When I was pregnant with my first child four years ago, I didn't appreciate quite how much my body would change, or how quickly my favourite bras would stop fitting. Now well into my second pregnancy, I've already packed away most of my everyday designs in favour of the best maternity bras that are far more forgiving. Even before my bump became obvious, the extra stretch, softer fabrics and wire-free support made them infinitely more comfortable to wear throughout the day.

If you're wondering whether maternity bras are really worth buying, I'd say the answer is yes – whether you plan to breastfeed or not. Unlike standard bras, maternity bras are designed to accommodate fluctuating breast size, increased tenderness and the changes that happen throughout pregnancy and after birth. They typically use stretchier fabrics, wider straps, flexible support and additional hook-and-eye fastenings, while nursing bras add drop-down cups that make feeding or pumping much easier.

It's worth thinking about how you'll use them, too. A supportive everyday bra is essential, but I also like the idea of having a softer sleep bra for overnight comfort and something that works well with a wearable breast pump once baby arrives. Look for soft, breathable fabrics, easy one-handed nursing clips, a comfortable underband, plenty of stretch and an extendable back so the bra can adapt as your body changes.

To help narrow down the options, I've spent time researching some of the most popular maternity and nursing bras available, revisiting brands I remember from my first pregnancy alongside newer designs that have caught my eye this time around.

Read more: The best pregnancy pillows, tested

The best maternity and nursing bras for 2026 are:

  • Best overall–- Best budget buy– Asda maternity grey comfort bras 2 pack: £16, Asda.com
  • Best for support– Momcozy jelly strip seamless nursing bra: £39.99, Momcozy.com
  • Best for sleep– BabyGo nursing sleep bra: £22, Babygo.uk

Read more: Best breast pumps, tested

  • Bestoverall maternity bra
  • Why we love it- Soft, seamless fabric that's invisible under clothing
  • Comfortable wire-free support

  • Easy one-handed nursing clips

  • Take note- Light support may not suit high-impact activities

M&S has built a strong reputation for comfortable everyday lingerie, and its maternity bra feels like a natural extension of that range. Designed with seamless moulded cups and a smooth finish, I found it to be one of the most discreet and comfortable options of all those I tested.

The material feels incredibly soft against your skin and the wire-free construction offers gentle support without digging in. Plus, I found that the soft and stretchy fabric adapted nicely as my size changed throughout pregnancy.

The nursing clips are integrated neatly into the straps for easy feeding access, even when using just one hand, while the additional hook-and-eye fastenings help the bra continue fitting comfortably as your ribcage expands. I also really like that the lightly moulded cups provide shape without feeling padded or bulky, making it a practical choice for everyday wear.

This bra delivers an extremely comfortable fit and supportive feel, and it certainly lives up to its name, appearing practically invisible beneath clothing. For everyday wear, this is the maternity bra that managed to strike the best balance between comfort, practicality and value.

Key specifications

  • Size range:32A-42H
  • Colours:Black, opal

  • How to wash:Machine washable at 40C

  • Bestbudget maternity bra

  • Why we love it- Excellent value

  • Soft cotton-rich fabric is comfortable for everyday wear and sleeping

  • Take note- Limited support for fuller busts

If you're buying several maternity bras to see you through pregnancy and the early newborn months, value for money quickly becomes a priority. Asda’s comfort bra two-pack is one of the most affordable options on the market, offering two everyday bras for less than the cost of many single styles.

Made from a soft cotton-rich jersey with added stretch, these bras are designed with comfort rather than structure in mind. There's no underwire or padding, which I found makes them ideal for pregnancy, lounging around the house or even sleeping. I also really like the wide straps, which help distribute weight comfortably and the nursing clips are easy to fasten and undo.

Considering the price, I was surprised at how comfortable this bra is for everyday wear, although those with fuller busts may find they don't offer quite enough support for wearing all day outside the house. Still, as an inexpensive staple to wear while at home, they're hard to fault.

Key specifications

  • Size range:S-XXL
  • Colours:Grey and pink

  • How to wash:Machine washable

  • Bestseamless maternity bra

  • Why we love it- Extremely comfortable seamless design for all-day wear
  • Smooth finish sits discreetly under clothing

  • Stretchy fabric adapts well throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • Take note- May need to size up if you're between sizes

  • Hand wash only

Lindex has quietly become a favourite for affordable Scandinavian basics, and its mom seamless nursing bra offers a simple, fuss-free design that focuses on comfort. This bra is one that I actually wore during my first pregnancy and, if I’m honest, well beyond the postpartum period – a testament to just how comfortable it is. It truly was very difficult to part with.

Made from a soft, stretchy material, it has a smooth finish that works well beneath almost any type of clothing and adapts to your body as it continues to change throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, I would suggest that sizing up may provide a more comfortable fit if you're between sizes as I did experience a slight underarm bulge.

The bra features drop-down nursing cups which are secured with traditional nursing clips and these are very easy to fasten and undo. The seamless construction made a noticeable difference to minimising irritation around my sensitive skin and I really like the slightly wider shoulder straps that make it comfortable for all-day wear.

Key specifications

  • Size range:XS-XXL
  • Colours:Black

  • How to wash:Hand wash only

  • Bestmaternity bra for support

  • Why we love it- Outstanding support and lift
  • Soft seamless fabric is gentle on sensitive skin

  • Attractive design with scalloped trim

  • Take note- One of the pricier options tested

  • Hand wash only

Momcozy has become increasingly popular with breastfeeding mums and regularly pops up on my Tiktok feed, so I was keen to see what all the fuss was about. The jelly strip bras feature clever support technology, with a jelly strip support system that’s designed to gently lift and separate without the need for underwires. As soon as I put this bra on, I instantly felt supported and lifted but was pleased that I didn’t experience any of the unwanted tightness or discomfort some wired bras can cause.

This bra combines practicality with a surprisingly attractive design and I really liked the scallop-shaped trim, which gave it a more feminine look than many maternity options. Plus, the seamless construction and buttery-soft material meant I didn’t experience any irritation, even on days when my skin was feeling extra-sensitive.

The cups feature easy-access nursing clips and there’s more than enough flexibility to accommodate breast size changes throughout pregnancy and postpartum. I also found that the wide shoulder straps and slightly elongated underband made it well-suited to longer days of wear.

Key specifications

  • Size range:S-3XL plus
  • Colours:Eight colours

  • How to wash:Hand wash only

  • Bestcooling maternity bra

  • Why we love it- Breathable cooling fabric helps with night sweats and hot weather

  • Lightweight, silky-soft fabric feels barely there

  • Take note- Gentle support only

If you're pregnant or breastfeeding during the summer, or you've experienced the seemingly endless hot flushes and postpartum sweats that often come with early motherhood, staying cool can feel like an impossible task. That's exactly where Medela's keep cool breathable bra comes into its own. Rather than focusing solely on support, it's designed to actively help regulate your temperature throughout the day, using quick-drying fabric, strategically placed breathing zones and temperature-control technology to improve airflow and wick away moisture.

I tested the bra during the recent spell of hot weather, when simply getting dressed felt uncomfortable, and it quickly became one of the bras I reached for most often. While it obviously couldn't stop me from feeling hot altogether, I noticed my chest stayed noticeably cooler and drier than it did in my regular bras.

The seamless, wireless design makes it incredibly comfortable for all-day wear. The fabric feels silky soft against sensitive skin, and it has a decent amount of flex to fit to your changing body. I also appreciated the adjustable straps, which made it easy to tweak the fit as needed throughout pregnancy.

It has full drop-down nursing cups, making feeding quick and convenient, and, despite feeling exceptionally lightweight, it offers gentle to moderate support that was more than enough for everyday wear around the house. For comfort, breathability and keeping cool when temperatures (or hormones) are working against you, this is one of the most practical maternity and nursing bras I tested.

Key specifications

  • Size range:S-XXL
  • Colours:Black, white, chai

  • How to wash:Machine washable

  • Bestt-shirt maternity bra

  • Why we love it- Lightly moulded cups create a smooth T-shirt-friendly shape
  • Soft microfibre fabric feels comfortable against sensitive skin

  • Easy one-handed nursing clips

  • Take note- Hand wash only

JoJo Maman Bébé has long been a trusted name in maternity essentials, and this moulded maternity bra has clearly been designed with everyday wear in mind. If you prefer a little extra shaping under clothing, the lightly moulded cups create a smooth silhouette beneath T-shirts, jumpers and dresses without relying on uncomfortable underwiring.

I was a big fan of the microfibre fabric, which felt silky soft against my skin and has enough flexibility to accommodate changing breast size. Traditional nursing clips are positioned at the front of the straps and I found that these can be easily opened with one hand, while the drop-down cups provide easy access during feeds. The bra also features adjustable straps and multiple rows of hook-and-eye fastenings, which will help extend the bra's lifespan as your body changes.

Compared with softer seamless bras, I found that this style offers a slightly more structured feel, making it a good option if you prefer a little more definition and if you appreciate the added shaping and support for everyday outfits.

Key specifications

  • Size range:32B-40F
  • Colours:Black, white

  • How to wash:Hand wash only

  • Bestmaternity bra for sleep

  • Why we love it- Crossover front makes night feeds quick and easy

  • Soft cotton-rich fabric is ideal for sleeping

  • Take note- Limited support for larger busts

  • Minimal shaping

Sleep can become increasingly uncomfortable during pregnancy, particularly as breasts change in size and become more sensitive, so BabyGo has designed this bra specifically with overnight comfort in mind. It has a simple crossover front rather than traditional nursing clips, making it quick and easy to pull aside for night feeds once your baby arrives. It's also compatible with nursing pads, which is handy during those early postpartum weeks.

Made from a soft, breathable cotton-rich fabric, I found that it had plenty of stretch and moved with my body rather than feeling restrictive. The wide underband also offered light support without digging in, and I really liked that the pull-on style meant there were no fiddly hooks or fastenings to contend with – something that will surely come in handy in the middle of the night. For those early postpartum days, it’s also comfortable enough to wear around the house when a structured bra feels like too much.

As with many sleep bras, the support is fairly gentle, so it isn't the best choice if you have a larger bust or want something for all-day wear. However, as an inexpensive addition to your maternity and hospital bag, it represents excellent value and is the sort of bra I can see myself reaching for time and again.

Key specifications

  • Size range:S-XXL
  • Colours:Black, nude

  • How to wash:Machine washable at 30C

  • Beststylish maternity bra

  • Why we love it- Stylish design that doesn't look like a traditional nursing bra
  • Thick, supportive fabric with a comfortable wire-free fit

  • Versatile enough to wear long after breastfeeding

  • Take note- Runs slightly small, so sizing up may be necessary

Finding a maternity bra that feels genuinely stylish can be surprisingly difficult, but Renue proves that practicality and good design don't have to be mutually exclusive. Unlike many seamless maternity bras that prioritise function above all else, this one has a sleek, contemporary aesthetic that wouldn't look out of place alongside your everyday undies.

The smooth, double-layered fabric is soft against sensitive skin, while still feeling thick enough to provide a supportive fit. I also found that the wire-free construction meant it felt comfortable enough when wearing for long days.

It’s designed with easy-release nursing clips, which are great for quick feeding access, while I found that the adjustable straps and a multi-row hook-and-eye fastening helped to accommodate the natural changes my body went through during pregnancy.

I also really like how versatile this bra is. Rather than looking obviously like a nursing bra, it's the sort of style you could happily continue wearing long-after the postpartum period is up The fabric is thicker than most but it still has enough stretch to adapt to changing cup sizes, while still retaining a supportive shape. That being said, I would recommend sizing up if you’re between sizes.

Key specifications

  • Size range:XS-XXXL
  • Colours:Black, white, dusty pink, espresso

  • How to wash:Machine washable

  • Bestpretty maternity bra

  • Why we love it- Stylish design
  • Soft ribbed fabric with plenty of stretch

  • Comfortable, lightweight feel

  • Take note- Better for lounging and lighter wear than full-day support

Maternity underwear doesn't have to be plain, and Boux Avenue's ribbed nursing bralette is proof that breastfeeding-friendly lingerie can still feel feminine. Featuring a flattering V-neck shape and embroidered bow details, the bra is available in a choice of two pretty colours – dove blue and pink – making it one of the prettiest nursing bras I tried.

It’s practical too, though. The ribbed fabric has a generous amount of stretch, allowing it to adapt to your bust and I found that the soft triangle cups kept the overall feel light and comfortable. It also features nursing clips, which are discreetly incorporated into the design for easy feeding access, while the adjustable straps and a hook-and-eye fastening provide additional flexibility.

Because it's a bralette rather than a fully supportive bra, this style is better suited to smaller and medium cup sizes or occasions when comfort is more important than maximum support. If you're looking for something to wear under lower-cut tops or simply want a maternity bra that feels a little more like your pre-pregnancy lingerie, this is an appealing option that doesn't compromise on style.

Key specifications

  • Size range:XS-XL
  • Colours:Dove blue, pink

  • How to wash:Machine washable

  • Bestmaternity bra for larger busts

  • Why we love it- Excellent support for fuller busts
  • Wide back and multiple hook fastenings provide a secure fit

  • Easy one-handed nursing clips

  • Take note- Hand washing recommended

If you have a larger bust and have struggled to find a maternity bra that feels genuinely supportive without relying on underwiring, Pour Moi's love to lounge cotton nursing bra is well worth considering. Available in sizes 32A to 38G, it's designed with a four-piece cup that offers noticeably more structure than many soft nursing bras I tested, while the inner cotton side sling provides excellent support during feeds without feeling restrictive.

What impressed me most was how secure I felt wearing it. Plenty of maternity bras prioritise softness at the expense of support, but this one manages to strike a really good balance. Even towards the end of the day, when I often found other bras had stretched or lost their shape slightly, this still felt supportive without becoming uncomfortable. The wide underband distributes the weight evenly and never dug into my ribs, while the broad hook-and-eye fastening sat comfortably across my back.

The drop-down nursing clips were easy enough to undo with one hand, making feeds that little bit simpler, while the full cup design provided good coverage without feeling bulky under clothing. It’s also available in a range of colours and prints, including classic black, soft pink and a playful animal print, making it feel like something you'd genuinely choose to wear rather than something you simply have to.

The only real downside is the care instructions. As it's hand wash only, it isn't quite as low maintenance as some of the machine-washable bras I tested, which could be a consideration once your laundry pile inevitably starts growing with a newborn.

Key specifications

  • Size range:32A-38G
  • Colours:Black/white spot, soft pink and animal
  • How to wash:Hand wash recommended