Are you looking for a supportive nursing sports bra that won’t compress your breasts too much while breastfeeding? I got you covered. I’m an active mama who has tried them all, and below are the best nursing sports bras around!
In addition to the handful that I used, I also researched countless other bras to determine the best of the best. I scoured the reviews of each of these bras to determine which bras lived up to the hype and which bras fell flat.
Quick Guide
Best Nursing Sports Bras for Breastfeeding Moms: Top 7 Picks
Below are our quick top picks (full reviews below) for the best nursing sports bras.
We have compiled a range of options from wire-free to high impact sports bras for breastfeeding. Choosing a supportive sports bra when nursing is important since our breasts are typically more sensitive and fuller during this time. In addition, a bra that is too constrictive can cause other issues, as discussed below.
Best Sports Bra for Nursing Moms: Our Top Picks
Below are our top picks for the best nursing sports bras for breastfeeding moms. Our reviews are unbiased and a portion of any purchase made will help us keep the lights on around Fit Healthy Best.
1. Syrokan Front Adjustable Wire-Free Nursing High Impact Sports Bra
Ladies, this is THE bra to purchase if you want something that checks all the boxes.
It is incredibly supportive and can adjust in the front to grow or shrink as you progress through pregnancy and breastfeeding. I just nursed my baby in this bra after my workout today!
This is the only bra I use when breastfeeding and when I’m not breastfeeding! It is just the best all-around nursing sports bra out there! I can’t say enough good things about this bra.
Key features:
- Available by cup/band size (Sizes 32B to 42E!)
- Adjustable back enclosure and shoulder straps
- Strong velcro straps for a customized fit and easy nursing access
- Extreme support for high impact workouts
- Comfortable material that won’t chafe or rub
- Attractive color options
- Can be used even after you’re not nursing anymore
- Machine washable / hang dry
Pros
- Extreme support for large busts
- Lightly padded for modesty
- Well-made and very durable
- Great for non-nursing women
- Very comfortable
- Flattering shape
- Comfortable racerback that will go well with workout tops
- Strong Velcro for an adjustable fit to grow or shrink with you!
- Available in traditional cup-sizes
- Cute color options
Cons
- May not allow for one-handed nursing like some other options
- No cups for separation
I wanted to mention here that I’ve been wearing a similar nursing sports bra for nearly a decade (pre- and post-children) and it is hands-down my favorite sports bra for nursing. It is now discontinued, but it is virtually the same as the Syrokan Sports Bra, except the back is less supportive than the racerback style of the Syrokan. You can see how it fits on me above.
2. Boob Maternity Fast Food Nursing Sports Bra
The Boob Maternity Fast Food Nursing Sports Bra is one of the best nursing sports bras on the market today. Not only is it flattering, supportive with easy nursing access, but it’s minimalist and stylish, which can sometimes be hard to find in a nursing bra.
Key features:
- Allows one-handed nursing access
- Inner cups are made of soft, fast-drying mesh
- Large racerback
- Padded shoulder straps
- Good amount of compression
- Supportive but not too tight
- Moisture-wicking
- Comfortable and flexible material
Pros
- Racerback design
- Clean, minimalist color
- Padded straps for comfort and support
- Comfortable, moisture-wicking material
- Supportive but not too much
- Allows for one-handed nursing
Cons
- No padding, which some women may not like
- Limited sizes and higher price (investment piece)
3. HotMilk Activate Flexwire Sports Nursing Bra
Another of the best nursing sports bras is the HotMilk Activate bra. This bra includes flexible underwire which is not found in many other nursing sports bras.
Key features:
- Allows one-handed nursing access
- 6 hook-and-eye closures for your expanding ribcage
- Flexiwire cups for individual support
- Thick band for comfort and support
- Supportive but not restricting (great for yoga and Pilates)
Pros
- Flexible underwire
- 6 hook-and-eye closures to change with your changing body
- Good support but not restrictive
- Thick chest band that lays flat for comfort and support
- Allows for one-handed nursing
Cons
- Not supportive enough for high-impact activity (better for Yoga or Pilates)
- Straps may dig in
4. Glamorise Double Layer Custom Control Sports Bra
Key features:
- Allows one-handed nursing access
- Inner bust bands for lift and separation
- Tag on outside bottom front to minimize irritation
- 4 optional front adjustable fit closures (rare!)
- Hook-and-eye closure on back
- Sold in traditional bra sizing
Pros
- 4 front-adjustable closures for extremely customized fit
- Support for all activities — low and high impact
- Sold in traditional bra-sizing
- Allows for one-handed nursing
Cons
- The material may be too thin for some (others may prefer this)
- Some women who are not used to compression bras may feel this bra is too tight
5. Cake Maternity Zest High Impact Nursing Sports Bra
Key features:
- Allows one-handed nursing access
- Sold in traditional bra sizes for a customizable fit
- Optional racerback fit
- 6 hook-and-eye closures for your expanding ribcage
- Great option for those with small frames and larger busts
Pros
- Great for women with smaller frames and larger busts
- 6 hook-and-eye closures on the back
- Sold in traditional bra sizing
- Soft, breathable material
- Allows for one-handed nursing
Cons
- Fabric in middle of breasts may be frustrating for some women
- Better for low impact/ everyday activities
6. La Leche League Nursing Sports Bra
Key features:
- Allows one-handed nursing access
- Comfortable polyester/cotton/spandex blend
- Great coverage and support
- Wide racerback
- Budget-friendly
Pros
- Created by breastfeeding experts
- Very soft bra
- Medium support
- Easy, one-handed nursing access
- Lower budget option
- Nice colors
Cons
- Some reviewers said the fabric digs into their armpits
- Better for lower impact activities
7. Enell Sports Bra
Key features:
Unparalleled compression and support- Full front and back coverage (no cleavage!)
- Strong, full shoulder straps
- Sold in traditional bra sizes
- Hook-and-loop front enclosures
- Thick, padded bottom band for comfort and support around your rib cage
Pros
- Not technically a nursing sports bra, but allows front access
- Unmatched compression and supports for breastfeeding runners
- Full front and back coverage
- Sold in traditional bra sizes
- You will not move in this bra!
Cons
- Difficult to put on
- Possible chafing on middle front
- Due to the extreme compression, there is a possibility of milk duct clogs, so should only be worn for short time periods
What is a nursing sports bra?
A nursing sports bra is similar to an
In addition, a nursing sports bra generally has a lot more support, compression,
We chose the above as the best nursing sports bras because they allow for nursing in addition to exercising. With this type of bra, you are able to feed your baby before, after, or during your workout.
Any mom knows that babies are on their own schedule and may demand a feeding in the middle of your workout!
Why would you need a sports bra for breastfeeding?
A breastfeeding mother is usually more engorged and well-endowed than normal.
Any woman will need more support during a high-intensity workout, but nursing mothers will need even more support to prevent feeling uncomfortable during a workout or even just feeling comfortable stepping into the gym.
While it is not necessarily unsafe to workout in a normal bra, any breastfeeding woman will tell you that it is much more comfortable to feel secure during your workout or when moving around a great deal.
When you feel good during your workout, you are much more likely to keep up with your fitness routines and goals.
If you’re aiming to lose some weight after having a baby, you might be interested in my 50 tips for postpartum weight loss.
What should I look for in my nursing sports bra?
When you’re nursing, your breasts are filled with milk and heavier and fuller than normal breasts, which is why you need one of the best nursing sports bras. Especially in the first 3-4 months of breastfeeding, you will need excellent support.
I remember how uncomfortable running was in those first few months — a supportive bra and well-fitting clothing is a must!
This is what you should look for:
- Support. As I mentioned earlier, a nursing mom simply cannot wear a regular nursing bra when working out. The support will need to be top-notch. The band should fit snugly. The straps should be thick and strong. The front panel should be larger to come up higher on your chest to give you that ‘held-in’ feeling. No one wants their cups to runneth over during that BodyPump class, right?
- Coverage. Carrying on with that full panel description, the front panel should come up higher than your average bra. If the nursing sports bra that you choose is a cup-version, the cups should be full and should not dip down. Cleavage isn’t a necessity for working out.
- Ease of use. A nursing sports bra should allow for nursing your baby, obviously! There are different types of straps that either clip down or velcro down. One of our options below has a hook and loop closure, which may be better for older babies who are a little more patient when waiting for their milk. If you’re feeing a 6-week old, you (and your baby) might prefer straps that un-clip very quickly.
(New moms stuck at home might also be interested in investing in the best treadmill under $1000 to fit in their runs, walks or sprints!)
How should my nursing sports bra fit?
Most importantly, it should fit snugly so your breasts are supported during exercise. However, your bra should not fit too snug or your could cause an infection or a clogged duct.
In addition, women’s rib cages expand during pregnancy to allow your lungs and uterus to expand (source). Your rib cage should return to a normal size in the postpartum months. I found that my rib cage measurements were larger than normal for the first 6 months postpartum (very much so during the first 3 months postpartum).
A large rib cage should be taken into account when choosing the sports bras for breastfeeding. I needed a different sports bra with a larger band in the first 3 months postpartum to ensure my band was snug but not too snug.
On that note, since your nursing sports bra will likely fit more snugly than a regular nursing bra, you risk developing clogged milk ducts. I found that if I wore my sports bra for too long that I would develop a clog.
If you can limit the use to just your workout time rather than all day, this should help prevent clogged milk ducts.
What kind of exercises can I do in this type of bra?
Many active mamas are looking for the best nursing sports bras for high impact activity. Some examples of high impact activity are:
- running
- HIIT (high-intensity interval training)
- plyometrics/jumping
- Boot Camp-style workouts and classes
- CrossFit
- any high-intensity aerobic activity
Still, even if you’re doing a lower impact
How to Make Your Own Nursing Sports Bra
For lower impact workouts like yoga and weight lifting, you may consider making your own nursing sports bra at home.
If you have an old spare sports bra and want to try making your own, check out the video below to make your own sports bra for low-intensity workouts at home:
For higher intensity workouts like running, boot camp, CrossFit, or sprints, I would still recommend investing in a high-quality option listed below. Of course, a homemade bra wouldn’t be quite as high-quality as the best nursing sports bras that we have listed above, but it could work for certain activities or in a pinch.
Wrapping Up: Best Sports Bras for Breastfeeding Moms
For women who were active prior to become moms, it’s so important to regain that sense of self after giving birth.
These are the best nursing sports bras that will allow you to have the best of both worlds — nurse your baby and work on your health and fitness.
Having one or two high-quality nursing sports bra in your wardrobe will make working out much easier on you. I know that a few of these bras has served me well for many years and through both of my pregnancy and postpartum months.
Let us know if you try any of these bras and what you think!
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