kindred bravely A decent pumping bra can save your life by holding pump parts in place while freeing up your hands to perform the myriad other tasks that come with being a new mom. It can be challenging to find a bra that fits properly, offers support, allows for simple access to your breasts, and is pleasant. Here’s where we get involved.
We talked to nursing parents and breastfeeding counselors and studied recommendations. In order to test over a dozen highly regarded alternatives and determine which is the finest pumping bra, we then assembled a team of parenting editors and writers who are also nursing and pumping. For several months, they used a range of hands-free, portable breast pumps while wearing the various bras during the day. We assessed them based on the following factors: material, accessibility, comfort, support, fit, and overall aesthetics (because, let’s face it, wearing a gorgeous bra doesn’t hurt even while you’re pumping!).
We highly valued each bra’s capacity to enable you to effortlessly perform both throughout the day without using a second set of underwear, as many parents also pump and breastfeed. We carefully considered how long-lasting each bra was, how easy it was to clean, how well it held up against leaking nipples, how the fabric felt, and how fuss-free or fussy the fasteners were to use. This article about breastfeeding, pumping, and what to look for in a pumping bra was also checked for medical accuracy by a registered lactation consultant from our Expert Board.
Do You Really Need a Pumping Bra?
Although not necessary, a pumping bra will simplify your life. You won’t have to sit still and hold the breast pump flanges yourself because a pumping bra, in contrast to a nursing bra, is made expressly to hold them firmly in place. Pumping bras come particularly handy when you need to multitask or pump at work, since they allow you to continue using your phone or computer while your breast pump is in action. We were even able to blow dry our hair, fold clothes, unload the dishwasher, play with toddlers, and pump during testing.
Best Overall: Kindred Bravely Sublime Hands Free Pumping Bra
Why We Like It
Throughout testing, the Kindred Bravely Sublime pumping bra’s support was its most notable attribute. The tester said that the bra provided the same level of support as a sports bra, with no pressure on her shoulders or back. It also gave her a sense of confidence as she moved around. This bra won the title of best overall pumping bra because to its support and sizing range, which goes from S to 3x Busty (or 48H in regular bra sizing).
With its dual-clip design for nursing and pumping, the Sublime boasts a top layer with detachable padding for more support and to smooth down the surface, making it suitable for wearing beneath thinner tops. The drawback of this is that it can be a pain to reposition the double clips after use.
Because of how tough the material is, I had to drag both layers down toward my navel so that my son can access them to nurse. With reference to the bra’s accessibility, our tester stated, “If I don’t, the material can get in his way.” The materials (spandex and nylon) were quite comfortable, nice-looking, and non-irritating in addition to being strong.
But Take Note
Although the bra fits and feels like a comfy sports bra, our tester mentioned that it might be too tight for some people, particularly those who are just starting to nurse or pump. We advise you to size up if that describes you. A hook-and-eye fastening and movable straps let users customize the fit. The bra’s inability to be machine washed—the manufacturer advises hand washing with mild soap—is another drawback.
The Details:
- Size range: Small to 3X-Busty
- Pump compatibility: Universal
- Material: Nylon and spandex
- Nursing: Yes
Ingrid & Isabel Isabel Maternity 2-in-1 Nursing and Pumping Maternity Bra
Why We Like It
The Isabel Maternity 2-in-1 Nursing and Pumping Bra was skin-digging-friendly, supportive, and fit like a glove. Even when our tester slept in it, the nylon and spandex blend gave her a nice, comfy experience. She also valued the add-on cushioning that stopped leaks. She liked how the bra’s design was straightforward. Our tester noted, “It felt like I was wearing a normal bra,” and added that the bra looked nice under garments.
Our tester gave the machine-washable bra a perfect grade for support, highlighting how simple it was to adjust and how the padding added extra support.
But Take Note
A problem arose with the breastfeeding and pumping bra in the access category. Despite the bra’s simple drop-cup design for nursing or pumping, we had trouble getting it to fit over the huge flanges of the Spectra S2 Plus Breast Pump.
The Details:
- Size range: Small to X-Large
- Pump compatibility: Universal
- Material: Nylon and spandex
- Nursing: Yes
Best Comfort: Bodily The Do Anything Bra
Why We Like It
During testing, the Bodily Do Anything Bra lived up to its moniker. With popular breast pump brands including Spectra, Motif Medical, Ameda, and the majority of Medela flanges, the nursing and pumping bra facilitates hands-free pumping. Easy-to-clasp (and unclasp) fasteners on the bra make it simple to access the pump.
The bra received an additional perfect score for its cozy material and true-to-size fit. Its elastane and polyamide materials are elastic and smooth without compromising on fit comfort.
Because the straps are front adjustable, you can modify them to fit your changing breast shape during the day. For added support, you can even switch the straps to a racerback style. Even when pumping, our tester reported that the additional support relieved strain on her shoulders and back. After several months of testing, it became her “go-to pumping bra.”
But Take Note
The elastic material kindred bravely felt wonderful on her skin, but our tester noticed that it let nursing pads show through and didn’t absorb any dripping milk, even though it dried very quickly when she skipped the pads.
The Details:
- Size range: Small to 3X
- Pump compatibility: Most major pump brands (Spectra, Motif Medical, Medela, and Ameda)
- Material: Polyamide and elastane
- Nursing: Yes
Kindred Bravely Sublime Nursing Sports Bra
Why We Like It
Your best option is the Kindred Bravely Sublime Nursing and Pumping Bra if you want to be prepared for anything your day may bring. The racerback style, which offered sufficient support without irritating their skin or creating discomfort in their upper backs, was highly appreciated by our testers. Indeed, two of our testers purchased a second bra since it rapidly became their favorite, stating that it was even more comfortable than their typical sports bras.
This nursing and pumping bra is robust, well-padded (though the cushions can be removed), sweat-wicking, and stretchy enough to fit a variety of breast shapes thanks to its blend of polyester, nylon, and spandex. The bra remains flawless—it hasn’t stretched or pilled—even after almost a year of testing.
The design of the two Kindred Bravely bras on our list differs significantly. The Hands-Free All-in-One Pumping Bra, our top pick overall, features regular parallel straps that come in three widths, whilst the sports bra has a racerback design. Because there is less ruching on the front of the sports bra, it also looks smoother.
But Take Note
The purpose of the bra is to provide low-impact compression, so it might not be the best choice if you want loose-fitting undergarments. It must also be line dried and hand cleaned or machine washed on a delicate cycle while inside a lingerie bag.
The Details:
- Size range: Small to XX-Large/1X-Busty, fitting sizes 30B – 44I
- Pump compatibility: All standard pump flanges
- Material: Nylon, spandex, polyester
- Nursing: Yes
Simple Wishes Hands Free Breast Pumping Bra
Why We Like It
This strapless kindred bravely pumping bra sailed in every testing category. Regardless of the pump she used, our tester reported that she found the Simple Wishes pumping bra to be comfortable (and just snug enough) while using two children. All of the main pump brands are compatible with it, including Medela, Philips Avent, Lansinoh, and others.
You can wear it as a racerback, tank, halter, or strapless band (also known as bandeau style) thanks to the detachable straps. Most people wear it only while pumping, and you may wear it over your preferred nursing bra without removing your shirt. Most people wear it as a regular bra during the day.
The pumping bra’s back Velcro adjusts up to 11 inches, so you can change the size to fit your changing postpartum figure. Additionally, our tester is among those who think that this bra is the strongest at supporting flanges during a vigorous pumping session. “This bra is my go-to—I’ve been using it with two kids,” the woman said. “It is easy to fit flanges in, fits well, and is tight enough.”
The blend of cotton and spandex feels smooth against the skin and remained sturdy even after several washing machine cycles. It also comes in solid black or soft pink, which go well with both light and dark tops.
But Take Note
Every time you need to pump, it could be difficult to put on and take off the bandeau style.
The Details:
- Size range: X-Small to X-Large (adjustable with Velcro)
- Pump compatibility: Universal
- Material: Cotton and spandex
- Nursing: No
Pump Strap Handsfree Strapless Pumping Bra
Why We Like It
The Pump Strap Pumping and Nursing kindred bravely Bra is not only available in neutral and uplifting color selections, but it also fits breast sizes ranging from small to large. The bandeau-style bra features an adjustable closure that makes it extremely secure—almost too much so—and a removable halter strap for further support during pumping. Our tester commented, “The Velcro is so tight that it’s hard to get off,” but she still liked the adjustable fit in spite of this minor problem. You don’t have to worry about changing breast sizes because the bra fits cup sizes A through K.
All single and double electric breast pump manufacturers, such as Medela, Ameda, Lansinoh, and Spectra, are compatible with the Pump Strap. The big slots made it simple to thread Spectra S2 Plus flanges through, which our tester really appreciated. However, the bra presented more of a challenge while using the cordless Elvie breast pump.
But Take Note
You wouldn’t wear this kindred bravely bra out and about, despite the fact that it does a fantastic job of retaining the breast pump components in place. While the neoprene bandeau offers covering, it lacks the necessary strength to support your breasts during movement, and the slits where the breast pump components are located are visible because there isn’t any fabric to hide them.
The Details:
- Size range: Two sizes: A-DD and DD-K
- Pump compatibility: Universal
- Material: Neoprene and nylon
- Nursing: No
Best Sexy: The Dairy Fairy Ayla Handsfree Pumping and Nursing Bra
Why We Like It
kindred bravely pumping bra could be sexy—who knew? Three color options are available for this gorgeous lace hands-free pumping and nursing bra: black, cream (off-white), and seashell. You may easily nurse your baby with a clip, and on days when you want to pump, there are hidden flange openings. An additional 4 inches of space provided by a hook-and-eye clasp allow for a customized fit for changing postpartum bodies. Our favorite feature, which is quite surprising for a lace bra, is that it can be machine washed.
A demi-underwire, or partial underwire that extends halfway through the bottom of your breast to offer support, is another feature that sets the Dairy Fairy bra apart.
But Take Note
Our tester said the material was a little uncomfortable against her skin, even though she adored the style. Furthermore, certain wireless breast pumps may not be able to reach the bra as easily because of the various angles of the flange apertures. Recall that in the early phases of nursing, specialists advise against using underwires.1.
The Details:
- Size range: XS to 3XL, and Plus Petite
- Pump compatibility: Universal
- Material: Nylon and spandex
- Nursing: Yes
