Every type of maternity bra you could possibly need
A round up of the best of the best – including those voted for by you!
Maternity bras are now available in a range of styles, so whether you’re after a basic soft cup, a sexy lace number or a supportive sports one, there’s a perfect maternity bra for every occasion.
These bras offer the same support as regular underwire but are designed to flex with your changing shape, ensuring comfort throughout your pregnancy.
Read on to find out which maternity bras are the best in Australia…
Bounty Baby Award Winners – Best Maternity Bras 2024
The winning baby products of the year have all been exhaustively tried, tested and voted on by real mums, bubs and Bounty’s expert panel.
This year the awards saw more than 165,000 votes cast by Australian parents on a range of products from nappies and car seats, to prams and breast pumps, judging each one on quality, value for money, user-friendliness and innovation.
The products submitted were assessed on quality, value for money, user-friendliness and innovation.
READ NEXT: All of the 2024 Award Winners.
The winners of the Best Maternity Bras in 2024 are:
GOLD: Best & Less Ella Everyday Maternity Bra
SILVER: Boody Wireless Maternity Bra
BRONZE: Medela 3-in-1 Nursing and Pumping bra
The Best Maternity Bras in Australia
GOLD AWARD
Best & Less Ella Everyday Maternity Bra, RRP $16.00
Best&Less Ella Everyday Maternity Bra is a wireless maternity bra. It is made from ultra soft fabric that offers maximum comfort while still providing support. Easy to add to your basket (or online cart), an accessible price and generous sizing options help win Ella Everyday the Gold Award.
Features:
- Back hook and eye closure
- Fully adjustable straps
- Lightly-lined
- Clip cups fold down for easy nursing
- Available in sizes 12D – 20DD
SILVER AWARD
Boody Wireless Maternity Bra, RRP $44.99
Crafted in Boody’s signature bamboo viscose, this maternity bra was made with comfort-first details to accommodate changes in breast size from pregnancy to postpartum. Drop-down overlay, double layered protection and moulded cups are just a few of the reasons Boody took out Silver.
Features:
- Includes removable cups that can be replaced with leakproof pads
- Stretchy yet supportive wireless construction
- Contouring details for enhanced shaping
- Moulded cups and a low-cut neckline that define, separate, and shape
- Fits up to an E cup
BRONZE AWARD
Medela 3-in-1 Nursing and Pumping Bra, RRP $51.96
The Medela Nursing and Pumping Bra is lightweight, ultra-breathable and features Adaptive Stretch™ for a perfect fit that grows with your changing body. It fits most breast pump shields and in-bra pumps and features full drop-down cups.
Features:
- Medium to high support to hold bottles and in-bra pumps in place
- Lightweight and comfortable with breathable perforated foam pads and soft touch material
- Soft Touch Adaptive Stretch™ technology for a perfect fit that grows with your changing body
- Available in black or white and in sizes S-XL for great support & perfect fit
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Bendon Nurture Maternity Contour Bra, $69.95, Bendon Lingerie
Bendon has updated and expanded its Nurture Collection, featuring two new bras: the Maternity Contour Bra and the Maternity Wire-Free Bra, both designed for maximum comfort and support during pregnancy and nursing.
Key features:
- Super soft, wire-free bra with marshmallow padding for flexible comfort that adapts to all shapes and sizes.
- Easy nursing with drop-down front clips.
Inner cotton sling adds support. - Adjustable straps and six rows of hook-and-eye closures ensure the perfect fit throughout pregnancy and nursing.
Bendon Nurture Maternity Wire Free Bra, $69.95, Bendon Lingerie
The Bendon Nurture Maternity Wire-Free Bra offers ultimate comfort and support throughout pregnancy and nursing. Bendon’s Nurture Wire-Free Maternity Bra in classic latte is crafted to adapt and stretch, growing with both mum and baby. The elegant lace design adds a touch of style while ensuring a perfect fit.
Key features:
- Extra soft, wire-free bra with marshmallow padding for flexible comfort.
- Drop-down front clips for easy nursing.
- Inner cotton lining absorbs leaks and adds comfort.
- Supportive internal sling.
- Adjustable straps and six rows of hook-and-eye closures ensure a perfect fit through pregnancy and nursing.
The distance rib nursing bra, $59.99, Bae The Label
Made in a stretch rib for comfort, this nursing/maternity bra can be worn layered or on its own.
Striking the perfect balance between form and function, it’s specifically designed for mums with a cross front for easy nursing access.
Gorgeous Mama lace maternity bra in black, $44.96 (usually $59.99), Triumph
This a-frame design comes in sizes 10-16 and features drop-down cups with a soft micro-feel fabric. Extended hook and eye allows for your growing and changing body.
Charley M flourish seamless nursing bra, $34.99, Cake Maternity
This bra is the perfect staple for a new mum.
It features soft-touch yarn, teamed with its seamless design, knitted support panels, convertible racer back straps and signature leopard hook and eye.
Seamless nursing bralette in black, $39.95, Ripe
Ripe’s cute bralette also comes in white and with sizes XS – XL, there’s one to suit most bodies. Wirefree and made from a super-soft seamless knit, the simple crossover design allows for breastfeeding access.
Strapless maternity & nursing wire free bra, $64.99, B Free Intimate Apparel
This maternity bra allows you to breastfeed your bub whenever and wherever with its thoughtful construction.
Easily pull up the outer layer to reveal the inner nursing layer for hassle-free feeding.
The bandeau design means you can pair this strapless bra with tops or dresses where you don’t want the straps showing.
Maternity & nursing mesh racer back sports bra, $64.95, B Free Intimate Apparel
This sports bra provides wire-free medium impact support, while having a stretchy fit.
Convenient and discreet, this super comfortable breastfeeding must-have has a detachable hook designed to have a stronger attachment and give you more security and confidence that the clip won’t undo when being active.
The inside support sling helps to keep your bust stay in place, while still saving you the hassle of going in and about your sports bra and nursing bra.
Buying the best maternity bra for you
Finding the right fit
Most breast changes occur between the first third to fourth months of pregnancy, so this is a good time to be fitted for a maternity bra. Keep in mind, you may also need to go for another fitting once your milk comes in and you’re breastfeeding.
A maternity bra is the same as a nursing or feeding bra. When trying on different styles, practice opening and closing the bra cup, as when it comes to feeding you want one that’s easy to use.
According to CHOICE, you know you’re wearing the right maternity bra if:
- Your breasts should sit fully inside the cups. Nothing should be spilling out of the top or sides.
- The wide underbust elastic should fit firmly around your ribcage.
- The back band should be fastened on one of the tighter hooks if purchased earlier on in your pregnancy to allow for your ribcage to expand.
- The back band should be fastened on the loosest hooks if purchased closer to your due date, so it can be tightened when your ribcage begins to contract after birth.
- Straps should feel comfortable on your shoulders – not too tight or loose.
- Nursing clips should be easy to fasten and unfasten with one hand. (Don’t forget you’ll be holding a hungry baby in the other!)
Are underwire bras safe?
The Australian Breastfeeding Association advises against wearing an underwire bra, especially when breastfeeding, as extra pressure from rigid wires may restrict breast movement and increase the risk of blocked ducts and mastitis.
Instead, consider maternity bras with flexible low-gauge wire (or flexiwire). These offer similar support to traditional underwires but without the rigidity, making them a safer and more comfortable option for breastfeeding.
