Nursing Bra vs Nursing Tank – What to wear when?

What are the similarities between a nursing bra and a nursing tank?

• both provide easy breast access for nursing
• both are made of stretchy and soft fabric
• both are designed for comfort
• both are usually wireless
• some nursing tanks have built-in bras
• both can be worn throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding
• actually, both can be worn even after breastfeeding is done as a regular bra or tank

Benefits and disadvantages of nursing bras

Benefits

• provide superior support for heavier breasts
• great for keeping nursing pads in place
• has hook and eye closures so you can adjust the bra to suit your changing body throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding
• bras with molded cups provide separation and give you a nice silhouette under tops
• there is a wider range of sizes to suit the smallest breasts to the largest.
• comes in a variety of styles to suit your needs – wireless, flexi-wired, nursing sports bras, pumping bras, and sleep bras

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Disadvantages

• doesn’t cover your tummy
• can’t be worn by itself (but you can if you want to)
• most are made of synthetic material

Read: How does a nursing bra work?

Benefits and disadvantages of nursing tanks

Benefits

• can be worn by itself as a nursing top
• you don’t need to wear a nursing bra when you wear a nursing tank with a built-in bra
• cooler in summer
• great for breastfeeding in public as you don’t have to pull your top up
• some tanks even provide tummy-control for a slim look
• comes in an amazing variety of styles and designs – form-fitting ones, empire waists, spaghetti straps etc.

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Disadvantages

• inadequate boob support, especially for moms with large breasts
• stretch out a lot easier than nursing bras

Check out the best nursing tanks and camis on Amazon.

When to wear a nursing bra, nursing tank or both?

When to wear a nursing bra?

Some situations call for a nursing bra rather than a nursing tank:

• moms with large breasts and those wanting more boob-support – nursing tanks (even those with built-in bras) just don’t cut it
• during sports, even if you’re going for a slow walk. You need to stop the jiggle to prevent breast sagging later!

When to wear a nursing tank?

Nursing tanks are the better choice in these situations:

• in hospital – nursing tanks with built-in bras are perfect for new moms. It provides gentle support while giving you some privacy when you breastfeed.
• for sleep – why wear a bra when a light-weight sleep tank will do just as well?
• if you have small breasts, you can probably get away with wearing a nursing tank and not worrying about back pain and saggy breasts.
• for breastfeeding in public. This is wear a nursing tank shines. If you had a regular top on, you would have to pull it up or down while fiddling with the clasps of your nursing bra. No such issues with a nursing tank.
• for lounging in summer – I’ve not lounged since my first child was born but hey, if you’re a lounging kinda’ mom, a nursing tank is more comfy to hang out in.

When to wear both a nursing bra and a nursing tank?

• when you are wearing a nursing tank without a built-in bra, you’ll definitely need to wear a nursing bra underneath
• at work – you’ll probably be pumping so wearing a pumping bra makes sense. You can wear regular tops but if you wear a nursing tank, you’ll be able to pump covered.
• if you have large breasts or want more boob support, you can wear both a nursing bra and a nursing tank at the same time. Just keep in mind that you might need to fiddle with 2 sets of clasps each breastfeeding session.

Check this article out for more info: Do you wear a nursing bra with a nursing tank?

To wrap up

Both nursing bras and nursing tanks are important to a breastfeeding mom. .Grab a few of each and you’ll be all set for a successful nursing journey.

Quick links:

• The 7 best nursing tanks with built-in bras
• The 5 best cotton nursing tanks for mom and baby
• The 11 best affordable nursing bras on Amazon
• The 15 best nursing bras on Amazon