Much about a woman’s body changes during pregnancy, with one’s growing belly being the most obvious. But often overlooked are the changes happening to one’s chest, which can start as early as week 18. Before your pre-pregnancy bras become unbearable, start shopping for options made for maternity (bonus if they go beyond postpartum as well!).
Maternity Bra Shopping Tips
In many cases, simply up sizing your favorite pre-pregnancy styles may not provide adequate comfort and support. Look for key elements that make a bra more tailored to the changes experienced during pregnancy.
Added Comfort for Sensitive Skin
Sure, there’s the glow of pregnancy, but there’s also a good chance your skin may also be more sensitive during this time, experiencing breakouts and/or itchiness associated with stretching. To ensure your bra isn’t adding to the issue, seek out seamless styles and breathable fabrics to avoid further skin irritation.
Wireless Support for Reduced Rib Pain
Surprising to many, the ribcage actually expands during pregnancy, to accommodate the growing uterus and baby within. So rib pain is real, and underwire may not be friendly if this area is already sore. Look to wireless support like the channel in many True&Co bras which reduces impact while lifting up to 1 full inch (#winwin).
Easy On & Off for Less Hurting
Let’s just say it: pregnancy can be uncomfortable. Whether it’s first trimester nausea or that “please just get this baby out of me” feeling as your due date approaches, sometimes you’re hurting. So your bra shouldn’t. A pull over style simplifies for ease of taking on and off, especially for those days when you’re too tired to even fiddle with a clasp. And if you decide to breastfeed, pull down straps provide quick and easy access.
Full Coverage
Maybe you loved a demi prior to pregnancy, and you’ll get back there, we promise. But you’ll likely want to explore fuller coverage styles both during and after as nipples may grow during gestation and nursing. Another breastfeeding bonus, full coverage styles offer room for nursing pads to help avoid leaking onto and through ones bra and clothes.
Stretchy Material for Growing Breasts
Material is everything in a maternity bra (and if you ask us, bras in general). Move with you True Body microfiber feels like a second skin as it stretches with you as breasts grow, maintaining support of your ever changing shape.
Mom’s Favorite Maternity True&Co Bras
At True&Co, many of us are moms too, so we truly get it, from pregnancy to postpartum to chasing toddlers and raising good humans, momming is hard. But finding a bra that supports you through it shouldn’t be. Check out our Mother’s Day tribute, True Loves Moms for a bit more on how we design our bras to meet your maternity needs, and read on for a few favorite styles.
Overall Best Maternity Bra
A go-to for good reason, the True Body Scoop Neck is our lightest bra ever, featuring a single layer of our super soft microfiber fabric. Removable pads allow you to customize your fit while wirefree support and seamless design meet your body where it is, through your pregnancy, and after.
Best Maternity Bra for Large Bust
Designed for DD+ cup, the True Body Lift Triangle Adjustable Strap Bra delivers wirefree all day comfort. A heavier weight of our softest material provides additional support, lifting up to one inch. Triangle cups and adjustable straps contour to embrace your shape and size.
Best Maternity Bra for Small Breasts
For those on the opposite end of the spectrum, our True Body V Neck style offers a matching front and back silhouette, giving you options to layer or wear on its own. A double layer of smoothing True Body fabric offers shape while disappearing under clothes. Wirefree and soft as ever, just ask the over 2000 four star reviewers.
Best Maternity Sports Bra
Working out while pregnant can vary greatly from person to person, trimester to trimester, or even day to day. But any movement you can manage is worthwhile, and finding a supportive maternity sports bra style may help motivate you even if it’s simply to take a walk around the block. Our True Body Lift Scoop Neck Bra is designed with a wide bottom band and stretch fabric moves with you. Wear this one wherever your day takes you.
Best Maternity and Nursing Bra for Sleeping
Comfortable enough to wear all day, and also all night, the True Body Lift Triangle Adjustable Strap Bra pulls over with ease, making it a great nursing sleep bra. With fabric so buttery smooth it’s like a second skin in a heavier weight to provide support for milk fluctuations, this style will help you sleep like a baby (in between feedings that is).
Best Supportive Maternity Bra
Made for maximum support, our True Body Lift lineup offers a variety of neck, back and strap styles to match your preferences. A two pronged approach to sizing offers a better fit, first based on your standard band and cup size and refined by a range allowing your cup to fluctuate between A-D or DD+.
Best Wireless Maternity Bra
Wireless support + Natural lift = All day comfort. Our Lift Scoop Adjustable Strap Bra delivers in spades, with a plunging neckline that embraces your shape, even as it changes. Adjustable straps, a double hook and eye closure and seamless stretch material ensure your best fit, throughout your pregnancy, and into motherhood.
