As your bra size increases at least one or two cups larger than it was pre-pregnancy, and the band size widens as well, it can be difficult to squeeze into your favorite sports bras before long. Once your baby comes, you’ll likely see the size almost double or even triple as your milk comes in!
Without a good sports bra to keep everything in place, you’ll find working out much harder than it needs to be. Plus, when breastfeeding a newborn baby, trying to get off a tight sports bra can leave them crying for longer and make everyone in the house much more stressed than they need to be.
It might be tempting to give up exercising altogether until the baby is a little older, but this can lead to postpartum depression and feeling like nothing in your life is just for you anymore.
So, to avoid stopping exercise altogether, we have scoured the market looking for the best sports bras to wear while breastfeeding. We’ve also compiled a list of important features to look for so that you are getting the best for your money.
Exercising postpartum doesn’t have to be difficult - you just need the right equipment! Let us help you find what you need to elevate your stress.
OUR TOP PICK
Another zip-up sports bra, this one from Yvette is made from 80% polyester and 20% elastane, keeping you comfortable yet supportive throughout your exercise session.
The padded straps also allow you to work out with your larger breasts without shoulder pain as the straps will take some of the pressure away.
The cool-max fabric promises to support you in every direction no matter what exercise you’re doing, rather than compressing your breasts unnaturally. This allows you to feel as comfortable with the bra on as you would without it.
This is a high-impact sports bra that can be worn during high-intensity workouts such as kickboxing, running, and HIIT workouts. The moisture-wicking material allows you to work out for longer without being too uncomfortable or allowing thrush to set in.
Plus, the absorbing material will soak up any leakage that you might experience.
Pros:
- Supportive yet comfortable: This bra keeps everything in place without putting too much pressure on your milk ducts.
- Excellent sizing: Choose your correct size from Small to 5X-Large Plus. No matter your current size, you’ll find the perfect fit with this sports bra.
- Stylish patterns: When you’re exhausted from breastfeeding, it’s nice to be able to dress in cute designs.
Cons:
- Higher price point: More expensive for one bra than the other sports bras we look at in this article.
EDITORS CHOICE
Another zip-up sports bra, this one from Yvette is made from 80% polyester and 20% elastane, keeping you comfortable yet supportive throughout your exercise session.
The padded straps also allow you to work out with your larger breasts without shoulder pain as the straps will take some of the pressure away.
The cool-max fabric promises to support you in every direction no matter what exercise you’re doing, rather than compressing your breasts unnaturally. This allows you to feel as comfortable with the bra on as you would without it.
This is a high-impact sports bra that can be worn during high-intensity workouts such as kickboxing, running, and HIIT workouts.
The moisture-wicking material allows you to work out for longer without being too uncomfortable or allowing thrush to set in.
Plus, the absorbing material will soak up any leakage that you might experience.
Pros:
- Supportive yet comfortable: This bra keeps everything in place without putting too much pressure on your milk ducts.
- Excellent sizing: Choose your correct size from Small to 5X-Large Plus. No matter your current size, you’ll find the perfect fit with this sports bra.
- Stylish patterns: When you’re exhausted from breastfeeding, it’s nice to be able to dress in cute designs.
Cons:
- Higher price point: More expensive for one bra than the other sports bras we look at in this article.
BEST VALUE
Next up we have a sports bra designed specifically for nursing.
The double-layered material allows you to unclasp the outer layer to easily feed your baby without exposing yourself unnecessarily. Once you’re finished, you can fix the clasp once more and get back to your workout.
The buckle can be undone with one hand, making it incredibly easy to soothe your irritated baby. The wireless design ensures that you remain comfortable throughout your exercise session while still offering ample support.
This sports bra is made from a waffle material that’s breathable and comfortable no matter how long you wear it. This added breathability wicks away moisture so that your baby can enjoy their feed no matter how far you were into your workout.
Pros:
- Specifically for nursing mothers: Could not be easier to feed your baby halfway through an exercise session.
- Stylish colors: Choose between six fashionable designs for a confidence boost.
- Easy to use: Undo the clasp within seconds with just one hand.
Cons:
- Runs small: Some customers found that their normal size was too small in this sports bra.
RUNNER UP
The Coastal Rose sports bra is another with front zipper closure, giving you easy access when it’s time for a feed.
The blend of 75% nylon and 25% elastane is excellent for a sports bra to keep your body feeling supported by a breathable and comfortable fabric.
Wear this sports bra for medium-intensity activities such as jogging and bodyweight exercises. The higher the intensity that your bra allows you to complete, the quicker you can bounce back and start to feel like yourself again.
Some new mothers don’t feel like themselves after they’ve given birth, so it can be beneficial to amp up your exercise regime to remind yourself of what your body can do. This is a great way to alleviate baby blues and adjust to your new life as a parent.
Pros:
- V neckline: Quick and easy to use when breastfeeding.
- Wide shoulder straps: Leave you feeling more comfortable and supported without your shoulders taking all of the weight in one small space.
- Elastic band: Can stop the sports bra from riding up or becoming less effective throughout the workout.
Cons:
- Low-quality zipper: A few customers had issues with the zipper not staying up properly.
- Small size guide: Make sure to check the size guide before purchasing so that you get your correct size.
RUNNER UP
Last but not least we have the Capricia O’dare sports bras, which come in a pack of three and therefore better value for money.
There is also the option to get them separately or in a pack of six, furthering how much money you can save with these garments.
The premium material is soft, comfortable, and supportive for all of your exercising needs. The straps are adjustable and feature clasps in front of your shoulder which can be ideal for breastfeeding.
The back straps have non-slip panels which help them to stay on your shoulders throughout your exercise.
When breastfeeding, this can also be beneficial so that you don’t accidentally expose yourself too much.
Pros:
- Easy to wear: Supportive and comfortable sports bra for low- to medium-intensity exercises.
- Adjustable straps: Easy to undo and redo clasps so that breastfeeding remains a breeze.
- Great value for money: Choose between one, three, or six sports bras to determine how much money you save.
Cons:
- Thin straps: Irritated one customer’s shoulders from how thin the straps were.
Best Sports Bra For Breastfeeding Buying Guide
There are not a great number of sports bras designed for breastfeeding moms on the market, so you need to do some work to find the best options.
Luckily, we have researched the most important features needed from your sports bra for breastfeeding, which we have listed below.
To get the best from the market, make sure you take the below factors into consideration before committing to a purchase.
Support
A supportive sporting bra is very important for every woman while exercising, so you should always look for the most supportive bra on the market.
Breastfeeding moms are less likely to be completing vigorous exercise; however, so high-impact sports bras might not be necessary.
Low-impact sports bras are good for women practicing Yoga or Pilates, and they’ll be stretchier so that you can move the fabric easily if you need to feed your baby halfway through the workout.
Medium-impact sports bras are good for walking or hikes as well as bodyweight exercises. They’ll be slightly stiffer than lower impact sports bras, but they should still be usable during breastfeeding.
The larger your breast size, the more support you’ll need to stop your back from hurting as you exercise. Your age also plays a role, as age can reduce the natural support that your skin provides, so your sports bra will need to do more of the work.
The straps also need to be strong, supported, and comfortable. As your breasts are heavier and larger, you’ll need the straps to bear some of the weight so that your shoulders and back don’t suffer too much.
Clasps and Closures
Sports bras with adjustable straps can be unhooked from the front of the strap so that you can easily breastfeed your child without removing your entire sports bra. These are simple yet effective, although there is the possibility that the plastic could break after plenty of use.
Alternatively, you can get sports bras that have a zippered closure at the front of the bra. This is helpful for many reasons, including easy access for breastfeeding. You can unzip them all the way or just half, depending on how much space you need.
Zipper closures can also be easier to use when your breasts are larger and more comfortable. Rather than pulling something over your head, you can slip it on as you would a button-up top or sweater.
Nursing Pad Spaces
Even the less glamorous parts of breastfeeding need to be addressed, too! Nursing pads can keep you comfortable throughout the day as well as while you’re exercising.
Quite a few sports bras have spaces for removable padding that you can take out and replace with nursing pads.
Alternatively, you can keep nursing pads inside the bra against your skin, so no space for nursing pads is not necessarily a dealbreaker. However, there is the potential that they’ll get bunched up during the day.
Comfort
Comfort is key when it comes to breastfeeding and beyond. Soft materials should be sought after, although they should also be moisture-wicking to remove as much sweat as possible.
Warm and moist environments are ideal for the growth of thrush, which is particularly troublesome when you’re breastfeeding as your breasts are larger than normal.
The stretchy material can also be more comfortable than stiff material to give you more room for maneuvering. Low and medium-impact sports bras should all be comfortable as long as they’re the correct size for your body.
Sizing Guide
Speaking of sizing, most manufacturers will display a size guide that you can follow to ensure that you’re opting for the best size for you. Don’t guess your size or opt for a size that you were pre-pregnancy, as this is likely not to be accurate anymore.
Many manufacturers will have different sizes online to one another, meaning that while you might be a medium in one sports bra, you could be a size small in another.
Bear in mind that as your breasts are likely to be engorged from breastfeeding, you will need a larger size to remain comfortable. Don’t let this discourage you if you have to get a sports bra multiple sizes larger than you used to fit, as it is likely a temporary change in your body.
Price
Babies are expensive! So, moms don’t often want to spend too much money on their own attire. For this reason, you might be looking for a sports bra with a low price tag. However, an incredibly low price might be for a reason, so be careful of low-quality products.
The best way to get a lower price for your sports bras is to find a multipack. Purchasing a pack of three sports bras will be better value for money than paying for three separate sports bras.
Customer Reviews
Checking the customer reviews on each of the sports bras that you’re considering will help you to pick out the best from the worst. If there is anything wrong with the product, you’ll find that someone has had the same issue and put it in the comments section.
Here you’ll be able to find out more about the support of the bra, the quality of the material and how it fares over time, and the value for money. If the bra has stretched or broken easily within a few weeks of purchasing for many customers, it’s likely to do the same for you and should be avoided.
Make sure that you check both the star ratings and the reason why the previous customer has rated it this way. They might simply be rating it one star due to the fact that they received the wrong color rather than something actually regarding the effectiveness of the sports bra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear a sports bra while breastfeeding?
Yes, you can wear a sports bra while breastfeeding to give you more support during exercise. However, you should remember to remove it after exercising so that you can lower your chances of developing thrush.
While not exercising, you can either wear a cotton nursing bra or no bra at all if you have smaller breasts. A nursing bra is more comfortable than a sports bra and still gives you enough support while not exercising.
Do I need a nursing sports bra?
If you’re going to be exercising right after a feed and your baby is in a good routine with their mealtimes, you don’t necessarily need a nursing sports bra.
However, it could be a good idea to use one if your baby is cluster-feeding or seemingly hungry all the time.
You can use a normal sports bra while breastfeeding, although removing it to feed your baby could leave you feeling very exposed. Due to this, a nursing sports bra like the ones we have looked at earlier might give you better coverage while breastfeeding.
Can sports bras cause mastitis?
Sometimes when a sports bra is too tight and structured it can compress your breasts and cause painful clogged milk ducts, which can then lead to mastitis.
To avoid this, only wear your sports bra while exercising and make sure that it is large enough so that the fabric won’t keep your breasts feeling compact and uncomfortable.