The Best Pumping Bras For Comfort and Functionality
The right bra can make pumping more comfortable and more convenient.
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There are lots of ways to feed your baby, and giving them pumped breast milk is one that many parents may choose. But in an effort to keep it real—pumping can be a lot of work. The type of pumping bra you buy might sound like a small thing, but it can actually make a pretty big difference in both your comfort level and your overall pumping experience.
A pumping bra frees up your hands to do other things while you pump. (Those “other things” can involve anything from prepping dinner to answering work emails to scrolling social media on your phone—we’re certainly not about to judge.) Pumping bras also make it easier to pump when you’re out and about or if you’re expressing milk at work, and they make pumping more comfortable. Most pull double duty as nursing bras, too.
After testing and research, the Bodily Do Anything Bra is our pick for the best pumping bra overall because it’s comfortable, versatile and will last a long time. But we know bras can be really subjective, so we made sure to include a few more options, including picks that work with primary pumps, wearables and manual pumps too.
Why Trust Babylist?
Babylist is the expert in baby; we know baby gear inside and out. We talk with parents face-to-face in our showroom and on our user panels and hear from thousands annually via our Best Baby Products online survey. We know what items millions of expecting parents are adding to their baby registries.
First hand and professional experience. In addition to being an editor at Babylist, I am also a certified lactation counselor and mom of two. I used all of those experiences when narrowing down the pumping bras on this list. Jen LaBracio, also a mom of two and Babylist’s senior gear editor, is the original author of this guide—I leaned on her initial research and insight.
Expert POV. I also spoke to Jessica Hopp, an international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) who leads a group practice of doulas and lactation consultants at Infant Instincts, about what parents should keep in mind about bra fit and material.
Pumping bra data. I regularly analyze which baby products our users are adding to their baby registries the most (and which ones they aren’t) and what our team of Merchandising experts—our buyers who are responsible for ensuring the Babylist Shop is stocked with the best and newest gear—is excited about. Studying this kind of data helped us choose which pumping bras to narrow in on and which ones to recommend to new and expecting parents.
Feedback and reviews. I reviewed comments and feedback from Babylist’s annual product survey of thousands of parents, read customer reviews from hundreds of Babylist users and spoke to parents on our staff about their real-life product experiences.
How We Judged the Best Pumping Bras
Best Pumping Bra Overall
Pros
- Versatile (can also nurse in it)
- Super comfortable
- Straps adjust on the front
Cons
- Shows milk leaks
- Not as supportive for larger breasts
As the name suggests, this bra truly does it all, making it our top overall pick. Thanks to its design and function, it’s a favorite for all-day, everyday wear if you’re exclusively pumping, exclusively nursing or doing a combo of both. When it’s time to pump, simply slip your pump flanges through the slits on each side of the bra. And if you need access to breastfeed instead? Just use the bra clips to take down the flaps. It’s also extremely comfortable. “This is my favorite pumping and nursing bra—I've tried a lot of them. It makes it very easy to switch between pumping, nursing and just wearing it as a bra,” one parent raved in their review.
Another standout feature is its sleek, lightweight design which makes it less bulky than other pumping bras. It’s made from soft, silky material (76 percent polyamide and 24 percent elastane) that’s comfortable enough to wear all day and night. And one more thoughtful detail to love: you can adjust the bra straps from the front (rather than from the back like most other bras) so it’s quick and easy to get a good fit.
The biggest gripe parents mention in their reviews is that the material shows any and every little milk leak. “While the silk-like material looks nice and is soft and comfortable, unfortunately milk drops leave a mark on the bra. It's not a huge deal, but considering this is a nursing and pumping bra, I do wish that it would be a little more discreet when I inevitably get milk on it,” one parent wrote. (Nursing pads can help to catch any milk that leaks throughout the day or night.) And parents note it washes well—Bodily recommends machine washing on a cold cycle and line drying.
It’s also not as supportive as other pumping and nursing bras out there, especially if you have a larger chest. And while the built-in slits are super convenient, they do create a seam that’s visible under certain types of shirts.
Additional Specs
Size range: S-3XL
Care instructions: Machine wash cold, delicate cycle and line dry
Most Comfortable Pumping Bra
Pros
- Super comfy
- No clips or clasps
- Works for pumping and nursing
Cons
- Polyester fabric
- Not a lot of support
Bras usually aren’t synonymous with comfort, however, the Larken X is here to change that up. “This is my [third] child and I’ve used a variety of nursing/pumping bras and nothing compares to the Larken X,” one Babylist parent said in their review. Its innovative design is one piece of continuous fabric, free from any clasps, hook and zippers. It’s made out of a buttery-soft fabric with a bit of a stretch, and like the Bodily, it works for both breastfeeding and pumping. It’s also so comfy you can wear it while sleeping at night.
The Larken X will securely hold your flanges in place with a cool crossover design and also pulls aside easy access to nursing if you want. “It’s like the perfect combination between a lounge bra and one you can nurse and pump in,” another Babylist parent says. Another Babylist parent said they felt that the crossover design held their flanges more securely than other pumping bras they tried. And if you need another reason to give this one a try, you can use your HSA/FSA funds to purchase.
There are very few things parents don’t like about the Larken X. If comfort and versatility are your top priorities, the Larken is a great choice. Just keep in mind that it doesn’t offer much support, which may be a dealbreaker for those with larger breasts. One Babylist parent wrote, “Comfy lounge style bra though could use a little more support.” A few also mentioned the bra fits awkwardly under the arm. “Not a fan of the high cut in the arm area. This made it kind of uncomfortable for me but I’m going to keep it because it otherwise fits and works well!” a Babylist parent said.
Additional Specs
Size range: XS-2XL
Care instructions: Machine washable and dryer-friendly
Most Affordable Pumping Bra
Pros
- Affordable
- Hands-free option
- Two ways to adjust the straps
Cons
- Material is thin
We’re fans of many of Momcozy’s feeding products and this pumping bra is no exception. It offers hands-free convenience at an affordable price—it’s around $20. It works with all breast pump models and has a similar “X” structure to keep flanges securely in place and also features clips for easy nursing access. “Pumping is no longer a chore because I get both my hands back due to how well this thing holds the flanges in place. This is particularly helpful when I'm engorged and need to massage while I pump,” one Babylist parent said.
It’s made of 93 percent cotton—the other seven percent being elastane for a little stretch—which means it’s comfy and breathable. One parent loved it so much, they mentioned in their review that they bought five to rotate. It also has a unique feature that lets you convert the straps from regular over the shoulder to racerback style (something that can add a bit more support and take the pressure off of your shoulders).
There are a few things that could be improved in this bra’s design. Although it’s comfortable, the material is a bit thin, which means it shows wear quickly and may not be supportive enough for some. “This did the job and worked fine enough! I would never wear it out other than when pumping (thankfully I only pump at home) because of the lack of padding,” a Babylist parent said. Some also say the material isn’t the best quality; another parent wrote, “It's only been five months, I have two of them and I don't use them every day, but I do see some pilling on the edge.” While these two things could be better, we think the affordable price and convenient features make this pick worth it for the duration of your feeding journey.
Additional Specs
Size range: S-2XL
Care instructions: Hand wash recommended
Best Hands-Free Pumping Bra
Pros
- Sturdy and secure
- Adjustable
Cons
- Not an all-day bra
Every bra on this list allows for hands-free pumping, but Simple Wishes was one of the first—and remains one of the best. The easy zip-on, zip-off style and adjustable size are two features that make this pumping bra stand out from the rest. You can wear it on its own (without a bra) or fold down the flaps of your bra (nursing or regular) and slip this right over the top, making it a great option to pack in your pump bag when you go back to work. “It's a game changer with pumping! Since it's hands free, I can type, eat lunch, or even do breast massage for more milk output,” raved one Babylist parent. Many parents love it so much they buy two—one for home and one for their pump bag.
The bustier style and compressive fit hold your shields, flanges and bottles securely in place, leaving your hands free to do other things while you pump. “It keeps the flanges in place and you can adjust the size, which is really helpful especially when our size changes as time goes on,” a Babylist parent wrote in their review. The 10-inch adjustable Velcro panel in the back, another favorite feature, offers a wide range to adjust the bra’s fit as your body changes throughout the postpartum period.
The biggest con of this bra is that it’s not meant to be worn all day—so you’ll still need a nursing or pumping bra to wear between sessions. In true bustier fashion, it’s not that comfortable. One parent said, “It squeezes you all the way around, even when adjusted. It feels like a girdle for your boobs.”
Additional Specs
Size range: XS-L, L-Plus
Care instructions: Machine washable
Best Pumping Bra for Wearable Pumps
Pros
- Fits wearable pumps
- Holds flanges securely
- Wide range of sizes
Cons
- Runs small
- Cropped design may roll up
If you frequently pump with a wearable breast pump like the Elvie or the Willow or use collection cups, not all pumping bras are going to cut it. You’ll need a bra specifically designed for wearables or one with just the right mix of stretch and compression to keep your pump securely in place, and Davin & Adley’s Amelia cami is a favorite among parents. “Both my wearable pump and my pump with the flanges hold securely,” one parent said in their review.
This crop cami-style bra has a unique design. There are adjustable straps, but no clips or fold-down panels. If you’re using it with a wearable or collection cups, simply slip them right in, but if you’re pumping with flanges, pull up the top layer of fabric to reveal a second layer with flange slits on either side. For nursing, just loosen the bra strap on whichever side you’re nursing from and pull down at the bra’s neckline. Bonus: the Amelia comes in a ton of fun colors and has a cool lacy back. It’s also HSA/FSA eligible for reimbursement!
While the Amelia comes in a wide range of sizes, parents’ biggest complaint is that it runs a bit small. Per a note on their site, the brand says it runs tighter than their other bras—so you may need to size up. “I’d recommend folks look at the sizing tool, especially if you plan to use wearables with it,” one parent mentioned in their review. Definitely review the size chart and check your measurements before ordering. It’s also a cropped cami, meaning it’s shorter than, say, a nursing tank. A few parents mentioned it rolls up while they’re wearing it since it’s longer than a bra and shorter than a regular cami.
Additional Specs
Size range: S-4XL, S Busty-3X Busty
Care instructions: Machine wash on delicate cycle and line dry
Best Pumping Bra for Larger Breasts
Kindred Bravely Sublime Hands Free Pumping Bra - Pink Heather, Small
From $52.89Pros
- Wide range of sizes
- Supportive and comfy
- Wider straps
Cons
- Some say it runs on the small side
- Fabric stretches over time
All breasts change during pregnancy and postpartum. If you have a larger chest pre-pregnancy, you’ll definitely want a supportive bra for the postpartum period. While most nursing and pumping bras are essentially bralettes, the Sublime stands out because it offers a ton of support without wires and padding. The bra is made with ultra-soft, stretchy fabric that provides all-day support. Kindred Bravely is one of the most size-inclusive brands, offering sizes from XS to 3XL and cup options up to G/H. “I'm plus size with a 48DD before I got pregnant. These bras are comfy, supportive and don't make my boobs look like a speed bump,” one parent raved in their review. We also appreciate that the strap design gets wider as you go up in size, which helps prevent digging into your shoulder.
The Sublime is also versatile—the innovative double layer clip design is easy to do one handed and means you can pump and nurse in it. The pump-compatible openings on the bottom layer securely hold your flanges in place, allowing for hands-free pumping. And if you want to breastfeed in it, simply unclip the lower of the two for access.
The double-layer design is great for switching between nursing and pumping, but many parents mention that the extra fabric and dual clasps take some getting used to. A few parents note that over time the band stretches out: “I followed the size chart and the only downfall is the band stretches out with wear, I wish I sized down on the band.” While it may stretch out, there are hooks to adjust the band. I used the nursing version of this bra and agree that after a few months of regular wear, I needed to adjust the band to tighter hooks.
Additional Specs
Size range: S-2XL, Small Busty-2X Busty
Care instructions: Hand wash recommended, machine wash on delicate cycle with a lingerie bag is also okay; line dry only
What Is a Pumping Bra?
A pumping bra is a bra that’s specially designed to hold your breast pump parts in place while you express breast milk.
Depending on the design, pumping bras hold your pump flanges (sometimes also called a breast shield), wearable pump or collection cups in place while you pump, freeing up your hands to do other things.
Most pumping bras come in two styles:
Bustier-style bras that either slip on or zip into place. While some of these types of bras can be worn solo (they often include detachable straps), most are designed to be worn over a nursing bra.
Traditional hook-and-eye or racerback-style bras with slits on either side of the cups. The slits can be either horizontal or vertical and are designed to hold your breast pump flanges in place while you pump. These types of bras are often multitaskers. Many provide access to nursing via either clip-down flaps or pull-down sides, so they double as nursing bras, too. Some also feature removable padding.
Do I Need a Pumping Bra?
Is a pumping bra an essential postpartum item? No. But they can be really helpful, especially if you pump frequently.
If you pump very infrequently, you can simply hold your flanges and bottles in place while you pump. (Just be warned that your arms may get tired and you won’t be able to do anything else with your hands!) There are also plenty of creative hacks and DIY solutions out there to turn an ordinary bra into a hands-free pumping bra. (Think: using two elastic bands to hold your flanges in place on a nursing bra or cutting slits in an old sports bra.)
But, if you plan on pumping even semi-regularly, we recommend investing in at least one hands-free pumping bra. It makes pumping easier and frees up your hands so you can multitask while expressing milk.
What to Look for in a Pumping Bra
Comfort and fit, bra type, adjustability and materials are the main things to look for when shopping for a pumping bra. Here’s how to think through these features.
Fit
The most important thing to consider when shopping for a pumping bra is fit. “A properly fitting nursing or pumping bra is essential for both comfort and maintaining a healthy milk supply,” says Jessica Hopp, an IBCLC and founder of Sacramento-based Infant Instincts. It’s especially important to make sure your bra isn’t too tight. “Tight compression can put pressure on milk ducts, potentially leading to clogged ducts or mastitis. Restricted breast tissue can [also] decrease milk flow and signal the body to produce less milk,” Hopp explains. A properly fitted pumping bra will be comfortable, supportive and easy to use.
To ensure the right fit, follow the measuring directions for the particular brand of the pumping bras you’re interested in. Most will require a measuring tape and a mirror and you’ll measure around your rib cage and around your breasts, across your nipples. Be sure to measure yourself as close as possible to the time you’ll be wearing the bra—ideally post-delivery. Breast size fluctuates, especially postpartum, so measuring at the proper time offers the best chance of getting the right fit.
“Your bra should provide gentle yet firm support to hold your breasts comfortably, especially when they are full of milk. You shouldn’t feel squished or, conversely, that they’re sagging due to a lack of support,” says Hopp. And when you go to try them on, she recommends doing a little wiggle test by moving around, lifting your arms and even leaning forward to make sure everything stays in place.
Bra Type
There are three types of pumping bras: slip-on bustier styles, hands-free options, and all-in-ones. If you’re a frequent pumper or need a bra that you can both nurse and pump in, an all-in-one style is a good choice. If you don’t pump regularly, a bustier style that you can clip on over your regular bra will work.
Adjustability
Finding the right pumping bra is a bit like a Goldilocks situation—you need one that’s supportive but not too tight. Breasts also fluctuate during pregnancy and postpartum. “I prefer a nursing or pumping bra that has adjustable straps and multiple hook settings to accommodate breast size fluctuations throughout the day,” Hopp says. Look for one that can adjust easily to your changing breasts.
Material
Many pumping and nursing parents experience extra soreness and tenderness, so soft, stretchy, breathable material is key to preventing irritation. (This is especially important if you’re shopping for a pumping bra to wear overnight.) Hopp also recommends avoiding underwires and stiff materials.
Are Pumping Bras HSA or FSA Eligible?
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, many health insurers now cover the cost of a breast pump for nursing parents. Babylist Health can help you get one through your insurance, so check to see if you qualify before purchasing a pump. But what about pumping bras?
While pumping bras aren’t covered by insurance, you may be able to get reimbursed for one if your employer offers an HSA (Health Saving Account) or an FSA (Flexible Spending Account). These special accounts can be used for certain out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including pumping bras, and you won’t pay taxes on this money. The FSA Store is a good place to start to check if the pumping bra you want to purchase is eligible. (Pro tip: The Larken X, Kindred Bravely, and Davin & Adley bras in this guide are HSA/FSA eligible!)
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I shop for a pumping bra?
Your body and your breasts are going to change dramatically immediately following the birth of your baby, throughout the postpartum period and beyond. There will be many size fluctuations in your breast size, your bra size and your band size. Wait until at least your third trimester to start shopping for a pumping bra, and even then, start by purchasing just one. Save the rest of your shopping until after your baby arrives so you can measure yourself and ensure the correct size.
Can you wear a pumping bra all day?
Yes, as long as your pumping bra is comfortable, you can wear it all day. That’s why finding a pumping bra that fits properly is so important. A properly fitted bra equals a comfortable bra—one that you won’t mind wearing for extended periods. You might also consider wearing a more supportive pumping bra during the daytime, and a softer, less structured pumping bra overnight.
Does wearing a tight bra reduce milk supply?
“A bra that is too small or too tight can cause significant issues,” says Hopp. It may cause sore breasts and plugged ducts, which can then lead to decreased milk production. But don’t confuse too tight with supportive! Many nursing people want the support of a fitted bra since it can help you feel more comfortable, especially as your breasts change throughout the first few months of pumping and nursing. Just be sure the bra you choose isn’t putting too much pressure on your breasts.
Is there a best pumping bra for small breasts? A best pumping bra for large breasts?
Most pumping bras work for a large variety of breast sizes, but some brands tend to work better for larger or smaller breasts. For smaller breasts, check out Bodily and Simple Wishes. For larger breasts, pumping parents like Kindred Bravely’s Sublime bra, Simple Wishes (it’s ultra-adjustable so it works for both small and large breasts) and the Clip and Pump Hands-Free Nursing Bra Accessory from Bravado.
Expert Sources
Babylist content uses high-quality subject matter experts to provide accurate and reliable information to our users. Sources for this story include:
Jessica Hopp, an international board certified lactation consultant who leads Infant Instincts, group practice of doulas and lactation consultants located in the Sacramento area.
