Cotton is a natural fiber that is often used in clothing, including nursing bras. It is known for its breathability and softness. Many good quality nursing bras even have cotton-lined cups.
There are many benefits to wearing a cotton nursing bra. Cotton bras are breathable and comfortable, which is important when you’re breastfeeding. They also provide good support and are less likely to cause skin irritations.
Check out my review of the best cotton nursing bras on Amazon
But should all nursing bras be cotton? Let’s take a deep dive:
Should nursing bras be cotton?
Cotton is a natural fiber that is breathable, keeping you cooler and drier. It also has a high absorbency rate, which means it can absorb up more sweat than synthetic materials. For these reasons, cotton bras are a popular choice for nursing mothers.
Yes, I agree cotton nursing bras are great. But cotton nursing bras are not necessarily the best ones out there. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of cotton nursing bras:
Benefits of cotton nursing bras
Cotton used to be one of my top go-to fabrics for clothes and lingerie. A cotton nursing bra is one the best choices if you live in a warm and humid climate. Other benefits of cotton nursing bras include:
- the natural fibers of cotton are gentle on your skin and won’t cause any irritation
- it’s breathable, keeping you cooler and drier
- better air circulation means no inter-boob sweat
- Cotton nursing bras are really absorbent
- Naturally anti-bacterial
- Cotton is soft to the touch
- Organic cotton is an eco-friendlier option
The Kindred Bravely Extra Soft Organic Cotton Nursing Bra comes in a busty option for moms with large breasts:
Check it out on AmazonCons of cotton nursing bras
- Cotton stretches out with wash and wear
- If you wash the bra often, it may lose its shape after a while
- Cotton pills easily
- Mold patches grow on cotton easily
- Cotton bras don’t dry as quickly
- Not as durable as synthetics like polyester that lasts forever
Do cotton nursing bras increase milk supply?
No, cotton nursing bras do not increase milk supply. Your breastmilk supply is not affected by the type of nursing bra you wear at all. It is influenced more by your frequency of breastfeeding, effectiveness of latch, your pumping regimen and many other factors.
Do cotton nursing bras prevent mastitis?
Wearing a cotton nursing bra won’t prevent mastitis if you have breast engorgement and other risk factors for mastitis to happen.
However, a well fitting cotton nursing bra is more absorbent and breathable, reducing sweat and bacterial build up in your cups. This can help reduce your risk of mastitis if you have a cracked nipple or other little skin break on your breast.
Also, cotton nursing bras are much more comfortable to wear if you already have established mastitis.
What fabric should nursing bras be?
In a perfect world where I am a nursing bra manufacturer, nursing bras should be Tencel/merino for softness and durability with a touch of elastane for stretch.
Unfortunately, I haven’t found a Tencel/merino nurisng bra and if someone did make it, it would be really expensive.
I have therefore settled for second bests:
Cotton nursing bras
Despite its cons, cotton nursing bras are still one of the softest and most comfortable. Just don’t expect it to last as long.
This Motherhood Maternity Cotton Nursing Bra is comfy and affordable, a crowd-favorite:
Check it out on AmazonPolyester/nylon nursing bras
For durability, you can’t beat polyester and other synthetic nursing bras. They can be just as comfortable, especially high quality ones. However, they are not as breathable.
The Cake Maternity Croissant Nursing Bra is one of the softest (like a croissant) flexi-wired nursing bras around:
Check it out on AmazonModal nursing bras
Modal nursing bras are amazingly soft and luxurious but are not as breathable.
This Bravado! Designs cotton-modal nursing bra has the best of both worlds:
Check it out on AmazonBamboo nursing bras
Bamboo nursing bras are my personal favorites. They are soft, breathable, absorbent and moisture-wicking. However, they can stretch easily and you need to make sure they are OEKO-TEX certified to contain no residual chemicals.
I’ve worn this Cake Maternity Tutti Frutti Nursing Bra for a year now and it’s still going. Check out my review here.
Check it out on AmazonFurther reading: What is the best material for nursing bras?
To wrap up
Cotton used to be the go-to for a comfy nursing bra but now a days, nursing bras don’t have to be cotton at all. There are plenty of other amazing options to choose from!
Check out my review of the best nursing bras on Amazon.
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