When you’re a nursing mum who’s also trying to stay active, finding the right nursing sports bras can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You want support. You want comfort. And most importantly, you want something that’ll make feeding your baby easy—without sacrificing your workout.
Sound familiar?
You’re not alone. Many mums face the same struggle. How do you find the best nursing sports bras that ticks all the boxes for comfort, functionality, and style? Well, that’s exactly what we’ll dive into here.
By the end of this article, you’ll have all the tips and insights you need to pick the perfect nursing sports bras, whether you’re doing light yoga or pounding the pavement for a marathon.
Why a Nursing Sports Bra Is Essential for Active Mums
Let’s be real. Your body goes through a lot after pregnancy. Your breasts are sensitive, your back might ache, and finding the right kind of support while working out is crucial. That’s where the nursing sports bra comes in.
Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
- Quick Access for Feeding: You can’t be fiddling around with a regular sports bra when your baby needs to eat. With a nursing sports bra, you’ll have easy access.
- Extra Support: Your breasts are heavier, fuller, and likely to fluctuate in size. A supportive nursing sports bra offers the extra lift and comfort you need to prevent strain.
- Comfort for All-Day Wear: These bras are designed with softer fabrics and fewer seams to prevent irritation, which is ideal for long days juggling workouts and baby duties.
But how do you choose the right one? Let’s break it down.
What to Look for in a Nursing Sports Bra
Not all nursing sports bras are created equal. Depending on your workout intensity and breast size, you’ll need something tailored to your specific needs.
Here’s what to consider:
1. Impact Level
Are you doing light exercises like walking or yoga? Or are you into high-intensity workouts like running or HIIT? Different sports bras offer varying levels of impact support. If you’re a runner, you’ll want a nursing sports bras high impact option that keeps everything in place.
High impact nursing sports bras are built with extra compression and support. They’re designed to prevent any uncomfortable bouncing, making them ideal for running or jumping workouts.
2. Support for Larger Breasts
If you’ve got a bigger bust, support becomes even more critical. Look for the best nursing sports bra for large breasts with wide straps, a strong under band, and perhaps even a racerback design for extra stability. You want a bra that’ll hold up no matter the intensity of your workout.
Brands like Seniti nursing sports bras and Lululemon nursing sports bras are known for creating bras that cater to larger busts. They provide both comfort and durability for high-impact activities.
3. Breathability
As a nursing mum, you’re already prone to sweating (hello, hormones!), so choosing a bra made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabric is a must. Look for bras with mesh panels or moisture-control fabrics to keep you cool and dry, especially if you’re working out.
4. Easy to Use
You don’t want to fumble with complicated clasps or layers of fabric when your baby is hungry. Look for a nursing sports bra that offers one-hand access, clip-down panels, or foldable cups. Simplicity is key when you’ve got a little one to feed.
5. Size and Fit
Make sure to get the right fit! Your body will fluctuate in size while breastfeeding, so it’s smart to pick a bra with some stretch. Many brands offer plus-size nursing sports bras, so you can find one that fits you perfectly, even if your cup size changes.
The Top Nursing Sports Bras on the Market
Ready to find the best nursing sports bra? Here are some of the top picks, based on comfort, support, and ease of use.
1. Seniti Nursing Sports Bras
If you’re looking for a bra that balances affordability with functionality, the Seniti nursing sports bras is a winner. Known for its great support and comfort, it’s ideal for both low and high-impact activities. The fabric is soft, the straps are adjustable, and it has easy clip-down cups for quick access.
2. Lululemon Nursing Sports Bras
For mums who are willing to splurge a little, the Lululemon nursing sports bras is a luxurious choice. It offers a perfect balance between support and comfort, with moisture-wicking fabric and seamless construction. Ideal for high-impact activities like running.
3. Old Navy Nursing Sports Bra
If you need something more affordable but still reliable, the Old Navy nursing sports bra is a fantastic budget option. It’s not as high-end as some of the other bras on this list, but it gets the job done for light to moderate workouts.
4. Playtex Nursing Sports Bra
Known for comfort, the Playtex nursing sports bras is perfect for mums who need full coverage and extra support. It’s great for both light and high-impact activities, and the wide straps ensure you’ll feel secure throughout your workout.
How to Choose the Best Nursing Sports Bra for Running
If running is your workout of choice, finding the best nursing sports bra for running is crucial. Not all sports bras are designed for high-impact activities, so you need to look for specific features.
Here’s what you should priorities:
- High Impact Support: Look for a high impact nursing sports bra that provides maximum support. Compression fabrics and thicker bands around the chest are key here.
- Racerback Design: A racerback nursing sports bra helps distribute the weight of your breasts more evenly, reducing strain on your shoulders and back.
- Moisture-Wicking Fabric: You’ll want something that keeps sweat away from your skin, especially during those longer runs.
- Breathable Padding: Pads can help reduce movement, but make sure they’re breathable and removable to suit your comfort.
The Best Nursing Sports Bra for Large Busts
If you’ve got a larger bust, you need a bra that doesn’t just offer comfort but real, functional support. Here’s what to look for:
- Wide Straps: Thinner straps dig into your shoulders. Look for bras with wide, adjustable straps for better weight distribution.
- Thick Underhand: A thick band under the bust provides more support and helps prevent the bra from riding up during exercise.
- Full Coverage: A high support nursing sports bra that offers full coverage will keep everything in place, reducing the risk of spillage during a workout.
Brands like Seniti and Playtex are top picks for larger busts, as they’re known for offering extra support without sacrificing comfort.
How to Care for Your Nursing Sports Bra
Now that you’ve found your perfect nursing sports bra, it’s important to make sure you take care of it properly. After all, these bras are not only supporting your workouts, but they’re also helping you feed your baby comfortably. Proper care will help extend the life of your bra, keeping it in top shape for as long as possible.
Here are a few simple tips to ensure your nursing sports bra lasts:
1. Wash with Care
Avoid throwing your bra in with your regular laundry, especially if you’re doing a hot wash. Instead, wash it on a gentle cycle with cold water. Better yet, hand wash it if you have the time! Hot water and strong detergents can damage the fabric and reduce its elasticity over time.
- Use a mild detergent designed for delicate fabrics.
- Wash your bras in a laundry bag to prevent them from stretching.
2. Avoid the Dryer
The heat from the dryer can weaken the elastic and damage the fabric of your bra. It’s best to air-dry it by laying it flat or hanging it up. This helps your nursing sports bra maintain its shape and elasticity.
3. Rotate Your Bras
It’s tempting to wear your favorite bra every day, but doing so will wear it out faster. Have at least two or three nursing sports bras in rotation, especially if you’re working out regularly. This gives each bra time to regain its shape between wears.
4. Check for Fit Changes
Your body will change during the breastfeeding journey, so don’t be afraid to reassess your bra’s fit every few months. If you notice any discomfort, spillage, or loss of support, it might be time to size up or down—or even treat yourself to a new bra!
Finding the Right Fit: Sizing Your Nursing Sports Bra
You’ve probably heard it before—wearing the right size bra makes all the difference. This is especially true for nursing sports bras, where comfort and support are crucial, especially during high-impact activities. But how do you figure out the right size when your body is constantly changing?
Here’s how to get the best fit:
1. Measure Your Bust
Grab a measuring tape and measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape snug but not tight. This will give you your cup size.
Next, measure around your ribcage, just under your breasts, to get your band size. Use a sizing chart to find the right match, or get fitted at a local store.
2. Check the Straps and Underhand
The straps should feel secure without digging into your shoulders. Adjustable straps are a bonus as they allow you to tighten or loosen as needed. The underhand should sit flat against your chest without riding up or feeling too tight.
3. Look for Flexibility
Many nursing sports bras are designed with stretch to accommodate changes in breast size, which is ideal for breastfeeding mums. If your breasts fluctuate in size throughout the day, consider bras with some give in the fabric.
4. Test the Bra in Motion
If you can, try the bra on and move around in it. Jump up and down, run in place—see how it holds up under pressure. If you feel secure and comfortable, you’ve likely found the right fit.
The Best Nursing Sports Bras for Different Activities
We’ve already covered how different bras offer varying levels of support. But it’s worth taking a deeper look into the best nursing sports bras for specific activities.
1. Yoga and Pilates
For low-impact activities like yoga and Pilates, you don’t need as much support. A light-support nursing bra with soft, breathable fabric is ideal. Look for something that’s easy to clip down when you need to nurse, without too much compression.
Some good options for these activities include:
- Old Navy Nursing Sports Bra
- Target Nursing Sports Bra
Both are affordable and perfect for those lighter, more relaxing workouts.
2. Running and HIIT
When it comes to running, you need a high impact nursing sports bra that offers maximum support and prevents uncomfortable bouncing. These bras typically have extra compression and thicker bands to keep everything in place.
Top picks for running:
- Seniti Nursing Sports Bra
- Lululemon Nursing Sports Bra
- Best Nursing Sports Bra for Running
3. Strength Training and CrossFit
For medium to high-impact activities like weightlifting or CrossFit, you’ll want a bra that provides solid support but still offers a good range of motion. Racerback designs are great for this, as they distribute the weight evenly across your shoulders.
Check out:
- Playtex Nursing Sports Bra
- Racerback Nursing Sports Bra
These bras offer a balance of support and flexibility, perfect for a range of workouts.
The Rise of Nursing Sports Bras in the UK and Australia
While the US has a wide variety of nursing sports bras to choose from, the trend is also picking up speed in other parts of the world, including the UK and Australia. More brands are recognizing the need for nursing-friendly activewear, and international shipping has made it easier for mums around the globe to access these products.
Popular brands like Seniti and Lululemon are now offering international shipping, so if you’re a mum in the UK or Australia, you can still get your hands on some of the best nursing sports bras available.
Some additional brands to consider in these regions include:
- Nursing Sports Bra Australia (several local retailers are now offering high-quality options)
- Nursing Sports Bra UK (Lululemon and Old Navy both offer shipping options)
Plus-Size Nursing Sports Bras: Finding the Perfect Fit
If you’re in the market for a plus-size nursing sports bra, the key is finding something that offers both support and comfort. As a breastfeeding mum, your breasts are likely larger than usual, so you need a bra that’s designed to handle that extra weight without causing discomfort.
What to Look For:
- Wide Straps: Wider straps help distribute the weight more evenly, which is important for larger busts.
- Thick Underhand: A thicker underhand offers more stability and helps keep the bra in place.
- Full Coverage: The more coverage, the better, when it comes to preventing any unwanted movement during a workout.
Top Brands for Plus-Size Nursing Sports Bras:
- Playtex Nursing Sports Bra
- Best Nursing Sports Bra for Large Breasts
These brands specialize in larger sizes and offer bras that are built for comfort and support.
FAQs About Nursing Sports Bras
Q: Can I wear a regular sports bra while breastfeeding?
A: Technically, yes, but it won’t be nearly as convenient. Nursing sports bras offer easy access for feeding, plus they’re designed with softer fabrics to avoid irritation on your sensitive skin.
Q: How often should I replace my nursing sports bra?
A: It’s a good idea to replace your bra every 6-12 months, depending on how often you use it and how well it holds up. Over time, the elasticity and support can wear out.
Q: Can I find nursing sports bras in the UK?
A: Absolutely! There are plenty of options available online, including brands like Lululemon and Old Navy that ship internationally.
Q: Do nursing sports bras come in plus sizes?
A: Yes, many brands offer plus-size nursing sports bras, designed specifically to provide extra support for larger busts.
Final Thoughts on Nursing Sports Bras
Finding the right nursing sports bras doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s all about prioritizing what matters most to you—whether that’s easy access for feeding, high-impact support, or maximum comfort for long wear.
With so many options available—from the best nursing sports bra for running to budget-friendly picks like Old Navy—you’re bound to find something that fits both your body and your lifestyle.