear a nursing bra underneath
- sizes run small
Bear in mind
- It doesn’t do ‘wear and tear’ well. If you’re planning to breastfeed a long time, skip this.
Best nursing tank with built-in bra: HOFISH Nursing Cami with built-in shelf bra
These affordable nursing tanks flatteringly hug your curves and are perfect to wear all day with jeans or leggings.
Why is the HOFISH Nursing Cami so awesome?
- It’s stretchy enough to make you feel smoothed out but it’s not tight like shapers
- Long enough to cover your bum
- Has a supportive built-in bra
- Comes in a 3-pack for great value-for-money
What I don’t like about it
- HOFISH suggests dry-washing, which is impractical. Make sure you wash on delicate setting.
Bear in mind
- These come with removable breast pads. Make sure you take them out before washing.
Check out the best nursing tanks with built-in bras here.
Best outerwear nursing tank: Ekouaer Nursing Tank
The Ekouaer Nursing Tank camouflages as a regular top until you whip your boobs out to breastfeed. Even then, with its side opening, there’s minimal skin exposed.
Why is the Ekouaer Tank so awesome?
- Double-layered and opens at the side, providing a bit more boob coverage for breastfeeding in public
- Available in 38 stylish colors and prints
- Soft stretch fabric that is great for all stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Side-ruching at the waist to flatter your curves
What I don’t like about it
- No built-in bra
- Not long enough, especially if you are tall
Bear in mind
- The inner layer is shorter than the outer layer, resulting in a line that runs across your belly. If you are already self-conscious of your mummy tummy, this tank is going to make it worse.
Best nursing tank for work: PARNIXS Nursing Tank Top
Made of soft, stretchy modal fabric, the PARNIXS Nursing Tank is a versatile staple that is designed to be practical and stylish.
Why is the PARNIXS Nursing Tank so awesome?
- Made of luxuriously soft modal fabric
- Double-layered with discreet pull-up access for nursing or pumping
- Has a flattering tulip-front drape
What I don’t like about it
- It’s not long enough if you are tall
- The light colors show milk stains easily
Bear in mind
- If it’s windy, the front flap can blow up to expose your bra underneath . Don’t buy this if you live in Oklahoma.
Best sleep nursing tank: SUIEK Nursing Cami
Why is the SUIEK Nursing Cami so awesome?
- Has easy pull-aside flaps for sleep feeds
- Great value-for-money
- made of soft, breathable cotton – perfect for warm summer nights
- has pockets for breast pads to prevent milk leaks on sheets
What I don’t like about it
- it’s a short style cami – these are fine for post-partum but probably wouldn’t cover late pregnancy baby bump
Bear in mind
- The neckline sits low. If you have big boobs and sleep on your side, your boobs will probably fall out.
Further reading: The 6 best nursing tanks for sleep
Best workout nursing tank: BLANQI Pull-down Nursing Tank
Why is the BLANQI Nursing Tank a good workout tank?
- It’s seam-free and instead of abrasive clips, has a pull-down neckline for nursing
- provides gentle compression to smooth out post-partum bumps
- moisture-wicking microfiber material keeps you dry
- Designed and made in USA. Buy local.
What I don’t like about it
- The neckline doesn’t pull down far enough to nurse comfortably
Bear in mind
- It’s not meant to be worn during pregnancy
Best nursing tank for pumping: Kindred Bravely Sublime Pumping Tank
Why is the KB Tank good for pumping?
- Has double clips so you can pump and breastfeed at the same time if you want to
- Fits all standard pump flanges including non-detachable ones like Spectra
- Has a supportive built-in bra
- Thin enough to be layered under any other top
What I don’t like about it
- Has removable padding which can get displaced after a pump session. I recommend to remove it altogether.
Bear in mind
- Sizes run small. Order a size up and try it out before the return window closes.
Best nursing tank for small breasts: Motherhood Maternity Nursing Cami
Why is the Motherhood Nursing Cami so awesome?
- Made of soft, breathable cotton, perfect for your sensitive skin and nipples
- has thin straps that don’t overwhelm your small frame
- Has a built-in bra that is supportive enough for small breasts
- Can be worn as a regular cami when you’re done with nursing
What I don’t like about it
- It’s not supportive enough for large breasts
Bear in mind
- It has a low neck-line. If you have a short torso, it might not fit even after adjusting the straps to the shortest length
Best nursing tank for large breasts: Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime Busty Nursing Tank
Why is the KB Sublime Tank great for large breasts
- Specially designed for moms with large breasts with expanded fabric in the cups
- It’s made of soft, stretchy fabric and is really comfortable
- Has a strong built-in bra for support
- Fits up to size XX-large (44I)
What I don’t like about it
- The removable cup padding can move around and might need adjusting after nursing
Bear in mind
- If you have heavy breasts, you’ll still need to wear a nursing bra underneath for adequate support. The last thing you want is to end up with saggy breasts.
Check out more nursing tanks for plus-sized moms.
Best cotton nursing tank: Kindred Bravely Organic Cotton Nursing Tank Top
Why is the KB Nursing Tank a great cotton tank?
- Made of heavenly soft and breathable organic cotton
- adjustable straps for a perfect fit
- includes a built-in shelf bra so you don’t have to wear a nursing bra underneath
- comes in a 2-pack for better value-for-money
What I don’t like about it
- there are no color options – there’s only black and white in a pack
- the length is a bit short
Bear in mind
- It’s a loose fit. That’s neither a good nor a bad thing. It just depends on your preference.
Read more about the best cotton nursing tanks.
Best bamboo nursing tank: Bamboobies Nursing Tank Top
Why is the Bamboobies Nursing Tank so awesome?
- Made of super-soft breathable bamboo
- long enough to cover baby bumps and post-partum bums
- easy pull-down access for nursing
- can be worn as a regular tank after you’re done with breastfeeding
What I don’t like about it
- the material is very thin. You’ll definitely need to wear a nursing bra underneath.
Bear in mind
- It’s a loose fit and doesn’t have a built-in bra.
Best smoothing nursing tank for tummy control: Upspring Baby Nursing Tank Top
Why is the Upspring Tank so awesome?
- Made of bamboo charcoal fibers to increase circulation and boost metabolism
- 360 degree compression around the waist to help slim your post-partum tummy faster
- helps hold in your tummy but isn’t over-tight
- Has a built-in seamless nursing bra
What I don’t like about it
- Only available in one color
- The clasps sit high and can be fiddly to do up with one hand
Bear in mind
- You can’t wear this during pregnancy
Check out the best compression nursing tanks for breastfeeding moms.
Best nursing tank for warm weather: Bearsland Nursing Tank
Why is the Bearsland Tank great for summer?
- Stylish enough to be worn as outerwear
- Easily layered with leggings, jeans, or shorts
- The front upper layer lifts for nursing while the frills provide enough privacy that you don’t need a nursing cover
- Made of breathable modal material, great for warmer weather
What I don’t like about it
- The fabric is thin and not durable
Bear in mind
- Frills are not for everyone.
Prettiest nursing tank: Gratlin Cotton Nursing Cami
Why is the Gratlin Nursing cami so awesome?
- Has a pretty lace trim neckline
- Made of breathable and soft cotton
- Has a built-in bra
- Has side-ruching to help you look slimmer
- a cheaper dupe for the discontinued Jessica Simpson Nursing Tank
What I don’t like about it
- The material is thin and stretches with washing
Bear in mind
- Sizes run small. Size up!
Buyer’s guide
What are nursing tanks?
Nursing tank tops are specially designed for easy access to your boobs when you need to breastfeed. They look exactly like regular tank tops except they tend to be stretchier and longer to accommodate post-partum bodies.
Why do you need a nursing tank?
- It provides more privacy if you intend to breastfeed in public
- To avoid wearing a nursing bra. Many nursing tanks come with built-in bras.
- To provide tummy support. Some nursing tanks have special features to help give you a slim look.
Read about the show-down between nursing bras and nursing tanks.
Types of nursing tanks
When you are looking for the best nursing tank or cami, consider your needs. Some of these nursing tanks might be more suitable than others depending on your lifestyle and needs.
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Nursing tanks with built-in bras – you don’t need to wear nursing bras with these tanks so it’s more comfy, especially in summer. However, if you have large breasts, they are probably not supportive enough.
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Nursing tanks without bras – these tend to be more loose-fitting and look like regular tops. You’ll need to wear nursing bras with these but they usually look more stylish and can be worn as outerwear.
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Nursing tanks with clip-down cups – the clip-down cups works the same way as nursing bras. These tanks usually have built-in bras.
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Nursing tanks with pull-down necklines – these are actually regular tanks that have stretchy necklines that you can pull down for breastfeeding.
- Nursing tanks with pull-up flaps – they tend to be ‘loose-fit’ and look very much like regular tops. These never have built-in bras.
What to Look for When Buying Nursing Tanks
Once you find a nursing tank that you like, you should check to see if it has the following features. It’s easy to forget that not all nursing tanks are created equal. Some are designed for comfort, while some might be more stylish than others.
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Comfort
Comfort is so important when wearing a nursing tank. Seamless nursing tanks made of breathable natural material like cotton or bamboo are the softest and most comfy nursing tanks.
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Style
If you are planning to wear your nursing tank back to work or in public, you’ll want one that helps you look good. Nursing tanks come in a variety of cuts. Make sure you try your tank on before the return window closes.
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Support
If you are not planning to wear a nursing bra underneath your nursing tank, make sure the built-in bra is supportive enough. If it’s not, you’ll run into problems with shoulder and back pain. You also increase your risk of premature breast-sagging.
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Fit
Some nursing tanks are designed to be form-fitting while others are meant to be looser. Both can be flattering depending on your body type and preferences.
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Position of nursing access
There is no point in wearing a nursing tank if you can’t get to your boobs easily. Especially if you are taller or shorter than average, check out if the nursing flap is positioned where your breasts are.
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Ability to do hands-free pumping
Might as well get your value-for-money if you intend to pump. Most pumping tanks also allow you to breastfeed so you kill two birds with one stone.
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Length
You don’t think about these things until you find your tank bunching up mid-belly or stopping right on top of your bum. Make sure it’s long enough to cover baby bumps, post-partum bumps and bums (if you want to).
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Special features
Some nursing tanks provide tummy-slimming while others are moisture-wicking for sports.
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Washability
Make sure your nursing tank will withstand machine-washing because who has time to wash by hand?
For more details, read my guide on How to choose the best nursing tank for you.
How many nursing tanks do I need?
It depends on how often you wear nursing tanks. If you wear them day and night, at home and out, you’ll need a fair few – at least 6, in different designs e.g sleep tank, loose fit, tanks with built-in bra etc.
However, if you only intend on wearing them when you are breastfeeding in public, one or two good ones will do.
Will You Still Need a Nursing Cover?
Depending on how you put together your outfit, note you may still need a nursing cover to get a bit more privacy when nursing in public. While some nursing tops are designed to be quite modest without a nursing cover (i.e. the slit style nursing tops), others still may expose you a bit (i.e. the drop-down style).
When should I buy a nursing tank?
You can buy a nursing tank any time but my preference is to start wearing nursing tanks from pregnancy itself. They are made to stretch and will accommodate your growing belly and breasts easily. This way, you get the best bang for your buck.
What nursing tank size should you buy?
It shouldn’t be the case but all maternity brands have a different definition of size. In general, buy in your pre-pregnancy size unless you have put on a lot of excess weight.
What’s more important is to try it on the moment you get it and return the nursing tank if it doesn’t fit.
What type of bra do I wear with a nursing cami?
You can wear any type of bra with a nursing cami or tank but the best bras to wear are nursing bras with drop-down cups.
Nursing bras that open at the front and ones with pull-aside flaps are not as convenient to wear under a nursing cami.
If you need more support, wear a supportive wireless nursing bra.
How to DIY nursing tanks?
I’m not a fan of DIY. Commercial options are so affordable now a days and my time and energy is more priceless. Admittedly, I’ve also never managed to pull off a DIY project.
However, if you are keen on making your own nursing tanks, check out this genius hack:
To wrap up
As you can see, there are loads of choices when it comes to nursing tanks. When choosing a tank, the most important things to consider are nursing access, style preference and lifestyle.
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