Choosing the best nursing bra and bralette: a complete guide for 2023

A nursing bra and bralette are essentials for this new chapter of motherhood.

Watching your body change, finding the right solutions

Among the changes that take place during pregnancy is weight gain. Obviously, this isn't news to you (at least not entirely). On average, a woman gains 12kg during this period.

Mostly in the tummy, but not only! Indeed! The chest is also part of the picture — and for good reason: the hormonal dance that "adds volume to the ducts and mammary glands".

Our body is also preparing itself for life after birth, particularly for breastfeeding. Every woman is built the same way, so there's no real need for an instruction manual — just a little help! And for that we have exactly what's needed: the nursing bra and/or bralette!

The bra and bralette: what are they actually for?

Some women can't bear feeling constricted by underwear and prefer to go without. Fair enough! But it's worth knowing that if someone invented it, it wasn't for nothing! Indeed, it helps prevent neck and back pain — and that's not all.

On the one hand, it can improve your posture. On the other hand, it can look much more elegant under your new favourite jumper! Finally, some women — even if we acknowledge that one isn't really supposed to go out in just a bra — feel more confident when wearing their favourite lingerie! It helps them feel better, feel more beautiful.

Why not? We're not here to judge, but between women, we should be able to support one another! For every breast shape, there is a bra — every woman must find her perfect fit! Because that's what it's there for too — what we more commonly call a "bra". Indeed, it's there to support the breast in its shape AND keep it in great shape!

The bralette, on the other hand, is more relaxed. Less tight and wider, it has the feel of a vest top. It is more focused on supporting the chest. However, some styles tend to flatten the bust. As a result, it is really important to choose the right size. But when it comes to breastfeeding, how do you manage?

Nursing bras and bralettes: a liberation for our bust!

That's putting it mildly! Have you ever tried to breastfeed while wearing your pre-pregnancy bra? Yes, that very one — the one that, when you wore it, had you giving Shakira or Beyoncé a run for their money! Don't even think about it: if you'd tried, you'd still be feeling the tension rising! Well, that's all over now!

Today it is no longer your best ally. Because your baby doesn't say "Mum, in 5 minutes I'm going to be hungry, go and get yourself ready" — nursing bras and bralettes were designed specifically for us. A wonderfully practical invention: the nursing bra is to its conventional counterpart what a convertible is to a standard car!

An adventure in ease. When feeding time arrives for baby, one quick clip and we're all set to feed. What's more, it supports the breast in a way that doesn't get in baby's way during a feed. Isn't that marvellous?

Nursing bra or nursing bralette: which should you choose?

Some might say "neither" — but after getting milk stains on your T-shirt, around the relevant area, in public, they might well change their mind.

Otherwise, it all depends on what you're looking for beyond a stress-free breastfeeding experience. For a more shapely bust, more flattering, you're better off going for the bra.

The underwire structures the shape nicely, but we cannot say it enough: you really must choose the right size. But if you want something less structured, if you're simply after comfort — almost like a lazy Sunday in your pyjamas — opt instead for the bralette.