Maternity Bras

Your breasts change more during pregnancy and breastfeeding than at any other time in your life — in size, weight, sensitivity, and shape. A maternity bra needs to accommodate this change while providing genuine support, and a nursing bra needs to do all of that while also allowing easy one-handed access for feeding. At Brava, our maternity range covers D to K cup in sizes 8 to 22, with options across every stage from the first trimester through to weaning.

When to buy and what to expect

Most fitters recommend buying maternity bras at around 16 weeks — early enough that the first significant growth has settled, late enough that you're not buying for a size you'll grow through in a week. Buy nursing bras at around 36 weeks, when breast size is closer to post-birth fullness. The standard guidance is to have three bras in rotation: one to wear, one in the wash, one ready. Your breasts will leak milk and need more frequent washing than regular lingerie.

When fitting in the first and second trimester, fasten your maternity bra on the loosest hook — as your ribcage expands, you'll work through the tighter hooks. For nursing bras fitted near the end of pregnancy, fit on the tightest hook — your ribcage will reduce in size after birth, and you'll need the band to loosen again.

Underwire, flexi-wire, and wirefree

The Australian Breastfeeding Association advises that flexible low-gauge wire (flexi-wire) — which flexes with the changing shape of the breast — carries lower risk than rigid underwire during breastfeeding, where a poorly fitted wire sitting on breast tissue can contribute to blocked ducts. A correctly fitted flexi-wire bra, where the wire sits on the ribcage below all breast tissue, is considered lower risk. Rigid underwired bras are not recommended during breastfeeding. Wirefree styles are the safest option and work well for many women, particularly at D–F cup. At G cup and above, a well-fitted flexi-wire bra often provides significantly better support than a wirefree option for daytime wear.

For sleep and night feeds, wirefree styles or soft crop bras are recommended regardless of cup size.

Brands at Brava

Hotmilk produces some of the most aesthetically considered maternity bras available — feminine lace, contemporary design, flexi-wire and wirefree options in D–J cup. Cake Lingerie takes a similar approach with an emphasis on sustainable fabrics and ethical manufacturing. Both brands design specifically for the maternity and nursing context. For D+ cup specifically, Panache and Elomi also produce nursing styles in their fuller-bust ranges.