10 Nursing Bras For Breastfeeding Mums That Are Both Pretty & Functional
Nursing bras for maternity photoshoots, midnight nursing sessions, or pumping — these nursing bras do it all.
By Dawn Pillay -Â
When I was doing the preparation research before giving birth, nursing bras were so foreign to me. I ended up browsing through Shopee and picking out a couple of bestsellers I found.
One of them was terrible; it came with a bra extender, but the make of it just felt so tight and tedious to wear. The other bra became my favourite pumping bra, perfect for use with my Spectra pump.
Depending on how you’re planning to use your maternity bras, most pumping bras can double as nursing bras, and there are some really cute nursing bralettes that can also double as pumping bras for portable pumps.
If you’re shopping around for quality nursing bras that look cute while being functional, read on to check out the 10 best nursing bras we’ve picked out!
- 1. What is the purpose of nursing bras?
- 2. What is the difference between nursing and pumping bras?
- 3. What should I consider when choosing a nursing bra?
- 4. Best Affordable Pumping Bra
- 5. Best Cooling Crossover Nursing Bra With No Clips
- 6. Best Leakproof Nursing Bra With Convenient Magnetic Clips
- 7. Best Nursing Bralette For Maternity Photoshoots
- 8. Best Crossover Nursing Sleep Bra
- 9. Best Form-Flattering and Functional Nursing Bralette
- 10. Best Nursing Bra For Flexible Comfort
- 11. Best Pumping Bra For Plus Sized Mums
- 12. Best Nursing Bra With Non-Toxic Fabric
- 13. Best Nursing Bra With Breathable Mesh Design
What is the purpose of nursing bras?
Nursing bras are supportive bras worn by breastfeeding mothers that enable them to easily breastfeed their babies by providing easy nursing access via crossover pull-down cups or detachable nursing clips with a drop-down fabric layer.
What is the difference between nursing and pumping bras?
Depending on the elasticity and design of the bra, and the type of breast pump used, nursing bras that provide nursing access to babies can double as pumping bras - when used with portable pumps that can fit under the nursing bra used.
Pumping bras typically feature an opening in the middle of the bra cups and are generally used for hands-free pumping where breast pump flanges can be inserted and securely positioned for milk removal.
Some mums use these pumping bras to provide nursing access to their babies as well, but depending on how well your baby latches, a nursing bra may sometimes be better suited for the specific purpose of nursing.
What should I consider when choosing a nursing bra?
Mums generally use nursing bras with convenient nursing clips to provide easy nursing access to their babies by unclipping the drop-down front fabric layer of the bra. Some might prefer crossover-style nursing bras where there are no nursing clips involved, and all they have to do is pull down the cup fabric to give baby access.
You may also want to consider the material and fit, depending on your comfort level, and whether you’re planning to wear your nursing bra out or to sleep.
Breastfeeding mothers usually have to deal with leaking milk, so make sure that the nursing bra you choose has ample space for your disposable breast pads or removable bra pads that can be easily washed to ensure good hygiene.
If you’re a mum who does both direct breastfeeding and pumping, you can also consider the type of breast pump you’re using. For example, portable pumps that can be easily held in place by nursing bralettes, or pumps like the Spectra pump that require specific pumping bras to hold your flanges in place.
Best Affordable Pumping Bra
Cubble Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Bra
My favourite pumping bra that holds my Spectra flanges perfectly in place while being really comfortable to wear, the Cubble Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Bra is an affordable pick that truly gives you a bang for your buck.
Easy to wear, wash and use whether you’re pumping or nursing, it’s super soft and stretchy, and comes in two colours and three sizes.
I’ve worn it out under breastfeeding-friendly tops so I can nurse my baby while out and about thanks to the detachable front flap, and it has accompanied me through many pumping sessions since day one.
How much: From $14.90
Best Cooling Crossover Nursing Bra With No Clips
Medela Keep Cool Sleep Bustier
If there’s one thing pregnant mums can come together to collectively groan about, it’s the heat you feel from mid to late pregnancy, and even in the early postpartum days — like you’re lugging a portable heater around. I gave birth to my son in Dec 2025, and even in the cold, rainy December days, I remember feeling so hot and sweaty all day and all night.
For those experiencing the pregnancy or postpartum heat, I highly recommend the Medela Keep Cool Sleep Bustier, which is intentionally designed to help keep mums cool.
It’s very breathable with a hookless, clipless, wireless and seamless design to give you maximum lightweight comfort. After giving birth, if you’re using this bra for nursing, all you have to do is pull down the crossover cup to give the baby easy nursing access!
How much: From $34.77
Best Leakproof Nursing Bra With Convenient Magnetic Clips
LeakLock Nursing Wireless Bra
With a choice of colourways in Creamy Sakura or Black, LeakLock’s Nursing Wireless Bra is very convenient to use with its leakproof and magnetic easy-lock design.
As someone who has fumbled with stubborn nursing bra clasps while on the go, it can be challenging to lock or unlock the clasp with one hand when you’re carrying the baby — making this bra a great solution.
And if you’re not a fan of using disposable breast pads to absorb leaking milk, this bra absorbs up to 45ml per side too!
There are no underwires, and it’s made of a custom cotton blend so it’s super soft, smooth and stretchy, making it very comfortable to wear.
How much: From $59.90
Best Nursing Bralette For Maternity Photoshoots
Avery Dove Nursing Bralette
This lacy nursing bralette by Lovemere is great for mamas who love pretty things, dressing up, and looking and feeling good. The Avery Dove Nursing Bralette is available in Champagne Nude, Blush Pink, and Black, and is also popular with mums for maternity photoshoots.
The lining is made of 100% cotton and features inner removable padding, along with a supportive and comfortable wire-free design. The drop-down clasps make nursing access quick and easy, and there are four sizes to select from.
Do note that you are recommended to hand wash it, or use a laundry net if you prefer to machine wash the bralette.
How much: From $59
Best Crossover Nursing Sleep Bra
Dream Sleep Bra
We love that the Dream Sleep Bra from Anne Matthew comes in a myriad of fun colours from Sherbet to Sapphire. (Who says maternity bras have to be dreary!) Better yet, it features a clasp-free design for ultra-convenient nursing access even in the middle of the night — all you have to do is to simply pull down at the crossover neckline, and baby can start nursing.
“A great nursing sleep bra to wear when you don’t feel like wearing a bra to bed, but you need to because otherwise you will leak” was the idea behind this bra, so mums who resonate strongly with this statement can definitely consider including this in your postnatal wardrobe.
Made with 95% cotton and 5% spandex, the Dream Sleep Bra is soft, stretchy, and feels good on your body, while being supportive and functional all at the same time. It’s also decently priced and great for those after a budget-friendly option.
How much: From $39.90
Best Form-Flattering and Functional Nursing Bralette
Endearing Maternity Nursing Padded Bralette
If you’re in the market for a comfortable nursing bralette that’s as pretty as it is functional, you can’t miss out on Perk By Kate’s popular Endearing Maternity Nursing Padded Bralette.
Available in six gorgeous colours, this lacy nursing bralette helps mamas to not only look and feel at your feminine best, but it’s easy to nurse your baby whether you’re home or headed out.
Designed to be form-flattering for post-natal bodies, it has full coverage cups, a soft elastic band for ample support, and comes in an array of sizes to fit different bodies.
How much: From $69
Best Nursing Bra For Flexible Comfort
Bravado Designs Essential Stretch Nursing Bra
Soft, smooth and highly elastic, Bravado Designs Essential Stretch Nursing Bra is a no-fuss bra that will accompany you well through your nursing journey. Made with the brand’s special Eco-Adapt™ fabric, the bra was designed to remain flexible with your body’s changes and movements - making it great for mama’s boobs that are constantly changing as milk is produced or removed.
It also means that the cup area around the breasts will feel more comfortable and not as smothered or pressed against (sharing from my experience with some nursing bras that made my chest area feel very compressed and restricted).
The bra comes in Black or Butterscotch, and is available in four sizes too.
How much: From $69.90
Best Pumping Bra For Plus Sized Mums
Loveru Hands Free Pumping Bra
This affordable pumping bra has a flattering scalloped edge design, comes in green, black, purple and beige, and costs less than $20. Mummies interested in something a little different, while on a budget, won’t want to miss this.
Loveru’s Hands Free Pumping Bra lets you pump hands-free, and has sizes up to 6XL (up to 105kg), so if you’re looking for something suitable for plus-sized moms, this could be it!
Mummy reviewers have shared that this bra is suitable for hot weather and is soft and very comfortable for long hours of wear.
How much: From $13.08
Best Nursing Bra With Non-Toxic Fabric
Luxe Nursing Bra
Another popular maternity bra pick, Embrace’s Luxe Nursing Bra features a simple design with a cute picot trim. The nursing clips aren’t as chunky and are easy to use, and the material of the bra features non-toxic Oeko-tex® 100 fabric and is crafted with plant-based fabric made from Austrian beech trees.
It’s soft, lightweight and comes in four colours: Black, Camel, Cocoa Brown and Lilac, and has removable pads. What we particularly love most about this bra is that it’s so comfortable that you can sleep in it - making midnight nursing sessions truly convenient.
How much: From $70
Best Nursing Bra With Breathable Mesh Design
Gxxge 4-Pack Nursing Bra
Featuring a breathable mesh design, no underwires and easy-to-wash removable padding, the Gxxge 4-Pack Nursing Bra is an easy no-frills pick for mamas looking for something simple to get the job done.
The seamless and buttery-soft fabric with ribbed gore stretches to accommodate bust size fluctuations ensure that you’re comfortable throughout the day, and the bra is suitable for wearing to sleep too.
Designed for both pregnancy and nursing, mummies can grab this pack of four nursing bras if you’re just starting to build your maternity and post-natal wardrobe.
How much: From $45.18
