When you have a large chest, it can be tricky to find a great bra. Add in being plus size and needing nursing options? It can be so hard to find any options that give you everything you are looking for without compromising. When I nursed my first son seven years ago, it was close to impossible to find anything that worked for my band and cup size. Thankfully, the availability of plus-size nursing bras has definitely improved, and there ARE options for you out there!
Over the last few months, I have bought no less than FIFTEEN different nursing bras to test out. For reference, I’m currently a 44GG cup in traditional bras or a 3X/4X/24/26 in clothing. And my breasts are 100% the largest they have been.
Grab a cup of tea and a lactation cookie, and cozy up. This post is going to be super comprehensive, covering all of your nursing needs, no matter your bra size. I’ve broken the plus size nursing bras down by what I think are the best features and what will help you find the exact bra you are looking for.
PLUS SIZE NURSING BRA GUIDE
THE BEST NUDE, UNDERWIRE NURSING BRA
It took me forever to find a nude nursing bra that also had an underwire. I feel like this should be a closet staple, but the struggle was real! I bought two from Third Love, and they are great. Personally, I felt like the cups ran a little big, but take that with a grain of salt as no two breasts were created equal!
THE BEST EVERY DAY NURSING BRA
If I could only choose one nursing bra to have in my closet, it would be this one from Kindred Braverly. The Simply Sublime Nursing Bra is LEGIT. I was super skeptical, as the sizing is only up to an XXL, but they recently added in a “busty” size option, which made all of the difference!
One of the things I love about this bra is that you can both pump and nurse in it. It is wire-free and has removable padded cups. For being a wire-free bra, it gives really decent lift and separation while being incredibly comfortable. According to their size chart, the XXL BUSTY can fit up to a 44I, which is incredibly accurate.
Each of these bras also comes with an extender, which I think will be really useful during the early stages of nursing when supply is establishing and you may find yourself engorged or more sensitive. Having the option for some extra room is amazing.
THE BEST PUMPING BRA
Almost identical to the Simply Sublime Nursing Bra, this bra has an additional shell that allows for easy pumping. It has a bit more support that the original because of the two layers, but would be great for a pumping mom who doesn’t want to be swapping between a nursing bra, regular bra, or pumping bra.
It has the same sizing, bra extender, and removable pads, and you might be able to get reimbursement for it with your FSA/HSA!
THE BEST NURSING BRAS FOR SLEEPING AND LOUNGING
There are a few bras in this category, all that deserve their own attention! The last year has taught me personally that I am not too worried about my breasts looking perfectly round, pert, and lifted at all times. Comfort is king, and when you start nursing a baby, comfort and accessibility are paramount.
The first bra that I would highly recommend is the True & Co True Body Lift Scoop Neck Bra. This is like the bra that doesn’t actually exist when you are wearing it. It is so soft, gives minimal support, and you forget that it is on. This isn’t actually a traditional nursing bra, but it is super easy to either lift the breast over the top (super helpful when you have a large chest to have that extra hammock-like support) or to lift the bra over.
I also think that the Kindred Braverly Sleep bras are great! They are a pull-on style with no clasp and are super comfy. There is an Organic Cotton Sleeping Bra and a French Terry Racerback Sleeping Bra. Both fit exactly the same with plenty of room for my 44GG breasts. I find this bra has a good amount of lift, but leaves very little “shape”, so this is definitely a home and lounge bra for me.
I love this cross-over style bra for sleeping because all of you have to do is whip it out. No fussing with clasps! The French Terry fabric is just a bit thicker than the organic cotton, and if I had to choose, I would stick with the cotton. The French Terry Sleeping Bra is also a racerback if you prefer that style.
Girlfriend Collective has another crossover style nursing bra. It is very similar in style to the Kindred Braverly but is made from a workout material. It is definitely a thicker material, but that will help keep elongated nipples disguised. It is super breathable and moisture-wicking, which will be great when the postpartum night sweats hit.
I went up a size on this bra, thinking I would need the extra room, and should have stuck with my regular size. It fits generous with plenty of room for adjusting cup sizing during the early nursing days.
THE BEST PLUS SIZE UNDERWIRE NURSING BRA
There are going to be days where you just need the lift and support of a traditional wired bra. Nothing holds the ladies in quite like an Elomi cut and sew bra, and the Molly Underwire Full Figure Nursing Bra is where it is at! My only complaint about this bra is that the sizing is a little bit limited for a wired bra. I would love to see a 46 and 48 size band option, but it stops at 44. You may be able to make do with a sister size or using a bra extender if you have a band size larger than 44.
THE BEST PLUS SIZE NURSING BRA FOR SMALL BREASTS
Now, this bra did NOT work for me, but I know there are a lot of plus-size women out there who don’t have G cup breasts and still want to have comfy options. The Kindred Braverly bras come in both Busty and regular sizes, so you may still be able to make those work if you opt for the original sizing, though I can’t say for certain.
If you are below a D cup, I highly recommend trying out this affordable cross over option from Target. I got my normal size 3X, and while it was 100% way too small in the cups, it fit my band perfectly fine.
THE BEST PLUS SIZE NURSING SPORTS BRA
I was so surprised to see this option available on Amazon of all places. A nursing sports bra that goes up to a 5X? I was not convinced that it would work at all, as Amazon plus sizes are notoriously small. But I grabbed a 4X and couldn’t be happier. It has a lot more support that the bras above, and is definitely a sports bra style. There isn’t much separation between the breasts, but the ladies are locked and loaded for a light workout. I don’t know if I could get away with a full on jog or super high impact workout, but it is great for medium intensity.
If you have found another hidden gem in the nursing bra world, I would love to hear all about it! I’ve got a long journey ahead, and having bra options really makes all the difference.
Happy nursing!
You are my go to for plus size new mom things! This post is so helpful!
I appreciate this blog post so much! As I’m currently typing while pumping, I can confirm the kindred bravely pumping and nursing bra is GREAT!
I also love the cotton sleep bras from kindred as well.
I am going to order the elomi bra, because like you said, sometimes you just need more support.
Did you ever wear underwire in your last breastfeeding journey? I know a lot of people say underwire can lead to clogged ducts, so I’m curious if you had any personal experience with that!
Thanks for sharing Mandy!