The 6 Best Sports Bras for Pregnant Women

Here’s the hard truth: not all sports bras for pregnant women are as comfortable as they should be.

Especially considering that there are few things that will impact your day-to-day life during your pregnancy as much as your bra. Your body’s changing, your breasts might be growing or swelling, and the last thing you want is a bra that feels tight or itchy or… anything but perfect, honestly.

Soft, breathable fabric. The ideal balance of stretch and support. Maybe a bit of style.

This post is all about the best sports bras for pregnant women.

My Quest for the Best Sports Bra for Pregnant Women

Athleisure wear is definitely my go-to style, and has been for years- way before I became a mom. I’d much rather hit a Lululemon than any designer boutique, and you’ll pretty much always catch me in leggings and a sporty top. My aspirational aesthetic is “headed to a pilates class later”. So I’ve actually long been pretty into sports bras- I know what cuts I like, which brands are my favorite, the materials that feel the best.

At least, I thought I knew.

As with just about everything else (!) being pregnant threw me for a loop with my bra choices. Which I should have expected, I suppose. Simply put, my boobs were growing. They felt different. Their needs were different.

Remember how I said I lived in Athleisure wear? That “headed to pilates” style isn’t because I’m going pilates later, at least not usually 🙂 I generally work out in the morning.

It’s because I really, really love being comfortable. Like, I’m committed to it. The blog is called the “cozy” mom life for a reason. I love feeling cozy, at home, airy, free. My goal is always to make my surroundings- and clothing- as comfortable as possible.

So when my selection of sports bras started to feel tight and itchy and just… not cozy at all, I went searching for the best maternity sports bra.

What to Look for in a Sports Bra for Pregnant Women

Let’s keep it real: the best sports bra for you is going to come down A LOT to your personal preferences. And the size of your breasts. And your budget. Plus the types of sports bras you’re used to, and how tight you like your bra to be in order to feel secure.

Here are some factors to consider:

Support

Obviously, this is a big one. Are you looking for something that’s really going to provide some structure and make you feel “held” or lifted? Support like that might be called “high-impact”. Some prefer this support all the time; others prefer it only for more impactful exercises, like running or aerobic classes (or walking). If you’re looking for something more barely there, this might be called light support or low-impact. Some prefer this for more daily activities and more low-key exercises like yoga or barre).

Cut/ Style

There are lots of considerations when it comes to different maternity sports bra styles and cuts, including:

• High Neckline: High-neckline cuts are very on-trend right now, but depending on the style, these can be difficult to wear with various different tops. I’ve found they look weird with some scoop neck tees, for example. They’re super cute on their own, though, and in the right combinations.
• Lower Necklines – like plunges and V-necks- are always my choice because they are less constrictive (that free feeling thing again). BUT there’s the cleavage factor for sure, so keep your comfort level in mind there- and remember that factor may multiply some as you progress.
• Strap Width: Thicker straps can feel more supportive, but also can feel like they are digging into the skin more. Thin straps, or spaghetti straps (the term “spaghetti straps” seems so weird typed out, lol) may create a softer silhouette but can feel less secure- make sure they’re made well.
• Adjustable Straps: These can come in quite handy as, again, your body will continue to change.
• Strappy Styles: There are also a lot of those very strappy sports bras, with criss-crossing back straps or double shoulder straps, etc. If you are going strappy, make sure the bra is still VERY comfy and VERY easy to get on and off. I promise you, easy will get more and more important. With that said, you still want to feel and look good- a comfy, strappy sports bra is great for still getting in some fun style.
• Longline vs. Regular: A longline sports bra extends farther down than a regular sports bra, with fabric below the bust and band (hitting more at upper waist). Longline bras are popular right now, and can feel supportive. Some also like the shaping aspect of a longline. They’re often worn alone as a top.

Breastfeeding Features

If you’re planning on breastfeeding or pumping, you might want to consider a sports bra that you can continue on with as a breastfeeding mom. This can be as simple as a wrap-style bra that easily pulls down, or cups that can be clipped up and down. There are also nursing bras with pump-accessible cups (more on that below).

Material

Because most moms want fabric that has some stretch and allows for movement, the majority of sports bras for pregnant women are made with poly or nylon fabric or fabric blends. Fabric choice is highly personal, but generally, you want soft and supple fabric that feels good against your skin. If it’s itchy at all, don’t do it! There are some all-cotton and even organic cotton choices as well.

Here’s our list of the 6 best sports bras for pregnant women:

1. The Best “Barely There” Bra: Lululemon Wundermost Nulu Scoop-Neck Bralette

For everyday wear, this simple-luxe scoop offers sleek style and unrivaled airy comfort. It’s made with special “Ultra Soft” Nulu fabric- a peach fuzz-soft version of Lulu’s Nulu fabric, which is famously what their beloved “Align” line is made with (there’s an Align bra coming up, too). It has adjustable straps, and fits A – D cups. It’s also double-layered for additional coverage.

This is a light support/casual bra: more ideal for low-impact activities and hanging- not so much for holding you in place during strenuous exercise (although reviewers noted they did find it supportive).

It’s a breathable no-fuss bra that feels luxurious. Right now, there’s a sale on some colors: check out the Wundermost bra.

I Love It! My new favorite bra, will say it runs just a little large so maybe size down. It fits D Cup just fine!

2. Best Budget Sports Bras for Pregnant Women: Caramel Cantina 4 Pack Bralette

These bras became an absolute staple during my pregnancy, and I still keep them in rotation! They are really soft and the flattering V-design keeps you in place while still allowing for easy breastfeeding and pumping. I would say they fit true to size. They also come in a bunch of different colors. I ended up getting a few different sets – the affordable price made them easy to stock up on. This was especially helpful as I progressed in my trimesters, and found myself getting sweatier and sweatier 😂 I loved being able to change frequently without having to ever worry about running out of clean bras. #cozylife

3. Best High Impact Maternity Sports Bra: Sweat and Milk Chloé 3 Running Nursing Sports Bra

For moms and moms-to-be looking for more support, this Sweat & Milk running maternity bra is an all-around top choice: it’s stylish, super comfortable, and ready to be worn throughout your pregnancy and beyond. It’s designed with serious support for activities like running, kickboxing and aerobics, hot mama walks, and more. The adjustable 4-strap design isn’t just cute; it’s super functional- so is its pump-friendly design, one-handed nursing capabilities, and no-show silhouette.

4. Best Plus Size Sports Bras for Pregnant Women: Gratlin Women’s Plus Size Nursing Bra

This racerback plus size maternity bra has wide straps and is made with a soft and stretchy cotton blend. Reviewers love how comfortable and supportive it is (many were impressed with the side boob support especially), and also the colors it comes in. The full coverage cups have a drop down and clip option for nursing. If you’re on the fence about sizing, you may want to size up- especially if you’re planning to breastfeed or pump.

This bra is amazing… comfortable, soft, supportive, and comes in cute, stylish colors! This one was delivered 2 hours ago and I’ve already placed my order for 4 more!

5. Best Longline Sports Bra for Pregnant Women: Kindred Bravely Sublime Longline Nursing & Maternity Bra

Kindred Bravely is a brand known for their thoughtful, super-stylish offerings for expecting moms – and this gorgeous longline maternity bra is no exception. The pull-over style allows for easy nursing access with a second layer that easily folds down. The fabric is stretchy perfection. I absolutely love the Twilight and Oatmeal Heather colors and they get a ton of compliments.

6. Best Maternity Sports Bra for Pumping: Momcozy Mesh Hands Free Pumping Bra

The partially mesh top gives this nursing sports bra a really cool look, while the viscose blend fabric gives it a really supple and stretchy “buttery” feel. The oyster pink color is really the perfect ballet pink (and the black goes with everything). It’s not padded but does come with 2 nursing pads. For breastfeeding and pumping, it’s got one-clasp breastfeeding functionality and is compatible with most pump brands including Spectra, Medela, Elvie, Willow, and Philips Avent.

I’ve ordered and returned soooo many pumping bras. This one is my favorite. I love that it isn’t too thick with tons of layers and clasps.