Best Pumping Bras | What To Expect

Oct 14, 2024

What to Expect selects products based on real-life testing conducted by staff, contributors and members our user community, as well as independent research and expert feedback; learn more about our review process. Prices and details are accurate as of the published date. We may earn commissions from shopping links.

The best pumping bra is the Kindred Bravely Sublime Pumping and Nursing Bra, according to pumping moms who say it’s stretchy and comfortable and accommodates most breast sizes.

Whether you’re returning to work, traveling, exclusively pumping, or just need a convenient way to pump on occasion, a good pumping bra can be a real life and time-saver. Unlike nursing bras, a pumping bra has cutouts to slip the pump flanges for a supportive, hands-free experience. When you consider the 15 to 30 minutes many moms are pumping multiple times a day (some around-the-clock), having your hands available to do, really, anything else you need to do — whether it’s feeding the baby or scrolling your phone and catching up on messages — is a game-changer.

Finding the best pumping bra fit isn’t as easy as just ordering your pre-pregnancy bra size. As new moms wait for their milk supply to regulate, their breast size can fluctuate greatly in those early months. "The best time to be fitted for a nursing bra is roughly three to four months postpartum," says board-certified lactation consultant Brandi Jordan. However, knowing many people want to have something on hand before the baby arrives, Jordan suggests waiting until you’re 8 months pregnant.

"Your body will have already made many changes that would be similar to how your breast size might be by 8 weeks postpartum once you’ve regulated," she says.

Like regular bras, finding the best bra for breast pumps is not a one-size-fits-all experience. To help narrow down our selection from dozens of pumping bras, I spoke to International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) Brandi Jordan and Demi Lucas for their advice on the most important features to look for and product recommendations. With this information in mind, all of the selections share the following features:

Even with these criteria, there were still more than 20 pumping bras to consider, so to narrow down our picks, I spoke to currently pumping moms and scoured hundreds of reviews from the What to Expect community and each brand’s site to see which pumping bras everyone was raving about.

Finally, I drew upon my personal experience as a longtime parenting editor and mom who’s pumped for a full year with each of my three kids. At the end of the day, the best pumping bra is the one that fits your postpartum breast the most comfortably, while being supportive enough to hold your breast pump flanges and may require a little real-life trial-and-error on your part, but these nine options below will be a good place to start your search.

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Size range: XS-2XL, S/Busty-3XL/Busty, S/Super Busty-XL/Super Busty

Pump compatibility: Compatible with standard and wearable pumps

Material: Outer: 94 percent nylon, 6 percent spandex (Regular); Inner: 84 percent nylon, 16 percent spandex (Regular); Outer: 92 percent nylon, 8 percent spandex (Busty & Super Busty); Inner: 84 percent nylon, 16 percent spandex (Busty & Super Busty)

Nursing compatible: Yes

The Kindred Bravely Sublime Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Bra is hands-down the model that pumping moms, users in the What to Expect community and even Lucas most overwhelmingly recommended. This convertible pumping bra works equally well for breastfeeding and pumping (or even both at once) thanks to a dual clip system that reveals a first inner layer with a removable pad so you can wear this bra under T-shirts, unlike some other pumping bras that are just a thin single layer of fabric.

We love that this bra comes in extended sizing (Busty and Super Busty) and has a hook-and-eye back closure for added support for those with larger breasts. Moms rave about how soft and comfy the fabric is and many shared that they even sleep overnight in it. While hand-washing is recommended, Kindred Bravely says you can also toss it in a mesh laundry bag and run it through the delicate cycle and dry on low heat. This pumping bra is on the pricier side, although it’s worth noting that Kindred Bravely frequently hosts sales and offers cost-saving bundles.

"Kindred Bravely sublime pumping & nursing bra was well worth the money I spent!"

"I have the pumping bras, Sublime from Kindred Bravely and use them with my Genie Advanced pump with the regular flange/bottle set up and love them! I can wear the pump around my neck and do dishes or fold laundry."

"These are the best I’ve found so far and I’ve tried 5 or 6 different ones."

"Kindred Bravely! On the more expensive side but absolutely worth it."

Size range: S-3XL

Pump compatibility: Compatible with standard and wearable pumps

Material: 50 percent nylon, 29 percent cotton, 13 percent polyester, 8 percent spandex

Nursing compatible: Yes

The Momcozy 4-in-1 Pumping Bra is a more economical and versatile bra works just as well with traditional pumps as it does with wearables like the Elvie and Willow. The secret? Its sports bra-like structure and wide, extendable straps ensure there’s enough room for the wearable cups while simultaneously keeping them firmly clasped to your breasts for optimal pumping.

For your comfort, the straps are cushioned to alleviate any pressure on the back and shoulders while pumping. There’s also light padding sewn into the cups, so you can comfortably wear them under tighter tops — even with the pumps in — and fellow pumping moms praise the super stretchy band for helping them forget they’re even wearing a bra at all. And, yes, there are nursing clips so you have easy access for breastfeeding as well.

"I have momcozy nursing/pumping bras and because they’re designed like a sports bra I find my wearable fits comfortably. My pump came with bra strap extenders but I don’t even need them with this brand."

"I use a momcozy bra it makes all the difference for me I tried the ones on Amazon that don’t have padding but they don’t hold my pump well enough and I wouldn’t get as much milk as the suction wasn’t all that great due to the bra"

"as a pumping mama I cannot live without my momcozy bras! They hold my flanges perfectly with no drooping or slipping. I have about 8 of them I love them so much."

"Saw this on IG, it’s my go to now, also doesn’t cost an arm and a leg ($29.99) compared to others. Nice and firm hold on wearables, can also use with your main pumps too like medela and spectra."

Size range: XS-L

Pump compatibility: Compatible with standard pumps

Material: 83 percent cotton, 17 percent spandex

Nursing compatible: No

"A pumping bra should be very snug but not uncomfortable," Jordan says, and this is especially important to note for people with smaller breasts who should be looking for a pumping bra that’s adjustable enough to give their flanges a snug fit for effective pumping. The Simple Wishes Hands-Free Pumping Bra is a popular bustier-style option that doesn't have straps, and you simply zip it up around your chest. There’s also an adjustable velcro closure on the back, so you can make it as tight as you need it (there’s 11 inches to play with!).

This is the bra I used both at work and home through all three babies and I would simply unclip my nursing bra cups and just strap this pumping bra on top. Plus, since there are no straps, you don’t even have to take your top off. It definitely kept the breast pump flanges nice and firm and I wouldn’t have to fiddle to adjust them once I started pumping. I also loved that it was machine-washable and could just be tossed in with my regular laundry.

"Hands down simple wishes bra. It's adjustable (I’m small chested too). This is my third baby and it’s held up for all 3!"

"The Simple Wishes bustier-style bra is the only one I can get tight enough (it's fully adjustable) on my small chest to hold the flanges for good suction."

"I got the strapless Simple Wishes pumping bra from Amazon and it's a game changer!"

Size range: XS-2X; S/Busty-2X/Busty (30B-44I)

Pump compatibility: Compatible with standard and wearable pumps

Material: Outer: 94 percent nylon, 6 percent spandex (Regular); Outer: 92 percent nylon, 8 percent spandex (Busty); Inner: 84 percent nylon, 16 percent spandex (Regular and Busty)

Nursing compatible: Yes

This pull-on racerback pumping bra is available all the way up to a 44I, and it remains a favorite among pumping moms with larger breasts. The Kindred Bravely Sublime Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Sports Bra has the same dual-clip integration as the classic Sublime bra with the added bonus of the sports bra style contributing additional back and neck support for heavy breasts.

The thick band is made of a breathable moisture-wicking fabric, and removable pads give moms the choice of extra nipple coverage (Bonus: They’ll soak up any milk leakage, too). Like the other pumping bras on this list, it’s also convertible and can be used for nursing, tandem nursing or simultaneous nursing and pumping as well.

"I’ve tried so many brands. So far, the best I’ve found that aren’t loungy and could pass as everyday wear and office wear would be Kindred Bravely Sublime. I will also add that I have big boobs and it’s what works best for me for support."

"I have the racerback terry crossover and sports nursing bra, equally love it, I’m a 38F atm, I’m using xl busty"

"They’re just the best though. The band is thick and wide but not overly tight and it’s cut high so even engorged boobs don’t spill out the sides."

Size range: S-L

Pump compatibility: Compatible with most standard pumps

Material: 49 percent cotton, 32 percent TENCEL Modal, 19 percent spandex

Nursing compatible: Yes

I discovered the Bravado Designs Original Pumping Bra with my second baby, and it quickly became my go-to everyday pumping bra, and I slept in it almost every night because it was that comfy. It was stretchy, and retained its shape even after tons of machine-washing, lasting me well through multiple babies.

This pullover racerback bra is one of those that gets comfier with wear. You can use the clips to reveal the layer to hold the pump flanges, then pull that layer down for easy nursing access. I found this feature to be particularly useful for middle-of-the-night side nursing. This is also the only pumping bra on our list made of organic cotton, which was soft enough to not irritate my already-sore nipples. The bra doesn’t come with pads, so you may want to wear it with disposable or reusable breast pads if you’re still leaking frequently or want more coverage during the day.

Several reviewers did mention that they felt it ran small in sizing. While I felt it was pretty true to size and accommodated both engorged and more evened-out breasts, it’s something to consider prior to ordering, especially if you have larger breasts.

"Bravado has a pumping bra I love and totally worth the $40. It’s called the original pumping and nursing bra."

"I'm loving the Bravado nursing bra (original) it's a pullover style and is super comfortable."

Size range: S-3X (32A-46DDD/F)

Pump compatibility: Compatible with standard and wearable pumps

Material: 76 percent polyamide, 24 percent elastane

Nursing compatible: Yes

If it’s possible to think a pumping bra is lovely, this one is it. The Bodily Do Anything Bra is silky and feminine, so you can feel a little more polished at work — despite the fact no one will ever see it. In my experience, anything that makes you feel more than human in those first return-to-work postpartum weeks is worth its weight in gold. Beyond how gorgeous it is, the Do Anything bra does as it proclaims and allows you to pump and nurse seamlessly without having to change.

The front sliders on the straps are a thoughtful touch, allowing easy adjustment for an ideal fit while pumping at work without straining to reach your back. The adjustable straps can also convert into a racerback style for added support and versatility as your breast size inevitably fluctuates. Cleaning it is easy, too, since the bra can be machine-washed on the delicate cycle, although it is recommended you line dry, so be sure to have an extra pumping bra on hand.

"I really liked the Bodily Do Anything bra. Comfy and holds the flanges in place. It’s pricey, but has held up really well."

"Bodily do anything! Super soft and silky I've used my elvies in them and not had any issues"

"Love the ones from bodily, sooo comfortable, buttery smooth"

Size range: S-XXL

Pump compatibility: Compatible with most traditional breast pumps

Material: 92 percent nylon, 8 percent spandex

Nursing compatible: Yes

There are dozens and dozens of rave reviews about this more budget-friendly pumping bra in the What to Expect community for good reason — it’s stretchy, comfy, versatile and easy to clean. At under-$20, you can also feel better about stocking up on several.

To accommodate a wide variety of breast sizes, the Hofish Pumping & Nursing Bra has a traditional hook-and-eye closure for extra support and even comes with a back extender for those that may need some more space. What to Expect community members say it works well with both traditional plug-in pumps and wearables. Just note that this isn’t a pumping bra that will offer ample support, but it’s great for those looking for a more lower-cost hands-free pumping experience.

"Hofish from Amazon! I originally got them for breastfeeding, but I decided to exclusively pump instead. They hold my Medela hands free pump wearables super well & they’re comfy!"

"Hofish from Amazon! I have both the full bust and the slim ones. Both held up very well to stretch/holding in the wearable and washes"

"I like the Hofish ones on Amazon. They have a few kinds and they’re SO comfy, pretty supportive (I have a large chest), they’re cute, they don’t leave weird lines through your shirt, and they’re reasonably priced"

Size range: XS-XXL

Pump compatibility: Compatible with most standard pumps

Material: 90 percent polyester, 10 percent spandex

Nursing compatible: Yes

Sometimes you just want a simple bralette to get the job done. The Larken X boasts no wires, elastic, zips or clips, making this pumping bralette extra comfy. The buttery soft fabric criss-crosses across the front so you simply pull down to fit your pump flanges in. The proprietary fabric was designed to be extra stretchy, to accommodate changing breast sizes from pregnancy to postpartum, but the most innovative part is how it snaps back without losing shape and resistance.

When it’s ready to be washed you can just toss it in with your regular laundry — both washer and dryer — making cleaning it a breeze. Just keep in mind that because it’s so comfy, it’s not the most supportive and probably wouldn’t make the best choice for wearable pumps that need more structure and compression.

"The Larken X bra is great. It’s non-restrictive and light weight material. It’s a pullover bra, no clasps. Really easy and secure for pumping too!"

"The Larken X is the most comfortable pumping/nursing bra I’ve found. I pretty much live in mine. Super soft fabric, not bulky with lots of clips like most bras, and is very kind to sore nipples. I even wear it to bed since I often pump during the night"

"I used Larken X almost exclusively for my first baby and loved it. Held my flanges (spectra one) just fine!"

Size range: XS-XXL

Pump compatibility: Compatible with traditional and wearable pumps

Material: 87 percent polyamide, 13 percent spandex

Nursing compatible: Yes

If you’re planning on eventually engaging in medium-impact exercises like running or weight training — or just would prefer some extra compressive support — having a sports pumping bra designed just for that can be a convenient go-to so you don’t have to swap bras between activities. In addition to being functional, thanks to wide straps, the Sweat and Milk Chloé 4 has a breathable mesh lining to wick away moisture and an adjustable back hook-and-eye closure.

The Chloé 4 is also as cute as it is comfortable, with a fun strappy back and 13 different colors and patterns. While the bra is available in sizes to accommodate cup sizes A to H, some reviewers did note that the sizing ran small on this model, so you may want to size up. This pumping sports bra is thankfully machine-washable, although you’re supposed to lay it flat to dry.

"Really enjoyed having several from the brand Sweat and Milk. Their pumping bras comfortably held pump flanges in place for me."

"Sweat and milk has the cutest and best pumping bras I own. I’ve had the same 2 for almost a year now and they’re still just as good as when I bought them. Worth every penny and they’re actually cute."

"Best sports bra ever!"

Here are four key factors to assess, with helpful tips from International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) Brandi Jordan and Demi Lucas:

A pumping bra is not a necessity, but it is extremely convenient, especially if you’re someone who is planning on pumping regularly. The best bras for breast pumps leave your hands free so you can either walk around and get other things done, or sit and relax for 15 to 30 minutes without having to hold the flanges up.

"I typically suggest waiting to purchase a pumping bra until you are postpartum and if one needs a new bra during their pregnancy, to purchase a pregnancy-specific one," Lucas says.

Jordan also recommends waiting until the fourth trimester (the 12 weeks after giving birth) is over to purchase one. "Breast size and milk supply should be regulated at this point and you’ll get a more accurate sizing," she says.

"Your breasts may continue to change through the last few weeks of the pregnancy, when your milk transitions in early postpartum and they may change in the early weeks as you begin your breastfeeding journey," Lucas says. "Some moms don’t have much of a change in cup size; others may notice an increase of four cup sizes."

If you are shopping while pregnant, follow sizing guidelines on the brand’s website, and consider that most pumping bras are made of stretchy material made to adjust to slight fluctuations in sizes. Because of this, Lucas says there's no need to choose a bra that’s several cup sizes larger to prepare for the postpartum period.

Once you’re postpartum, Jordan suggests taking any measurements midday — when your milk supply is at its peak — to get the most accurate sizing.

A pumping bra should fit securely, but not uncomfortably. "The band should be snug but not overly tight, and it should sit evenly and low at an appropriate level under your breasts," Lucas says. "Experiment with it while sitting, standing, bending over and lying down to see the support it offers. A well-fitted bra should not slip out of place or leave restriction marks."

If it’s a convertible nursing bra — which many are — absolutely. Most of our picks function as both nursing and pumping bras and can be used interchangeably.

"If it’s a convertible pumping bra that is also a nursing bra, sure," Jordan says. "However, typically pumping bras have to be tighter to hold up milk collection bottles and thus have often translated into being too uncomfortable to wear all day. The market now has shifted and most pumping bras now double up as a regular nursing bra," but just read the fine print for any bra you’re thinking of wearing all day as you don’t want to be over-restricted and impact your milk supply or get plugged ducts which can lead to mastitis.

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