HealthMatters
During pregnancy and the postpartum period, your breast size fluctuates, so if you find your regular sports bra is suddenly too tight, it’s time for a new bra. A nursing sports bra offers plenty of support without compression, has adjustable sizing, and makes switching from exercise to nursing or pumping effortless.
According to Shelly Patularu, IBCLC, a registered nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, you should avoid compression sports bras when lactating and opt for something less constrictive. “Any tight or restrictive clothing at the breast could cause clogged ducts or mastitis,” she warns. “Moms who have recently delivered may need several different bra sizes as their milk supply and breast size regulates. Choose sports bras made with stretchy and supportive material, as your breast size can change throughout the day and throughout lactation.”
To find the best nursing sports bras, we had real moms test some of the most popular brands during workouts and nursing sessions. They evaluated the comfort, support, design, and breastfeeding access. We looked for adjustable options that could accommodate fluctuating breast size and took note of how easy they were to nurse or pump in. We looked at a range of price points and every type of exercise, whether low- or high-impact.
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Why We Like It
From comfort and support to adjustability and hands-free pumping, this full-coverage sports bra has it all. It’s made of a nylon/spandex blend that wicks away moisture and sweat while being soft against your skin. The straps are adjustable and their width offers plenty of support. The band has four rows of back clasps, so it’s easy to adjust these as your breasts fluctuate in size.
Our mom tester found that both the band and the straps sat flat, didn’t move around, and never felt uncomfortable or restrictive. Clips allow easy access for nursing/pumping; our tester had no issue using it with their Spectra pump. It proved ideal for workouts of any intensity and great during both pregnancy and the fourth trimester. In fact, it was so comfortable that our tester noted it made the postpartum workout journey easier.
What Parents Say
“If I was pregnant again, I would buy a couple of these the day after my OB-GYN confirms my pregnancy with an ultrasound.” —Stella, C cup.
But Take Note
The fabric and construction of the bra make it very thick, so not the best for warmer weather. Our tester found the sizing confusing and had trouble figuring out what size to get.
The Details:
- Sizes: XS–XXL
- Material: Nylon and spandex
- Type of access: Clips
- Adjustments: Straps and band
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Why We Like It
Made of a high-quality mix of nylon and spandex, this bra stood the test of time despite being worn regularly for a full year and washed often. The wide straps offered plenty of support, and our tester raved about the modified racerback design, saying it was super comfortable and seemed to fit better than other types of racerback bras they’ve tried. The wide band does not roll or budge, even when active. We found this bra ideal for medium- and high-intensity.
What Parents Say
“This is what you wear when you want to be clamped into place. I liked that my fingers could find the latches without having to see them and I could click it into place.” —Mary, C cup.
But Take Note
Our tester wished this bra had a hook on the back to easily take it off; as it is, you need to pull it up over your head, which can be a little uncomfortable for some.
The Details:
- Sizes: S–3X in Regular, Busty, or Super Busty
- Material: Nylon and spandex
- Type of access: Clips
- Adjustments: Straps
- Care instructions: Hand wash with gentle soap, line dry.
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Why We Like It
If comfort is your main priority and your activities will mostly be low impact, then this bralette should be your go-to. Made of a super soft, breathable nylon and elastane blend, it’s lightly lined and offers full coverage. The straps are adjustable—the adjusters are on the front, so you don’t need to do gymnastics to work them—and the band was snug and supportive. After multiple workouts, wears, and washes, it held up well and was still in perfect condition.
Our tester said they couldn’t find anything they didn’t like about this bra. It was easy to get on and off, and there was no riding up the back, no pinching at the straps, and no tight feeling in the band. The bra held her breasts up and still without feeling constrictive. You can unclip the straps for easy nursing and pumping access. The removable pads are also easy to get in and out.
What Parents Say
“This may be my most favorite sports bra ever. I forgot I was wearing it half the time.” —Maria, C cup.
But Take Note
This one doesn’t offer hands-free pumping and is not ideal for high-impact exercise. Those with larger breasts may find it’s only appropriate for low-impact workouts.
The Details:
- Sizes: XS–4XL
- Material: Nylon and elastane
- Type of access: Clips
- Adjustments: Straps
- Care instructions: Machine wash warm, gentle cycle in wash bag; hang to dry
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Why We Like It
This bra is a great choice for low-impact activities, like yoga, walks, and hikes. We loved the soft feel of the material and the overall fit. The straps evenly distributed weight and never dug into the skin, the band felt snug and secure without being too tight, and there was no pinching or riding up. We found it even worked for some medium-impact workouts, though we noticed some jostling when worn while jumping or running.
But Take Note
The straps are not adjustable and the inner pocket placement was slightly awkward. To nurse or pump, our tester noted she had to shimmy her breast into the interior pocket so it would be exposed.
The Details:
- Sizes: XS–XXL
- Material: Polyester and spandex
- Type of access: Clips
- Adjustments: Band
- Care instructions: Machine wash cold with like colors
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Why We Like It
Versatile and supportive, we found this sports bra to be comfortable and easy to get on and off thanks to the back closure. Made of a stretchy mix of polyester and spandex, it felt soft and tight, but not too tight. Both the straps and band are adjustable, with multiple hook options, making it a great choice for fluctuating breast sizes throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
The material is moisture-wicking and keeps you dry even when you’re sweating. For smaller cup sizes, it is great for all activity levels, including jogging. Our tester wore it during 3-mile runs and had no issues. If you have larger breasts, this is best for low-impact activity. Simple clips allow nursing and pumping access. Mesh inserts offer a bit of coverage while feeding or pumping, making it a nice option to use in public.
What Parents Say
“The Goldilocks of sports bras; it fit like a dream.” —Eliza, B cup.
But Take Note
The cups did become slightly warped after washing.
The Details:
- Sizes: XS–2XL
- Material: Recycled polyester and spandex
- Type of access: Clips
- Adjustments: Straps and band
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Why We Like It
For those who do a lot of jumping and running, a high-impact sports bra is essential. This bra stood out for offering impeccable support without ever feeling too tight. We found it compressive enough for high-intensity exercise, but comfortable enough for low-impact activity, too. The fabric is soft and breathable and the whole bra felt super secure during workouts. The straps were secure, and the weight was evenly distributed.
While this pick lacks padding, our tester noted that she didn’t have any issues with her nipples showing through, which is something she has experienced before. The lack of padding also made it feel less bulky. For nursing, this one has clips that allow easy access.
What Parents Say
“I was surprised at how comfortable it felt when I was exercising. I didn’t miss the extra padding.” —Holly, D cup.
But Take Note
The straps are not adjustable (the band is). Our tester noticed red marks on her shoulders after wearing it, although she didn’t feel any discomfort while it was on.
The Details:
- Sizes: S–3XL
- Material: Nylon and spandex
- Type of access: Clips
- Adjustments: Band
- Care instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry
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Why We Like It
If you’ve ever used padded sports bras, you know the struggle of pads that easily fall out or shift in the wash. This sports bra solves that problem. The pads are not removable—they don’t budge, even in the wash—so you don’t have to worry about losing them or wrangling them back in place. And we love that it held up well in high-intensity activity and there was no spillage.
Our tester felt supported but not compressed, with no pinching or rolling up. There were no issues with straps digging into the shoulders or overall discomfort. Our tester loved the breathable, soft fabric. While the straps are adjustable, the band is not, which wasn’t an issue for our tester since the fabric was stretchy. There’s a clip for easy access for nursing or pumping, and the bra held up great in the wash.
What Parents Say
“This bra is really comfortable, both for wearing around the house and doing high-intensity exercise like running.” —Holly, D cup.
But Take Note
You have to pull this over your head to put on and off. Our tester found it was hard to take off, especially when sweaty.
The Details:
- Sizes: XS–XL
- Material: Polyester and elastane
- Type of access: Clips
- Adjustments: Straps
- Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
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Why We Like It
Many nursing sports bras opt for comfort and support over aesthetics, but this bra shows it’s possible to have both. A stylish strappy back means it looks great even without a shirt while offering enough sport for medium-impact workouts. Made of a soft, stretchy material, our tester found this one to be incredibly comfortable. The straps are adjustable, as is the band, with four rows of hooks for a better fit.
Our tester found this bra good for activities like jogging, yoga, and spinning. It stood up well to multiple washes and the fabric is moisture-wicking and pretty breathable. Front clips offer easy access for nursing and pumping, and the removable pads inside can also be taken out and replaced with nursing pads if you prefer.
What Parents Say
“I often found myself wearing it all day and not rushing to take it off.” —Sara, B/C cup.
But Take Note
Our tester said the removable pads were an odd shape and felt uncomfortable. In addition, the band left red marks on her skin. Getting the bra on and off proved tricky since it has to be pulled over the head, yet secured with a back closure. Our tester felt this might be a better option for larger cup sizes since she experienced some gapping at the sides and front.
The Details:
- Sizes: S–3XL
- Material: Polyester, spandex
- Type of access: Clips
- Adjustments: Straps and band
- Care instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry
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Why We Like It
We found this affordable sports bra to be a comfortable and functional option offering medium support and some great features. The band is snug but not too tight, and the cups don’t feel restrictive. It’s made of a soft, stretchy material that we liked, and it generally offered great support. During testing, it held up well for medium-impact activities like hiking. One of our favorite things about this bra is the seamless molded cups; our tester loved the balance of compression and shaping and felt well-contained when active.
We also love that there are no pads or inserts that need to be moved around or come out in the wash. The straps are adjustable, and the band is too, though the racerback style limits the range of the band. Our tester found the band closure helpful in making it easier to pull it on and off over the head. For nursing access, there’s a clip on the straps. Mesh panels on the inside offer a bit more coverage when nursing or pumping.
What Parents Say
“I really like the thick fabric of the molded cups and think they give me a great shape.” —Emily, DD cup.
But Take Note
The sizing seems off. When our tester ordered their normal bra size, it was way too small, so they needed to exchange it for an entirely different size. They also found that the straps dug into their shoulders, especially when tightened for more compression and support.
The Details:
- Sizes: 32C–38DD
- Material: Spandex, polyester, mesh
- Type of access: Clips
- Adjustments: Straps and band
- Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Other Notable Nursing Sports Bras
- Cake Popcorn Wire-free Nursing Sports Bra: This bra offers full coverage and plenty of stability and support, with a moisture-wicking, breathable, and soft fabric. It’s super adjustable for a more customized fit, and the stretchy fabric makes it ideal for fluctuating sizes. However, the seam down the middle was uncomfortable against the nipple and the level of compression felt restrictive.
Our Testing Process
To find the best nursing sports bras, we researched the most popular options on the market. We then had real moms who were nursing and/or pumping wear the sports bras at least twice a week while working out or being active to see how it felt over time. During testing, participants evaluated design, features, fit, support/compression, ease of nursing/pumping, fabric, breathability, straps, closures, and overall comfort.
Our mom participants tested the impact level of the bra by doing jumping jacks for two minutes or jogging for 10 minutes, and taking a 20-minute brisk walk, taking note of any bouncing or jostling. We had them wash the sports bra according to instructions to see how well it held up during the course of the testing period.
Our Experts
To learn about what to look for in nursing sports bras and help us choose products to test, we consulted several experts in the fitness, bra, and breastfeeding realms, many of whom have personally used nursing sports bras:
- Marissa Renelt, former bra fit expert at Bare Necessities
- LaJean Lawson, PhD, sports bra researcher and movement expert colloquially known as Dr. Sports Bra
- Megan Roup, celebrity trainer, founder of Sculpt Society, and mom of two
- Lindsay Arnold Cusick, certified trainer, founder of The Movement Club, and mom of two
- Shelly Patularu, IBCLC, registered nurse, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant focused on helping twin moms breastfeed, and mom of three
Factors to Consider When Shopping for Nursing Sports Bras
- Materials: Patularu recommends looking for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton blends for low-impact exercise. “If you anticipate working up a sweat, nylon or polyester moisture-wicking material may be preferred,” she adds. If you’re regularly nursing or pumping, your breasts are probably pretty sensitive, so be sure you feel the material against your skin before taking the tags off. And if you’re worried about milk leakage, go with dark colors. Roup suggests nylon/spandex blends: “They are quick drying, sweat resistant, and extra supportive.”
- Support: The level of support you’ll need depends on what kind of exercise you’ll be doing. Nursing sports bras are typically labeled low-, mid-, or high-impact. Low-impact bras are great for activities like walking, yoga, or pilates; medium-impact sports bras are appropriate for cycling and hiking, while high-impact bras are ideal for running and jumping. If you’re unsure about your support needs, Arnold recommends trying a few different kinds and returning what doesn’t work.
- Adjustability: Remember that your bra size fluctuates throughout pregnancy and the early postpartum period. Even after your milk supply regulates, your breasts may also change size throughout the day as they fill and empty. Look for bras with adjustable straps and bands to accommodate these changes.
- Comfort and Easy Access: You want your nursing sports bra to be comfortable while working out and while nursing or pumping. Easy access is key: you’ll likely want to be able to access your breasts with one hand. There are several different access designs, but most offer clip-down or snap-down access for nursing, and some have an extra layer of material to hold pump flanges for hands-free pumping.
- Closure and Straps: Wide straps are key for a comfortable nursing sports bra, as they help distribute breast weight evenly, though thinner straps may be fine for smaller breasts. Patularu recommends adjustable bra straps if you feel your size fluctuates often. You should also look for easy closures and smooth stitching since you don’t want anything digging into your skin.
How to Use Nursing Sports Bras Safely
A great nursing sports bra is key for breastfeeding moms who want to work out or stay active, and they can be a more comfortable everyday option for moms who don’t to wear traditional nursing bras. Breast tissue is sensitive, especially during lactation, so here are some tips for wearing bras safely while breastfeeding.
- Avoid compression sports bras: Unless you’ll really be jumping around a lot, Patularu recommends against high-compression options. If you truly need high-compression support, it’s best to take the bra off immediately after working out.
- Opt for something comfortable and supportive: Comfort and support are key. Be sure to pick the support level that works with your workout. If you need to, purchase both low-impact and high-impact bras.
- Change quickly if your bra gets wet: If your sports bra becomes wet with sweat or milk, Patularu says to change it as soon as possible to avoid thrush. “If you are experiencing milk leakage during exercise, I suggest wearing breast pads,” she says. “Change them as soon as possible if they become wet with milk or sweat.”
- Avoid underwire: While supportive, an underwire is not the best idea. Patularu recommends breastfeeding moms steer clear of underwires since they may lead to clogged ducts or mastitis.
How Many Nursing Sports Bras Should You Have?
You can own as many nursing sports bras as you feel are necessary. Bras should be changed and washed as soon as they become very sweaty or if you experience milk leakage, so if you work out every day, it might be more convenient to have several bras. If you do low- and high-impact activities, you’ll need one high-impact bra and one low/medium-impact bra.
Can You Wear a Nursing Sports Bra All Day?
If you aren’t working out or being super active and your bra is clean and dry, then it’s fine to wear it as long as you want. But once you start sweating, Patularu recommends changing as soon as possible. “Wearing a sweaty sports bra could put the mom at risk for developing thrush, especially if experiencing milk leakage during her workout,” she warns.
Can Tight Sports Bras Cause Mastitis?
The short answer is yes. “Sports bras that are too tight or restrictive could contribute to clogged ducts or mastitis,” Patularu says. “If you’ve worn a sports bra that is too tight, try to change as soon as possible. If you are experiencing symptoms of a clogged duct or mastitis, please contact a lactation consultant or doctor.”
Who We Are
Jessica Booth is a freelance writer who covers parenting, shopping, wellness, entertainment, and wedding content. She has written for sites such as Brides, People, Insider, Bustle, Romper, Refinery 29, Cosmopolitan, Delish, The Daily Beast, Reviewed, SheKnows, Scary Mommy, The Knot, and What to Expect. She also has two young daughters and has worn numerous nursing sports bras throughout the years.
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