Best T-Shirt Nursing Bras
The best nursing bras to wear beyond the newborn stage
Congratulations! You are past the newborn stage now, and you and baby have gotten into a rhythm.
You are going out more and getting comfortable with nursing on-the-go. This is a great time to
expand your nursing bra options and add more structured nursing bras to your wardrobe. Whether
you’re returning to work, attending a special occasion, or looking for more style options, we’ve
selected the best t-shirt nursing bras and underwire nursing bras here.
Shop for traditionally-sized (eg. 36B, 38C, etc.) nursing bras when your size stabilizes
Your breast size will stabilize at around the 3 rd or 4 th month of nursing. There will still be fluctuation
in the fullness of your breasts before and after feeds, but the significant changes in size will have
already occurred. This is the best time to start shopping for more structured styles such as
underwire nursing bras and molded cup t-shirt nursing bras. These nursing bras are a lot more like
your pre-pregnancy bras.
What should I look for in a great t-shirt nursing bra?
A smooth silhouette is the very definition of a t-shirt bra. It should mold to your body and practically disappear under your clothing.
Coverage. There is more need for coverage now that in your pre-pregnancy days. Lactation causes nipples to enlarge and darken. Nursing pads, no matter how low-profile, tend to show through unlined bras.
Flexible cups provide easy nursing access. The best t-shirt nursing bras use premium materials like spacer foam. The result is a highly flexible cup that holds its shape and provides a sleek silhouette without bulk.
Structured support gives you more lift. T-shirt nursing bras can have underwire support or be wirefree.
Which is better - underwire or wireless?
It really comes down to personal preference and the degree of support you require. Lactation consultants caution against underwire nursing bras that constrict milk ducts and obstruct milkflow. However, poor support can result in the same complications. The key here is to go for good, lactation-friendly support.
What makes a good underwire nursing bra?
Lactation consultants are cautious about recommending underwire nursing bras because poorly designed and ill-fitting underwire bras can constrict breast tissue and prevent milk from flowing well. They can contribute to painful breastfeeding complications such as blocked ducts and mastitis.
Well-made, comfortable underwire nursing bras can be a real asset to your nursing wardrobe to bring additional support, separation, shape and lift.
Look for flexible underwires that move with your body. Avoid underwires that are rigid or pinch.
Listen to your body. Forget your pre-pregnancy days when you could put up with an uncomfortable bra. If the bra doesn’t feel good on, it’s definitely not for you. The underwire should sit flush against your body and encircle your breast. It should not go below or over your breast. The band should fit snug around your chest with enough give for you to slip two fingers under. It should not ride up.
The Best Underwire Nursing Bras & T-Shirt Nursing Bras
The Nursing Bra That’s Most Like Your Pre-Pregancy T-Shirt Bra
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
SUPPORT
FEATURES
Smooth moulded cups
Deep Contour plunge
Wirefree
Drop Open Nursing Access with Side Sling Support
Smooth moulded cups
Deep Contour plunge
Wirefree
Drop Open Nursing Access with Side Sling Support
FABRIC
53% Polyester 36% Nylon
More
Colors
WHY WE LOVE IT
This is the nursing bra that feels the most like our pre-pregnancy t-shirt bras. The soft silky microfiber fabric of this nursing bra feels great on the skin. The cups are just the right weight to provide coverage and shaping without bulk and drop open easily for nursing access. The deep plunge allows you to wear lower necklines.
The Best Day-to-Night T-Shirt Nursing Bra
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
SUPPORT
FEATURES
Soft Bamboo Viscose
Wirefree, Wide Supportive Under-band
Memory Foam Moulded Cups
Stretchy Cups Allow for Size Fluctuations
Plunge Neckline with a Touch of Lace
Drop Open Nursing Access with Nursing Sling
Soft Bamboo Viscose
Wirefree, Wide Supportive Under-band
Memory Foam Moulded Cups
Stretchy Cups Allow for Size Fluctuations
Plunge Neckline with a Touch of Lace
Drop Open Nursing Access with Nursing Sling
FABRIC
43% Viscose from Bamboo 27% Cotton 25% Nylon 5% Elastane
Lining 100% Cotton
Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® Certified: Fabric free from harmful substances
More Colors
WHY WE LOVE IT
This luxuriously soft bamboo t-shirt nursing bra gives you great shaping and plunge for day and is so comfortable you’ll want to wear it to bed. Memory foam moulded cups give gentle support that adjusts to your size fluctuations. We love that Cake Maternity has created this bra in two cup size options to suit a wide range of sizes (B-E and F-H cups).
The Best Full Coverage Underwire Nursing Bra
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
SUPPORT
FEATURES
Contoured Full Coverage Spacer Cups
Breastfeeding-safe Flexible Underwire
Drop Open Nursing Access
Inner Nursing Frame
Contoured Full Coverage Spacer Cups
Breastfeeding-safe Flexible Underwire
Drop Open Nursing Access
Inner Nursing Frame
FABRIC
86% Polyester 14% Elastane
Lining 100% Cotton
Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® Certified: Fabric free from harmful substances
More
Colors
WHY WE LOVE IT
This full coverage underwire nursing bra gets great reviews from full-figured moms for the comfort and smooth profile it creates. No spillage here! It’s still low enough for you to be able to wear most v-neck tops. The wide, flat back and wires under the arm give a smoothing effect all around. The spacer cups are not thick. They are very flexible and easy to fold down for nursing.