Your guide to maternity and nursing bras
You’re expecting a little one – how exciting! As your body changes during pregnancy and after birth, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what you need when it comes to bras. It’s less about one ‘perfect’ style and more about finding comfortable, supportive options that move with you. This guide is here to help you every step of the way.
And if it helps to see things brought to life, this short video is a lovely place to start. Put your feet up, pop the kettle on and we’ll walk you through what to expect, how your body might change, and how we can support you along the way.
You can also explore our dedicated guides to maternity bras and nursing bras, with everything you need to know about each style.
What you might need (and when)
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, it’s completely normal for your bra size to change – often more than once! As your bump grows, your ribcage expands and your boobs often need more room and support too.
Many women start to prefer softer, more flexible styles during pregnancy. These are often called maternity bras, but really, they can be any bra that fits well and feels comfortable at this stage. Some love non‑wired styles, while others are happy to stick with wires – there’s no right or wrong, just whatever feels best for you.
Want to learn more about what to look for? Take a look at our maternity bra guide.
Getting ready for baby
After your baby arrives, your boobs can change quickly as your milk comes in – and that can feel uncomfortable if your bra isn’t right. Many people find that softer, non-wired styles feel best, as they’re less likely to dig in or feel restrictive.
If you’re planning to breastfeed, this is when a nursing bra can really help. Designed to be soft, flexible and comfortable, nursing bras have drop down cups for easy feeding, while still giving you the support you need.
If you’re not sure where to start, our nursing bra guide has everything you need to know.
Breastfeeding and beyond
Whether you’re planning to breastfeed or not, having a bra that feels supportive and comfortable after your baby arrives can make a real difference. Your body is still changing, so it’s all about finding styles that support you and feel good too.
If you’re breastfeeding, we usually recommend sticking with a non‑wired nursing bra for at least four weeks after birth, while your body continues to change. Comfort is key during this stage (both day and night!), so soft fabrics and flexible fits are your best friend.
Lots of people love a soft bralette during this time, like our Nursing Ultimate Comfort bra (shown), which is gentle enough for sleeping in too. When you feel ready for a little more structure, flexi‑wired bras are a popular next step, offering support with a softer, more flexible feel.
We’re here for you
Whether you’re unsure about your size or which style will feel best, our free, feel-good fitting service is designed around you and your baby, with online fittings available 7 days a week – with or without an appointment.
Enjoy the full fitting room experience from the comfort of your own home, where you’ll be guided by expertly trained fitters, just like those in our UK shops. There’s no need to undress, as we fit by eye using the bra you’re wearing – so there’s no nakedness and definitely no judgement (lots of us are mums too!).
More frequently asked questions
You might be surprised how often we get asked this – and honestly, there’s no such thing as ‘normal’. We’re all wonderfully unique, especially during pregnancy and nursing (your body really is amazing). We’ve seen boobs in all shapes and sizes, so if you’d like an online fitting, we promise there’s no judgement here.
A maternity bra can be any bra that fits well and feels comfortable during pregnancy. Some women prefer non-wired styles, but it’s completely up to you.
A nursing bra has drop down cups clipped to the straps, which can be easily opened when feeding your baby.
Looking for more detail? Take a look at our maternity and nursing bra guides.
Your bra size can increase quite dramatically during pregnancy. You may have to wear several different bra sizes, and it’s common to need both bigger cup and a larger back size as your bump grows and your ribcage expands. Everyone’s different, so it’s all about what feels comfortable for you.
If your straps are digging in, the band feels tight or rides up, or your cups feel too small, it’s usually a sign your fit’s not quite right and it’s worth trying a new size. Need help finding your fit? Head to our bra fitting guide, or get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.
As long as it fits well and is checked regularly, it’s absolutely fine to wear an underwired bra during pregnancy. Just make sure the wires sit comfortably on your ribcage and aren’t digging into your breast tissue. If anything starts to feel uncomfortable, it’s a good idea to switch to a flexi-wire or non-wired style.
You can buy a maternity bra whenever you feel ready. Some women find they need to try a new style or size early on, while others wait until the second or third trimester – and some women don’t need one at all! It very much depends on how your boobs change, which is different for everyone.
For nursing bras, it’s best to try to wait until as late as possible in your pregnancy (ideally until after your 36th or 37th week). That way, you’re more likely to get a good fit once your baby arrives.
You can find more detail in our maternity and nursing bra guides.
Yes! Our free, feel good fitting service is available online, 7 days a week. For more info, visit our fittings page or give us a call on 1 877 826 3857.
Absolutely. All our friendly fitters are trained in exactly the same way, so you’re always getting expert advice. We fit by eye using the bra you’re wearing, so there are no tape measures, no nakedness, and definitely no judgement.
Find out more about our fittings.
After birth, your milk coming in can affect the size and shape of your boobs, so they can fluctuate a lot. Many people find that non‑wired styles feel more comfortable at this stage, as they’re less likely to dig in or cause discomfort. It’s all about finding what feels right for you.
It’s different for everyone – some people go back to their pre-pregnancy size, while others notice a lasting change. The best guide is how your bra feels, so keep checking your fit through pregnancy and beyond – and if you’re not sure, you can try an online fitting. We’ll help you find your perfect fit (and make it feel like a bit of well-deserved ‘you time’!).