The best nursing sports bras for getting back to workouts

The best nursing sports bras for getting back to workouts

by Kat de Naoum |
Updated on

During pregnancy and nursing, the best nursing sports bra will help to prevent any sagging, in addition to stopping your super-sensitive chest from hurting during exercise, so you can get fit whilst preventing damage to your breasts.

If you’ve decided to get back on the workout wagon or up the ante now that you’re able to, a reliable sports bra that doubles up as a nursing bra becomes extra essential during these months and is perfect for holding everything in place. Especially as breasts during this time seem to take on a life of their own!

The best nursing sports bras at a glance:

• Best nursing sports bra for high-intensity workouts: Syrokan High Impact Front Adjustable Sports Bra - Buy now on Amazon UK

• Best nursing sports bra for low-intensity workouts: H&M MAMA Seamless nursing sports bra - Buy now on H&M

• Best nursing sports bra for comfort: Natal Active Artemis Maternity and Nursing Sports Bra - Buy now on Natal Active

Some varieties are similar to breast pump bras and have removable cups, which are perfect for when you want more support but also need to get the baby to latch on quickly if they're hungry, so you don't have to get changed before feeding them. Others also have an elasticated band and adjustable straps that will comfortably adapt to your body as your chest grows and changes.

With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to try and find the right sports bra for nursing fit for you, so we've compiled a list of some of our favourite brands which have both petite and plus sizes for you to peruse.

Best nursing sports bras 2024

Best nursing sports bra for high intensity workouts

nursing-sports-bra
Price: $32.00

The SYROKAN bra from Amazon has over 8,000 ratings and is designed for high-impact workouts, such as HIIT and running. Its adjustable straps and racerback design ensure a secure fit, but its wireless design helps keep you feeling comfortable while supported.

Reviewers have praised the bra for its snug fit, which is made possible by the simple-to-adjust straps. They also report that it effectively reduces bounce and offers adequate support during intense sessions. The soft and breathable mesh fabric also gets a mention, keeping wearers cool and dry. There's a huge range of sizes and colours available, which gets a big yes from us.

Despite all of its positives, some reviewers did find it difficult to find the correct size for them, so you may need to be prepared to order a couple of sizes and return any that aren’t quite right. The padding also divided buyers, with some enjoying the shape and support, while others noted they felt bulky. As with any racerback, they can be a pain to put on and take off, so it's worth bearing that in mind.

Pros

  • Secure and comfortable
  • Easy-to-adjust straps that won't slip and allow for nursing
  • Adequate support for high-intensity workouts
  • Huge range of sizes and colours
  • Soft, breathable fabric

Cons

  • Takes some effort to put on and off
  • You may need to order a few sizes to find your perfect fit

Best nursing sports bra for low intensity workouts

H&M MAMA Seamless Nursing Sports Bra©H&M

We love H&M’s MAMA range for affordable basics, and this seamless nursing bra ticks a lot of boxes. Designed for comfort, and able to accommodate breast pads too, it has double-layered fabric and adjustable straps for ease.

Reviewers love the seamless design and note that it’s comfortable to wear, plus the fact that it’s made from fast-drying fabric is a big plus. It does run on the smaller size, so to be safe, we’d recommend sizing up. This is also not the best option if you’re undertaking high-intensity workouts or going for a run, as it doesn’t offer the best support – save this one for walks, yoga or low-intensity workouts.

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Space for nursing pads
  • Seamless and comfortable

Cons

  • More suited to walk or low intensity, rather than high impact
  • It runs small; you may need to size up

Best nursing sports bra for comfort

Natal Active Artemis Maternity and Nursing Sports Bra©NatalActive

Natal Active is a brand focused on making maternity activewear comfortable by engineering its products with high-performance materials and thoughtful design features. Not only will this brand see you through your pregnancy but also post-birth with its nursing bras.

Made from soft, moisture-wicking fabric to keep the wearer cool and comfortable, the Artemis bra has a supportive band and adjustable straps to get your perfect fit. It also comes with a bra extender to see you through pregnancy and beyond. Reviewers praised the single-hand nursing clips, which make breastfeeding easy and convenient.

In terms of support, some buyers claim that it's very supportive, but others disagree - this will probably depend on the type of workouts you're used to. If you need a larger cup size than a G, Natal Active recommends its Freyja bra instead.

Pros

  • Comfortable and supportive
  • It comes with a bra extender for the perfect fit
  • Single-hand clip for nursing
  • It can be worn racerback or as normal straps
  • Wide straps for comfort
  • Fabric-backed clips for comfort
  • Large size range

Cons

  • If worn as a racerback style, it can be difficult to get on and off

Best all-rounder

While this isn’t technically a nursing sports bra, this option from M&S features a zip-front closure, so it can be used for nursing. Designed for high-intensity workouts, it’s available in two colours, but we particularly like the dark grey mix. It’s a great all-rounder; whether you’re hitting the gym, running or practising yoga, this bra will keep you comfortable with its non-wired design and breathable, soft fabric.

Even reviewers with larger busts commend its ability to provide substantial support (with no wires in sight). It’s well-made, meaning it won’t lose its shape over time. However, it is lacking in the adjustability department, with no way of adjusting the straps. Although there’s a good range of sizes, we’d like to see a bit more inclusivity.

Pros

  • Zip-front closure
  • Great for all workouts
  • Non-wired design
  • Breathable, soft fabric
  • Substantial support, even without wires
  • High-quality

Cons

  • Lacking in adjustability
  • The size range could be better

Best nursing sports bra for breathability

Nike Training Maternity Alate Dri-Fit Light Support Sports Bra©ASOS
Price: $22.50 (was £54.95)

www.asos.com

Crafted from Nike’s Dri-FIT fabric, the Alate maternity bra promises to wick away sweat to keep you comfortable during all of your exercise sessions. It’s a light support bra, so it is best for lower-intensity activities such as yoga, Pilates or walking.

We particularly love the design of this bra; it’s stylish and doesn’t look like a traditional sports bra, meaning it would be comfortable for everyday wear, too. The clasps at the front allow for quick and easy nursing, and it’s super easy to get on and off. A sports bra that doesn’t make you feel like you’ve already worked out just by putting it on… what a treat.

Pros

  • Comfortable and lightweight
  • Easy to take on and off
  • Handy nursing clips at the front
  • Made from sweat-wicking, breathable fabric

Cons

  • Not ideal for high-intensity workouts

Best nursing sports bra for easy access

MP Women's Maternity Nursing Sports Bra - Black©MP
Price: $25.99 (was £32)

www.myprotein.com

We love MP’s (My Protein) workout gear, and its nursing sports bra is no exception. With adjustable straps and removable padding, it can accommodate your changing body as you need. The feature we love most about this bra is the drop-down cups, which allow easy breastfeeding access and are super convenient for those on the go.

The soft, stretchy fabric is comfortable and breathable, feeling great against the skin, and it’s best used for low to medium-impact activities, such as yoga, Pilates, walking, or a light gym workout.

As with most racerbacks, it's more difficult to get on and off, and we'd really like to see a wider size range available.

Pros

  • Drop-down cups for easy access
  • Comfortable, breathable fabric
  • Removable padding and adjustable straps to adapt to your body
  • Made from sweat-wicking fabric

Cons

  • Not suitable for higher-impact exercises
  • It can be difficult to get on and off due to the racerback style
  • Sizing could be more inclusive

Gymshark Everywear Reversible Zipped Sports Bra©Gymshark
Price: $40.50 (was £45)

uk.gymshark.com

Another one that isn’t technically designed for nursing but has the zip-front closure, Gymshark’s Everywear zipped bra is a brilliant sports bra. Not only is it easy to get on and off, but this bra also gives you quick and easy access while breastfeeding. It’s ultra comfortable, made from delightfully soft Nylon, cotton, and elastane fabric, and we love that it’s reversible, too.

Although it’s designed for low-impact workouts, the zip-front offers support, and, like all Gymshark gear, you know that it’s made to last and won’t lose its shape over time. You’ll need to measure yourself to ensure you get the right fit and you should consider ordering a couple of sizes to try if you’re in between sizes.

Pros

  • Zip-front closure for easy access
  • Comfortable and soft material
  • Made to last

Cons

  • Not ideal for high-impact workouts

Best nursing sports bra for fuller busts

Hotmilk Reactive Nursing Sports Bra©hotmilk
Price: $27.99 (was £39.99)

www.hotmilklingerie.co.uk

If you’re the proud owner of a fuller bust, the Reactivate nursing bra from Hotmilk, with its flexi underwire support, will be a great fit. It has a non-padded cup, if that’s what you prefer, and features easy-to-use, one-handed nursing clips at the front.

Reviewers love that the flexi underwire provides support and a natural lift without feeling restrictive and that the smooth cups create a flattering shape under clothing. Happy customers have also praised the adjustable straps and lace detailing.

Some buyers mentioned that sizing can be a bit tricky, so it’s best to consult the size chart before ordering and perhaps order a few sizes if you’re unsure. There’s a large size range to choose from, which we love. As an underwired choice, you might find this bra to be a bit uncomfortable if worn for extended periods of time.

Pros

  • Single-hand nursing clips
  • Designed for fuller busts
  • Looks good under clothing
  • Supportive but non-restrictive underwire
  • Made from recycled Nylon

Cons

  • Sizing can be tricky to get right

Why choose a supportive nursing sports bra?

Breasts are composed of fatty tissue supported by skin and fragile ligaments, which can become stretched during repetitive or high-impact sports.

This happens even more so when the breasts are bigger or swollen during those body-changing pregnancy and post-partum months, so just like you need to buy a maternity bra, you also need one specifically for exercise.

The best nursing sports bras will help reduce movement, giving you a comfier, more supported workout while also protecting the chest.

How to choose the best sports bra

Victoria Shelton, a garment technologist from Figleaves.com, tells us, “Your sports bra should be a snug fit. Once you’ve got the bra on, stand in front of the mirror and move your arms around,” she advises.

“Your bra shouldn’t move or lift. Next, try jogging and jumping on the spot. Your breasts should be fully encased with no movement. If they are spilling out the neckline or underarm, try a bigger cup size.

Sports bras are designed to fit snugly and to provide firm support, so they will feel tighter than a normal bra, but they shouldn’t feel restrictive or rub.”

Kat De Naoum is a freelance writer based in the UK and Greece. She has written for many publications and, as an advocate for female empowerment, loves to write about women’s issues and help fellow mothers feel supported and less alone.

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