The Best Nursing Bras

To understand the world of nursing bras as a whole, I started by polling six Facebook groups specifically for moms. Two of these groups, Milky Mamas Breastfeeding Support and Breastfeeding Mamas, are nursing-specific and have tens of thousands of members.

I also interviewed certified lactation consultant Jenn Sullivan, who owns Waddle n Swaddle, a baby store that offers breastfeeding classes and support groups and has three brick-and-mortar locations in New York’s Hudson Valley. At the beginning of my research, I went into the Rhinebeck, New York, branch to interview one of their fitters, and got fitted myself.

To brush up on fabrics and fabric science, I spoke with Fran Kozen, an expert at the Cornell Institute for Fashion and Fiber Innovation. I also interviewed the bra designers at Cake Maternity and Hotmilk to better understand the design functionalities built into some of our favorite bras.

I was no stranger to nursing bras when I started researching this guide; I’m the mom of a 6-month-old and 3-year-old, the latter of whom I nursed until she was 2. I’ve written Wirecutter guides to the best hiking baby carriers and the best kids bike seats, have contributed product reviews to Men’s Journal, Fatherly, and Gear Patrol, and was a longtime gear editor at Outside magazine, where my coverage included outdoor gear for active families.

The majority of breastfeeding moms will purchase at least one nursing bra for the months and/or years after a baby is born. Bras designed specifically for nursing provide easier access for feeding than regular bras do, and support breasts through size fluctuations, heaviness, and leakage. (Some breastfeeding moms prefer to go braless—reasoning that it’s one less thing to deal with when you’re nursing frequently, and one less thing to buy. There are also people who find that a sports bra is easy to lift up and pull down, and even cut out holes to turn them into pumping bras.)

Though you may use nursing bras for a couple of years at most, you’ll likely use these garments daily during that time, so it’s worth getting something that’s comfortable and fits correctly. Unlike regular bras, most nursing bras are equipped with clasps where the cup meets the strap that make it easy to access your breasts without having to remove your bra. Or, some nursing bras simply allow you to pull the cups aside for breast access. Many nursing bras are also designed for extra adjustability and flexibility, with multiple rows of hooks and super-stretchy fabrics that can accommodate rib cage expansion and contraction and weight gain and loss.

Bras designed to be unclasped instead of pulled aside for nursing either come with a sling along the inside of the cup or have A-frame-shaped cups. Both of these keep shoulder straps in place and out of your baby’s face while you’re nursing.

Some styles of nursing bra are better suited to postpartum bodies than others. More forgiving, stretchier style bras (which tend to be sized S to XL+) are good options for your initial weeks and months of nursing, when your body is regulating your milk supply to support your baby’s needs. Their fabric can accommodate a wider range of sizes than a band-and-cup-sized bra. Consumer Reports recommends purchasing one—and only one—nursing bra late in pregnancy because you won’t know your true size yet (but it may be difficult to get out of the house to shop with a new baby right away). If you prefer to continue using a bra you already own, you might consider getting a bra extender or converting your bra to a nursing bra, either by taking it to a tailor or to Nordstrom (check first that the service is available at that location) or doing it yourself. For your first nursing bra, we suggest sticking with a bra sized S to XL+, which will cover a large range of band-and-cup sizes. You can expect your breasts to become engorged within the initial week or so of having a baby, but don’t make the mistake of getting a much larger bra when this happens. Your breasts will decrease in the weeks that follow once your milk supply stabilizes (and then your impulse purchase will be saggy and sad).

After a couple of weeks, you can expect smaller fluctuations in breast size throughout the day. Seamless, sleep, and wireless options can all deliver comfort, support, and even some level of feeling put together, if that’s important to you. This is a good time to purchase several nursing bras (some specialty bra stores will provide a fitting). Be careful when referring to Amazon’s size chart when ordering online, however, as it’s not specific to any bra; we recommend using the size chart on the bra maker’s site or product page. Three bras is a good number to have while you’re still breastfeeding, as milk will undoubtedly end up on them and they’ll need to be washed frequently.

In general, we found that there are five types of nursing bras:

Seamless: The most popular type for nursing moms (according to our poll), seamless bras are generally made of synthetic material that stretches to accommodate breast size fluctuation. They provide more support than bras made for sleeping, but not as much as underwire or wireless bras. Many come with removable cups for masking nipples and hook-and-eye-closures for getting a snug fit, and have latches where the band meets the strap for easy nursing access.

Underwire: Sized by band and cup, underwire nursing bras are similar to regular underwire bras except that they have clasps where the cup meets the bra strap, and may have more hook-and-eye points of attachment. A good underwire nursing bra should have wire that curves in more gently toward the armpit compared with that of a traditional underwire bra, and the best ones have flexible wire to allow for the size fluctuations that accompany nursing. Ideally, you should get fitted at a bra store to ensure that you’re wearing the proper size, as overly tight clothing is a cause of clogged ducts according to the World Health Organization (PDF). Lactation consultant and baby-store owner Jenn Sullivan recommends spending a little more in this category. “Underwire bras under $50 might have questionable wire, and you risk problems,” she said. Many moms we talked to said they felt comfortable moving into underwire nursing bras around nine months postpartum, when they were nursing only a few times a day.

Wireless: Wireless bras provide support through fabric, shaping, and seams, and are sized by band and cup, like underwire bras. Like underwire, they offer lift and padding but without as much potential for clogged ducts (as long as they’re not too tight). These bras also have clasps at the straps, and many have extra hook-and-eye closures.

Crossover style: These simple, hardware-free bras use fabrics ranging from synthetics to cotton and are generally the best and most comfortable for sleeping. Though the primary function of these bras is to give you support at night—they hold pads for collecting leaky milk and make nursing incredibly easy because you simply pull the cup aside—of course you can use them during the day as well if you’re not concerned about wearing a bra that provides lift or shape. Crossover bras are typically pulled on over your head and are sized S to XL+.

Although we did a little research on nursing sports bras, we didn’t include them in this guide, which is focused on everyday nursing bras. And if it’s a pumping bra you’re looking for, head to our guide The Best Pumping Bra.

We also didn’t look at nursing tanks for this guide, though we may include them in a future update. Lactation consultant Jenn Sullivan says she often sees women who have clogs from these because the built-in bra is too tight. If your bra forms indentations like those you might get from too tight socks, it’s too small across the breasts and could cause clogs.

I started by polling a variety of Facebook groups for moms—including nursing-specific groups with thousands of members—on their preferred nursing bras and why they liked them. I then read reviews of best-selling models on retail sites including Amazon, Nordstrom, Target, A Pea in the Pod, and Motherhood.

I also studied up on Babycenter, read Consumer Reports's Nursing Bra Buying Guide, looked at Lucie’s List’s Best Nursing Bras and Babble’s Mom Tested: The Best Nursing Bras (now defunct), and consulted La Leche League’s holy grail of all things nursing, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding.

Once we had an initial list of popular brands, models, and feedback to work from, we polled the Facebook group members again, this time on which style of bra they wore as their everyday nursing bra, to help figure out where we should focus our attention. The options we presented were seamless, underwire, wireless, crossover, or other (with the ability to explain). Responses from our 317 poll-takers leaned heavily toward seamless bras (45 percent wear these every day), followed by underwire (27 percent), wireless (24 percent) and, finally, crossover style (4 percent), with a handful of comments about nursing tanks, sports bras, and going braless. (A delightful 2017 New Yorker essay provides some further arguments for embracing the possible joy of not wearing a bra).

All of our research told us that above all else a nursing bra must be comfortable. To be comfortable for a wide range of people we found that a great nursing bra must offer:

Support: Moms we polled concurred that support is non-negotiable in a nursing bra, because lactating breasts can become very heavy. But the amount of support that should be reasonably expected varies based on bra type. Sleep style bras will naturally offer less support than seamless bras, which won’t offer as much support as wireless or underwire bras. If you’re larger than a DD cup, BabyCenter recommends seeking out a bra with straps wider than an inch in width to better distribute the weight, and reduce the risk of straps digging into your shoulders. Bras with fuller back coverage, wider bands, and racerbacks can also provide additional support by taking more weight off your shoulders. Ideally, you’ll hardly notice your bra is there.

Fit and adjustability: A nursing bra should fit like a regular bra (no sideboob, the whole breast covered by the cup) but should never compress the area between the armpit and the breast, as that’s where milk ducts are located. The band should fit flush against the skin and be neither too tight nor too loose, the former of which can create clogged ducts. Because breasts fluctuate in size throughout the postpartum period, the more adjustable a nursing bra is, the better. Straps should be adjustable enough that they neither dig into your shoulders to support your breasts nor are so loose that they slip down. A good nursing bra should have three to four more rows of hooks along the band than a regular bra so it can expand up to two additional band sizes.

Soft, breathable fabric: A great nursing bra should not be scratchy, itchy, hot, or swampy in warm weather. Nursing bras are largely made out of cotton, other cellulose fabrics (viscose, rayon, tencel), and/or synthetic materials (polyester, nylon, spandex) similar to those used in activewear. In dealing with leaks, most people won’t notice much difference in performance between these fabrics. The main differences among them are how they feel against your skin, how much they stretch out, and how much support they provide. “Cellulose fabrics … have a little bit of fuzziness so it feels good against the skin,” says Fran Kozen of the Cornell Institute for Fashion and Fiber Innovation. “You can brush a synthetic to give it fuzziness but some are rough to the touch and would be at a disadvantage for nipples, for instance.” Spandex (also known by the brand name Lycra and as elastane) helps the bras retain their shape and also provides extra support. Bras without absorbent layers and padding will tend to leak through to clothing but will also be more breathable and less hot.

Ease of use: A good nursing bra should provide easy access for nursing, which means it should be simple to unclasp and clasp one-handed. The cup should stay out of the way of the baby’s face and your bra strap should stay in place thanks to a sling or A-frame layer.

Good coverage: Nipples often become darker and larger when nursing (making it easier for the baby to spot them). For many moms, it’s important that a bra conceal them well. Underwire and wireless bras have thicker cups to conceal nipples. Seamless and crossover style bras tend to be relatively thin, and won’t be as effective for that purpose, though some seamless models do come with removable cups that can deliver a junior high-style padded bra effect (and can be hard to stuff back in after washing without crumpling or folding). Underwire and wireless bras should look similar to regular bras you might wear to work or under a T-shirt, providing a natural shape. Better seamless and sleep bras won’t give you uniboob.

Because we targeted nursing bras that cost well under $100, we didn’t place a lot of importance on price. Given that you’re likely to wear these several times a week for at least many months, and often for a year or more, we felt that any of these bras, if they performed well, would be a good value.

After we narrowed our most important features and had a solid crowdsourced and researched list of the most popular nursing bras available, we called in samples of 38 bras. We tried on each one to determine if it was true to size, took notes on our first impressions and inspected fabrics, seams, clasps, and hooks for quality. Through this process we were able to eliminate 14 models and ended up with a list of seven seamless bras, eight underwire bras, four wireless bras, and five crossover bras that we sent to our panel of testers.

Seamless bras:

• Belly Bandit Bandita
• Bravado Designs Body Silk
• Cake Lingerie Rock Candy
• Cake Lingerie Cotton Candy
• Ingrid & Isabel Seamless Drop Cup Back Clasp
• Motherhood Maternity Seamless Clip-Down
• Royce Lingerie Blossom

Underwire

• Bella Materna Pretty Sexy (discontinued)
• Cake Lingerie Croissant
• Elomi Smoothing Underwire
• Freya Pure Underwire
• Hotmilk Forever Yours
• Le Mystère Mama Mia
• Le Mystère Sexy Mama
• Paramour Lorraine

Wireless

• Hotmilk Luminous (currently unavailable)
• Hotmilk Show Off
• Rosie Pope Wireless Lightly Lined
• Royce Lingerie Charlotte

Crossover

• Belly Bandit BDA
• Cake Lingerie Milk Bamboo
• Ingrid & Isabel Seamless Crossover (discontinued)
• Kindred Bravely French Terry Racerback
• Rosie Pope Wrap

We recruited 17 nursing moms with babies ranging in age from 2 weeks to just over 2 years old to help us test the 24 finalists. They live all over the country, from Massachusetts and New York to California and Oregon, and have different lifestyles. Our testers included junior high and preschool teachers, stay-at-home moms, part-time students, a midwife, college professors, and small-business owners. Most important, our panel of testers ranged from 32D to 42K with a good representation of B, C, D, DD, DDD, E, and F cups in band sizes like 34, 36, and 38 (the average bra size of non-nursing women in the US is 34DD). In most cases, we sent each bra to at least two testers in their respective sizes, aiming for one smaller-size and one larger-size tester. If a bra was as beloved by our 42K tester as it was by our 32D tester, it was superior to ones that won over only one end of the spectrum.

Testers gave us their initial thoughts on fit, style, and size. If the bra fit, they wore it for a week. We sent underwire bras only to moms who said they would wear that style anyway. After a week of testing, each mom filled out a questionnaire on the support, comfort, fit, and adjustability; fabric breathability and performance; ease of use, coverage, and appearance of the bra; as well as unique features and if they would purchase it, regardless of the price.

We relied on online reviews to evaluate the durability of each bra, and balanced existing overall evaluations of the bras with our testers’ experience and opinions when determining our picks. Our panelists will continue to wear our picks to see how they hold up over time.

If you’re going to pick one bra to pack for when the baby comes and to rely on in the weeks immediately following, we think the Cake Lingerie Cotton Candy should be it. The Cotton Candy’s high-coverage design and substantial construction offer more support than similar models we tested while also allowing for easy adjustment. Its stretchy fabric feels soft and forgiving—important for those first days, when engorgement is common—and its clasps are among the simplest to use. The bra comes in a wider range of sizes and colors than most of the models we tested. It doesn’t do much to mask nipples, though.

Though the Cotton Candy is made of a thin, stretchy fabric typical of seamless nursing bras, it provides greater support and a closer fit than similar models we tested. Its higher-than-most neckline allows for fluctuation in breast size—we never spilled out. Unlike other seamless bras we looked at, the Cotton Candy has a full-coverage back, which helps get more weight off your shoulders. It’s cut higher under the armpit than its competitors as well, which, as lactation consultant Jenn Sullivan tells us, adds extra support for mammary tissue. And although the front panel of other seamless bras, including our runner-up, is knit flat, with just a gusset in the center for shaping, the Cotton Candy has heat-molded cups to better fit the breasts’ contours instead of merely compressing them. We also appreciate the triangular-shaped sling, the most substantial among the seamless bras we looked at, which actually supports the breast a little during nursing (it’s not just there to hold your strap up).

In terms of fit, a keyhole in the back with three rows of hooks at its base allows the wearer to dial in the snugness of the band as needed. Our 38DDD tester mentioned how supported she felt because of the closure. “This is the lazy girl’s dream bra,” she said, noting that its fit is perfect for those first months postpartum when most moms aren’t doing many high-impact activities or getting dressed up very often.

“I’ve been wearing a Mazda and this is a Cadillac,” said one of our testers, who was adamant about wearing only cotton bralettes—until she put on this bra. The synthetic Cotton Candy is 90 percent nylon and 10 percent spandex and feels softer to the touch than any of the other seamless bras we tried. The higher than usual spandex content (others have about 8 percent) prevents the bra from stretching out throughout the day or night like 100 percent cotton bras do. In fact, we washed this bra far less often than other bras we tested because it held its shape so well.

Unlike most of the non-sleep nursing bras we tested, the Cotton Candy’s clasps are easy enough to undo that it could be a good option to wear overnight, especially if you’re not nursing as frequently. It’s also appropriate for low-key exercise; we found the fabric supportive and breathable enough to wear while doing some light baby-and-me yoga.

This bra comes in four sizes, S to XL, accommodating 32B to 42F, as well as in eight colors: heather gray with pink trim, steel gray, black, navy, beige, shell, aqua, and fuchsia.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

You have to pull this bra on over your head, as you would with sports bras with a similar racerback design. Also like with many sports bras, larger-size testers reported uniboob, although some said that didn’t bother them in a bra they primarily wore around the house. Unlike some bras, the Cotton Candy doesn’t come with removable cups, so any nursing pads you use will likely show through the thin fabric. And like other bras in this category, the bra doesn’t mask nipples much.

The Hotmilk Forever Yours sets itself apart from other underwire nursing bras through its thoughtful construction, which offers the best shaping of all the bras we tested and provides ample support while still accommodating breast-size changes throughout the day or over weeks and months. It’s one of the only underwire bras we tested that is true to size, and effectively combines cotton and synthetic fabrics for comfort, support, and moisture management. We liked its soft cotton lining better than any of the other underwire bra linings, which were mostly made of the same synthetic fabrics found on the bra exteriors. Its foam-lined cups provide the right amount of coverage (no spillage or sideboob like other bras in our test); it’s no-fuss when it comes to clasps and straps staying in place; and it looks—and works—like a regular underwire.

The flexible wire used in this bra is less rigid than the wire used in regular underwire bras. It bends as your bust changes throughout the day, yet is still strong enough to support and lift your breasts to provide shaping and support. Other underwire nursing bras we tested also have flexible wire, but this one felt the least restrictive.

This bra also has more rows of hooks on the band than any other bra we looked at, offering plenty of room for rib cage expansion (the hooks span three inches). Our testers found that the bra’s overall fit was spot-on, with no gaping and no digging in.

The multilayered construction of the cups takes advantage of the properties of both synthetics and cotton. The polyester-spandex exterior is supportive for heavy breasts and looks smoother under clothing than any of the other bras we tested, while the interior is lined with soft, breathable, polka-dotted cotton that absorbs leakage. A thin layer of foam is sandwiched between that cotton lining and the polyester-spandex exterior, making the cups thick enough to hide nipples and nursing pads, but not so thick that they feel bulky or create an unnatural silhouette. No other bra in our test gave such a smooth, round shape under T-shirts.

Of the models we looked at, this bra is among the easiest to unclasp, and the straps stay in place while nursing better than those of other bras we tested, a feature that was beloved by our 38DDD tester. Hotmilk adds extra width to the straps in size DD and larger.

The excellent fit and support of the Forever Yours earned praise from our testers and from online reviewers. “I’m typically quite self-conscious of how large my breasts look,” said our 38DDD tester. “More support helps with confidence. This bra is both supportive and comfortable.” One reviewer on Amazon, who calls the Forever Yours the “Perfect Everyday Bra,” writes, “It’s very difficult for me to find nursing bras in my size (32F/G) and when I do, they usually don’t work out. This bra is fantastic! It looks and feels like a regular bra. There is padding/molding in it that both blocks nipple show through and gives a natural shape.... Even with the padding, I’m easily able to fold it down (I fold each cup down twice) to nurse.”

Flaws but not dealbreakers

This bra sizes up to only a 38F. For larger sizes, look at our also great underwire pick, the Paramour Lorraine Bra, which goes up to a 42G.

An Amazon reviewer who loves the bra overall nevertheless complains about a side effect of the layered construction: “The structure on the band and sides does seem a bit bulky and does not always lie completely flat under shirts, which also makes it really hot in the summer heat (it doesn’t [breathe] well).” All our testers found the Forever Yours breathable and effective at wicking moisture.

The Hotmilk Show Off performs better than all the other wireless models we looked at—and better than some underwire ones as well. Using shaping, seams, and a combination of synthetic and cotton fabrics, the Show Off is the best at providing both substantial support and a comfortable fit across one of the widest ranges of sizes available in a structured nursing bra. Like our other picks, this bra is also simple to clasp and unclasp for nursing.

For support, the Show Off relies on cups shaped through seams as well as by a wide band that provides a solid foundation, especially for larger busts. Stretchy nylon-spandex fabric contributes to the taut, supportive fit, while a soft cotton lining provides comfort and breathability (the lace is layered over the nylon-spandex). Shaping in the cup and power mesh—strong, stretchy fabric like that used in control-top pantyhose—in the back provide even more support where it’s needed most.

Like our main underwire pick, which is also made by Hotmilk, the Show Off is über-adjustable, with six rows of hooks, the maximum number we saw on the bras we considered. “With the extra-long band, I was able to adjust it to get a great fit,” said our 36DD tester. “Love that there are so many hooks so I’ll be able to wear it when I’m pregnant again and need some more room.” In larger sizes, the Show Off has wider straps to add more support.

This bra comes in a wide size range of 32B to 42H. Even our largest tester, who wore a 42G, was impressed by the bra’s support sans underwire and how it made her breasts look.

The Show Off’s nylon-spandex fabric stretches and contracts with breast size fluctuation better than any other bra in our test, and the cotton lining is soft and highly breathable. The bra’s A-frame layer makes it easier to stay covered up while nursing than the common sling construction does and keeps straps firmly in place. We also found the clasps easy to unlatch and latch with one hand.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Amazon reviewers and one of our testers weren’t thrilled with the way the lace can look lumpy under a shirt. A sprinkling of reviewers also note that the bra didn’t feel as supportive as our testers reported, and a few write that the edges of the straps cut into their shoulders.

No other bra we tested was as simple and comfortable for nighttime use as the clasp- and hook-free Kindred Bravely French Terry Racerback. It never committed the largest sleep-bra offense: being noticeable. The French terry sits perfectly like second skin, is baby-blanket soft, and stays supportive all night while also moving aside easily for feeding. The rayon fabric (from bamboo) combined with spandex makes the bra ultra-breathable, and it effectively absorbed moisture when we leaked. It’s one of the most affordable sleep bras we tested and can fit a wide range of sizes, from 28B to 42G.

We found that the French terry fabric is taut enough to offer the low-key support most nursing moms want overnight but doesn’t stretch out like other sleep bras we tested did. “I felt effortlessly supported,” our 42H tester said. The bra’s full-coverage racerback keeps everything in place, takes more of the weight off your shoulders than other similar bras do, and distributes it more comfortably across your back.

The Kindred Bravely’s French terry fabric not only provides support and good moisture absorbency, it’s also exceptionally cozy, as hundreds of Amazon reviewers attest. “French terry has extra loops, adding softness,” said fabric expert Fran Kozen. “It’s also very absorbent, which is what you want in a nursing bra.” No other bra we tested felt as soft as this one.

There aren’t any adjustment options on this bra, but we found it’s stretchy enough to accommodate the sizes it specifies.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Most of the small percentage of negative reviews on Amazon say it is difficult to find the right size when ordering this bra online, but many also note that customer service is responsive and helpful in getting problems sorted out. Some reviewers do complain about this bra stretching out too quickly, though a few say it regains its shape after being washed. A few reviewers find that the band’s lack of stretch makes it difficult to put on. A number of reviewers have also commented that the racerback sits uncomfortably high at the back of the neck, but the company recently updated the design so that it’s one inch lower.

The popular, comfortable Bravado Designs Body Silk has a flattering V-neck design, uses a relatively silky, sturdy fabric, and comes in a variety of color options—though we found that it’s a little less supportive than our main seamless pick. This bra is as adjustable as seamless bras get but has a skimpier sling than any other bra of its type we tested (it’s just an extension of the shoulder strap). It fits true to size. But it lacks the higher neckline of the Cotton Candy and thus isn’t quite as effective as our main pick at containing spillage.

The Bravado is slightly less supportive than our main seamless pick because it doesn’t offer quite as much coverage on the back and sides. However, testers reported that the U shape of the straps along the back help with lift. The bras’s stretchy nylon-spandex fabric is somewhat stiffer than that of most of the seamless bras in our test group, which adds support and helps keep nipples obscured but can also get in the way when you’re nursing. The single-strap slings effectively hold straps in place, though notably they don’t provide any support for your breasts.

This bra is not as soft as many of the other seamless bras we tested, including some less supportive options like the popular Motherhood Maternity seamless bras. Our testers’ feedback forms for the Bravado were littered with the word “fine”: It doesn’t have any of the standout features—like an extra-soft feel, or high breathability—that other bras testers were enamored of have.

Sizing is often a major problem when it comes to buying nursing bras—many run big or small or don’t fit at all—but large numbers of reviewers report that this bra offers a good fit and runs true to size—making it especially easy to order online.

Some of our testers noted the nursing clips on the Bravado required more effort to undo than those on other bras, and especially compared with our main seamless pick, but online reviewers generally found them painless to use. Our testers liked the shape of this bra—it’s more of a subtle V than a scoop neck—finding it sportier and more flattering than other seamless bras they tried.

The Paramour Lorraine is supersoft, has thick cups that provide nipple coverage, and uses a lacy racerback that provides a surprising amount of support for something that looks like it’s just supposed to be aesthetic. This bra impressed us not only with its fit, but also with its unique features, like a strap adjustment system we’ve never seen before. Overall, we feel that our main underwire pick offers better support and higher quality fabrics and fits more of our testers better than the Lorraine, but for sizes out of the Forever Yours range (32A to 38F), the Lorraine is the best option.

Thicker straps on the Lorraine add support, especially for our larger testers, but aren’t adjustable in the traditional way: tiny loops, like rungs of a ladder, run up the front of the straps; a hook slides into the rung to lock the length into place. Though some testers loved this feature (“I didn’t have to worry about the straps slipping all day,” one said), others preferred traditional adjustments because they found the straps tight and couldn’t loosen them enough.

Even though lactation consultant and baby store owner Jenn Sullivan told us to generally steer clear of underwire bras that cost less than $50 because the wire might be too rigid or the wrong shape, she approves of the Paramour Lorraine.

The exterior fabric on the Lorraine is surprisingly soft and silky, but compromises a little bit of the support that a heartier fabric (like that used on the Forever Yours) provides. It can sometimes feel like the bra is relying mostly on its underwire for support. The bra’s lining is a soft, perforated synthetic material that moves moisture away from the breast efficiently.

Our testers liked the shape this bra gave them almost as much as they did with our main underwire pick. The lace used in the racerback actually helps this underwire bra feel more supportive than most other underwire bras in our test. The back closure allows for a closer fit than front-clasp-only bras, while the additional front closure adds convenience and another option when putting on and taking off this bra.

A silky A-frame layer under the cup adds a little extra coverage when nursing, and the cups are thick enough to hide nipples. The clips are easy to latch and unlatch.

“I wore this bra during the day and out at night,” a DD tester who has nursed two kids says. “It was comfortable enough to wear under my T-shirts and tanks, and it felt fancy enough to wear out to dinner on a date with my husband."

Though the Paramour Lorraine offers excellent value, it does have some limitations. Our DDD testers felt the straps couldn’t be let out enough to not feel tight. One tester reported that the cup fabric didn’t breathe as well as she would’ve liked. Lastly, we wished this bra’s sizing ran smaller. It starts at 36D, so women with smaller band sizes miss out. But it goes up to 42G.

Seamless

The Cake Lingerie Rock Candy (S to XL accommodates 32B to 42F) offers double-knit yarn for strength and support, nonslip straps, and body-mapped strength panels combined with soft cup areas. But our seamless pick has features—like a higher neckline for larger busts and an extra-supportive racerback—that give it the edge over this bra.

Testers liked the Ingrid & Isabel Seamless Drop Cup Back Clasp (S to XL, accommodating 32A to 40F), but it runs small and quality control seems questionable—one of our samples came unraveled at the clip on day one of testing.

Not quite a traditional seamless bra, not quite a wireless bra either, the Royce Lingerie Candy Blossom (32C to 40H) falls somewhere in between. Our testers felt more supported in it than in other seamless bras we tested (one mom who loves Royce told us it was one of the only brands that holds her E/F breasts up). But the bra delivers a uniboob shape, and testers were annoyed by the little string down the center of the bra that can be pulled to add ruching.

Neither the Paramour Cecile (S to XXL accommodating 32A to 40DD) nor the Belly Bandit Bandita (S to XL accommodating 34B to 38H) provides as much support or is as comfortable as our main seamless pick and runner-up.

Our D-cup testers complained that the minimalist Motherhood Maternity Seamless Clip-Down (S to XL accommodating 34 to 40 in B and C cups only; the full-bust version accommodates 34 to 44 in D and G cups) doesn’t provide enough support and that it creates uniboob.

The supersoft fabric of the Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime (S to 3XL, accommodating 30B to 46I) was a favorite among testers—but reviews on Amazon and Kindred Bravely’s site indicate that it snags easily and doesn’t hold up in the wash.

The Boob Fast Food (S to XL accommodating 32A to 42G) comes in leopard print, polka dot, and striped patterns and offers a wide-band version for light exercise like yoga and walking. But it lacks support and coverage compared with our seamless pick.

We love the look of the Leading Lady Stylish Cotton Seamless Athleisure (S to 5X, accommodating 32A to 48C) and found it very supportive, but the fabric is too stiff and rough to be comfortable.

Underwire

The Bella Materna Pretty Sexy (32C to 38H; discontinued) is incredibly lightweight, very breathable, and thick enough to conceal nipples, but multiple testers noted that the fabric is irritatingly scratchy.

Like some Amazon reviewers, we had issues with the fit of the Freya Pure Underwire (30D to 40I), and also found complaints about the poor quality and lack of durability.

The Paramour Carol (36D to 42DDD) fits like our also great pick, but has thinner cup fabric. Its main flaw is that the lace along the bottom rolls up under the band and chafes your abdomen.

Testers were split on the lacy Le Mystère Sexy Mama (32C to 40F). Some felt the cups were too small and wide, others found them pointy, though some testers loved the way their breasts were supported whether full of milk or pancake flat after nursing. However, the fit didn’t work for enough testers to make it a pick.

Testers loved the clean and sophisticated look of the breathable Le Mystère Mama Mia (32D to 38G), but everyone agreed that the way the padded part comes only three-quarters of the way up behind the netting is awkward. Also, the cups run small, making breasts bulge under the netting.

The Elomi Smoothing Underwire (34E to 48E) is one of the only bras that can accommodate the largest bra sizes, but it has so much fabric that our testers found it bunchy when they didn’t fill it out all the way—even if they were wearing the appropriate size. The fabric—polyester with some nylon and spandex—is itchy and, worst of all, the clasps are impossible to undo with one hand.

With just a single front closure, the Thirdlove 24/7 Classic (32C to 40C) doesn’t have the level of adjustability that other nursing bras do. Also, the bra’s stretchy knit fabric lacks support in the band and makes the cups gap.

We just couldn’t get the Cake Croissant (32C to 42I) to fit. We tried the 34D bra on a 34D tester, but there was too much fabric in the cups. We sent it to our 34E tester who also felt it was too bunchy. So, we ordered a 34C for the 34D tester and we still got bunchy cups. As a last resort, our 36DD tester wore the 34C bra, noting it was too small but she still liked the stretchy, comfortable fabric and found it absorbed small leaks well. Beyond the trouble with fit, several customers write that the wire eventually wore through the fabric.

Cake’s Truffles bra (32B to 38F), which has a plunging neckline and swirly lace, also has cups that stick out on the sides like wings, we found.

The Anita Fleur has a reputation among online reviewers: torpedo ta-tas. We concur. This bra’s cups run a little large and pointy. The fabric is thin and the underwire feels like it’s shaped for a regular bra.

Wireless

The simple Rosie Pope Wireless Lightly Lined (34B to 40DD) offers support somewhere between that of seamless and underwire bras, which made it very comfortable. But its lukewarm reviews on Amazon (especially regarding durability) meant we decided not to panel test this bra.

The Kindred Bravely Marvella (32B to 38E; discontinued) pulls over your head like a sleep bra but has molded cups like a regular bra—and many women find it ultra-comfortable. Our main complaint is that, although the band is stretchy enough to accommodate size fluctuations, it has no adjustability hooks at all. And the molded cups are so upright, they won’t stay out of our baby’s way while nursing.

The structured seams on the Hotmilk Luminous (32B to 42D; currently unavailable) don’t feel as supportive as they look, and the seam lines show through shirts. Plus, its dangling rhinestones, silky fabric and bow were not universally liked.

The Royce Lingerie Charlotte (28DD to 40L) is available in a wider size range than any other wireless bra we considered, but consensus among our testers and Amazon reviewers is that it runs small. The fabric is a scratchy polyester along the band and the cups are a bit narrow.

The ThirdLove 24/7 Wireless (32C to 40C; discontinued) is almost identical to the same company’s underwire version, and likely a better option for women who are still nursing a lot. We had the same qualms with it as we did with the underwire one—no adjustability in the band size with only one hook attachment in the front and unsupportive fabric.

Crossover

The Belly Bandit BDA (S to XL accommodating 34B to 38H) is basically the synthetic version of our sleep pick. The Kindred Bravely gets our vote because the French terry is buttery soft, and the bra costs $10 less.

Though the Cake Lingerie Milk Bamboo (S to XL accommodating 32B to 40B) is impressive in its softness and its ability to wick leaked milk away from breasts, its band, which is a separate piece of fabric, has the annoying tendency of riding up in the middle of the night.

The Rosie Pope Sleep (S to XL accommodating 34B to 40DDD) has hook-and-eye closures that allowed all our testers to get a close, supportive fit. But those same closures are uncomfortable to sleep on. We found that the cups run a little small, and because the material is slippery, some larger busted reviewers noted their breasts slipped out at night.

Rough stitching on the Bravado Designs Ballet (S to XL accommodating 32B to 46F) rubbed us at night, making us want to ditch this thing. Quality issues are a common refrain in online reviews, and the sizing runs a little small.

The Ingrid & Isabel Seamless Crossover (S to L accommodating 32A to 40F) supported our testers and stayed in place all night. But, like the brand’s seamless bra, this one’s fabric isn’t as soft as that of others we tested.

The Leading Lady Crossover (S to 4X accommodating 32A to 42F; discontinued) is incredibly similar to the Ingrid & Isabel Seamless bra but without a few of the ruching details that add support in that model.

The Medela Nursing Sleep Bra (S to XL, accommodating 32D to 44C) is the least expensive of the bras we tested, but not a good value. It’s not supportive in the least, rolls up during the night, and is the thinnest bra we tested.

You will likely want to wash your nursing bras more frequently than your regular bras, given the probability that milk will end up on them. Use cold water. Don’t put your bras in the dryer. Heat can stretch out elastic, making your bras wear out much sooner than necessary.