The Best Breastfeeding Bras: |
Difference Between Cup and Band Size | Cup Size |
Less than 1 inch | AA |
1 inch | A |
2 inches | B |
3 inches | C |
4 inches | D |
5 inches | DD or E |
6 inches | DDD or F |
7 inches | G |
This pattern continues up to a 14 inch difference, which would be a N cup.
Below are some simple steps you can take to measure yourself at home. These are general guidelines. As you're shopping, consider each brand's suggestions for getting the best fit. If you're still not sure, you can always stop in at your local bra store for a professional fitting.

Measuring Yourself for a Good Fit
For your band size, you will take two measurements. First, measure yourself snugly across the top of your chest under your armpits (will be across the top of your breasts).Then measure yourself under your breasts, across your rib cage. Which measurement is larger? If it's an odd number, round up 1. This will become your band size.
For your cup size, measure across the fullest part of your breast, across your nipple. Your breasts should be loose and not constricted as you take this measurement.
Subtract this number from your band size. Each inch left over will equal 1 cup size. The the chart to the right as a starting point in determining your cup size.
Breastfeeding Bras for
Plus Sized Women
Or, if you'd rather choose via department, rather than brand, Motherhood Maternity
has a large plus-size department that has a wide range of options for the blessedly busty.
A Quick Word about Breast Pads
Since you won't know until your nursing whether you have "leaky" breasts or not, I recommend having some breast pads on hand just in case. The larger the pad, the more discreet it will be under your clothing. Slightly-pink pads also tend to be less notice under light colored clothing.
Prevent this "most embarrassing moment" from happening by keeping a good stock of breast pads. There are two types of breast pads out there. The washable (re-usable) breast pads, and the disposables.

Washable Nursing Pads: Pros and Cons
The washable nursing pads are usually less expensive in the long run. However, you'll want to keep a healthy supply of clean ones on hand. Wet nursing pads are breeding ground for bad bacteria! As you wash the pads, be sure to avoid using any fabric softener, since this could impede the pads absorbency. However, you can add fabric softener sheets to the dryer to soften them.When shopping for washable nursing pads, look for 100% cotton. This allows for good airflow to keep nipples dry and bacteria-free. Lace on the top is fine, as long as the rest of the pad is cotton. Some moms have used cut up cloth diapers or a man's folded napkin effectively as a homemade nursing pad. The same rule applies though. As soon as they get wet, change to a clean pad to prevent infection. Heavy leakers are encouraged to have about a dozen on hand for rotating through the wash.
The Bravado washable nursing pads are recommended by most lactation consultants. They have a large circumference, to cover the entire breast and feature a "cool max layer" that pulls moisture away from the skin for quick drying (and avoiding any "sticking" that disposables and some other washables can cause - youch!).
They are fully machine washable and made from terry-cloth. They are approximately $14 for a set of 6. Heavy leakers should double their pads for maximum protection (which would be the case with any nursing pad).
The best price for Bravado washable nursing pads is at HerRoom Lingerie

Disposable Nursing Pads: Pros and Cons
Whether or not you decide on buying mostly washable nursing pads, it's a good idea to have at least a few disposables on hand at all times, just in case. I keep them where I keep my emergency diapers: in a side pocket of my diaper bag or purse, etc. They are a traveling breastfeeder's best friend. Especially when you're not going to have access to a washing machine.

If you're practically an open faucet, you're going to pay through the nose to keep your breasts dry. In that case, purchase several washable sets. It will pay off in the long run.
Sanitary napkins do not make good homemade disposable nursing pads. They may absorb the leakage, but they do not allow for good airflow, encouraging yeast and bacteria to grow.
In the world of disposable nursing pads, Lansinoh takes the lead for having the most-beloved disposable nursing pad. (72% gave them 5 stars.) These pads have a slight contour that keep it invisible under your clothing.
A self-adhesive tape keeps it from shifting around without you're noticing (always a frustration). They absorb well, while keeping your skin dry.
The second-place winner in the world of disposable nursing pads was Medela, with 51% of nursing mothers giving them a 5-star rating.
The best deals on both these disposable nursing pads can be found at Amazon. Buying
in bulk will allow you to purchase them for as little as $0.18 a pad.
Reviews of The Top Breastfeeding Bras:
Moms Speak Out
Naturally, there are more breastfeeding bras out there than the 6 brands reviewed here. These are just the most popular and well known brands.
If you find a brand you love and it isn't listed, please let me know. I'd be happy to research and include it in the list!
Moms Speak Out

Bravado Breastfeeding Bras
88% of moms reviewing the Bravado brand reported they were extremely comfortable, 71% said they were easy to use, and 54% said they gave good support. Most reported being able to open and close the flaps with one hand, and thought the colors and styles were attractive and not "grandma-ish".
- Sizes Available: Sizes will vary on the specific bra you're looking at. Women with small band sizes (32-36) will find cup sizes from B all the way to DD - F. Women with larger band sizes at 42-46 inches, can find cup sizes as large as F - G.
- Where To Buy: Her Room
- Final Rating: 4.6 out of 5

Glamourmom Nursing Tanks and Tops
There are two camps in regards to Glamourmom. Smaller-chested women report loving the support and enjoy the wide variety of colors and patterns. The biggest bonus is that these are shirts, not bras. However, larger chested women complained that the neckline was cut too low and the holes were too small for some nipples.There was agreement that the tops were easy to use and had an attractive design. If you're looking for a nursing top or tank, and you are not an E cup, you may find these are just what you're looking for. However, check the return policy just in case!
- Sizes Available: Sizes vary according to style. The smallest found was AA-B cup, 28-32 band. The largest was D-F cup, 40-44 band.
- Where To Buy: A Pea in the Pod
- Final Rating: 3.2 out of 5

Playtex Breastfeeding Bras
This brand is well known for being the most inexpensive of the nursing bras. 96% of moms who use this brand report that it is comfortable and offers good support. The most common complaints were the plainness of the design and that the bras tend to wear out fairly quickly. 89% recommend the Playtex bra for everyday use.
The most popular design is the Expectant Moments Underwire Nursing bra. If you decide to give this design a go, be sure to skim through my comments about underwire nursing bras in the "What to Look For" section above.
- Sizes Available:
- Where To Buy: Amazon
- Final Rating: 4.4 out of 5

Medela Breastfeeding Bras
Since Medela is the non-disputed leader in nursing equipment (LINK) it stands to reason that they would have a pretty impressive line of nursing bras.The Medela Comfort Bra is their top design and is beloved by most moms for it's comfortable fit. The larger-chested you are, the more comfortable moms says it is. The Comfort Bra is worn by moms during the day and as a sleeping bra. The fabric is mesh-like, soft, and stretchy. It washes well and lasts a long time. Some mothers reported that the brand runs a little small, so you may wish to order 2 in different sizes and return the worst fit.
The overall consensus was that, specifically, the Medela Comfort Bra is a hands-down favorite for around the house and bedtime wear. If you're going out of the house, you should probably look at the underwire Medela nursing bra (also a big hit) or another brand altogether.
- Sizes Available: The Comfort Bra is offered in small to X-large sizes, which corresponds to a minimum of 34-band and maximum of a 43-inch band. They do not offer cup sizing on this sports-bra style. Moms report they run a little small.
- Where To Buy: Amazon
- Final Rating: 4.7 out of 5

Elle MacPherson Breastfeeding Bras
Elle MacPherson Intimates is well-known for making sexy lingerie and extremely feminine underwear. In the land of nursing wear, they extend that reputation and balance beauty, comfortability, and functionality surprisingly well.These nursing bras are on the expensive side, so expect to spend $50 - $60 for a single bra. 87% of moms reported that it was one of the most comfortable bras (let alone breastfeeding bras) they've ever owned. Larger-breasted women especially seemed to find the fit supportive and comfortable.
The largest complaint was the thin material. The nipple factor was a common dilemma. Most women reported fixing it with nursing pads.
- Sizes Available: Up to size 38DD, some moms have found them up to cup size G.
- Where To Buy: Her Room
- Final Rating: 4.6 out of 5

La Leche League Breastfeeding Bras
One would expect, in the world of breastfeeding bras, for the well-respected La Leche League to lead the way in regards to nursing wear. Sadly, that doesn't seem to be the case. Their most popular bra, the lightly padded contour bra (pictured here), certainly gets points for looking the least maternal. In fact, it looks (and feels) like a normal bra.However, most moms admitted that although it was comfortable, looked nice under clothing, and had good support, when it came down to nursing it was somewhat of a pain. Because of the padding, the cups are trickier to fold down and expose for nursing. The padding also provides great warmth in winter, but watch out Floridians! It could contribute to sweating and dampness around the breast (a nursing no-no).
If you decide to give this bra a try (the lower price here is a bonus), most mothers recommend you invest in a good nursing cover to provide discreet covering during the somewhat-cumbersome latch-and-unlatch process.
- Sizes Available: Up to cup size DD
- Where To Buy: Her Room
- Final Rating: 3.9 out of 5
Which breastfeeding bras are your favorite? Share your experience with other nursing moms by listing what you liked, and what you didn't in a product review.
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