Maternity Bras

When it comes to finding the best maternity bras, you’ll want something that is stylish, comfortable and practical. Gone are the days when your only option was to fit into a dowdy mould of uninspired maternity bra. Keep on reading if you’d like to learn more about maternity bras that don’t compromise on style and functionality. 

A woman's body can undergo significant changes during pregnancy due to hormonal shifts, resulting in her breasts growing in several sizes. Therefore, it's crucial to find suitable bras that are capable of accommodating these fluctuations. At Big Girls Don’t Cry Anymore online, we believe that the journey of motherhood doesn’t have to be filled with struggles in terms of nursing or finding comfortable undergarments. That’s why our range of maternity bras include wire-free options and offer elasticated support, so our customers will always have optimum comfort during this critical period. 

When should you start wearing maternity bras?

You won’t find a strict timeline for wearing maternity bras, as the pregnancy experience is unique and varies across those expecting. For instance, some mothers will not experience drastic changes in breast size, while others may find theirs increasing quite early. The first trimester of pregnancy is typically when you experience soreness and tenderness in your breasts as they grow larger. If you notice indentations around the band and straps or your breasts are swelling over the bra cups, then it’s time to invest in a quality maternity bra. Providing yourself with the support you need during this transitional phase will prevent potential discomfort later on. 

What size maternity bra should you buy?

It's likely your breasts will grow during your first trimester, then plateau in the following months before increasing again as your milk production ramps up. Your cup size may also grow throughout your pregnancy (don’t be shocked when your breasts grow four or five cups in size). Furthermore, it will probably be necessary to go bra shopping more than once during your pregnancy, so just keep that on your possible to-do list. 

If you’re planning on breastfeeding, we recommend purchasing nursing bras available to order at Big Girls Don’t Cry Anymore online. The 8-month mark should be an excellent time to do a virtual fitting for nursing bras, as your cup size will be similar to your post-partum milk supply. Our nursing bras have drop clips designed for no-fuss breastfeeding, so you don’t have to remove your bra whenever your baby needs to feed. This style of bra is especially ideal for busy nursing mums who are constantly running errands.  

What else should you look for during your search?

Aside from the factors mentioned above, you can narrow down your options by taking note of these other tips. 

Fabric

One important aspect you must not overlook is the fabric. Natural fabrics like cotton reduce your chances of irritation. Also, a seamless knit can help minimise chafing. Plus, this kind of material can stretch a few cup sizes, which is crucial during those transitional pregnancy stages. If you find yourself excessively sweating during the hotter months, opt for a fabric finish that wicks moisture from the body to keep you cool and dry. At Big Girls Don’t Cry Anymore, we aim to ensure that the lingerie we sell is as comfortable as possible for mums who will be busy all day long.

Support

If you are pregnant, you should choose a maternity bra that provides good support to your back while also avoiding any gaps between the cup and the breast tissue, which could cause irritation to your skin and lead to sores. Maternity bras with cups too wide will cause discomfort as they can’t provide the necessary support for your breasts. Meanwhile, a bra with cups too close together will cause pain in later months when your breast increases in size. 

As a general guide, choose a bra that comfortably fits even when the clasp is on the tightest setting, so you have some wiggle room to accommodate the increase in size. If the bra causes any discomfort the first time you try it on, it might just get even more uncomfortable the further you are in your term. Additionally, look for bras with extra features for back adjustment for a more comfortable and customisable fit. 

Whichever maternity bra you pick, ensure it's something you’ll look forward to putting on instead of itching to take off. While it can be tempting to put up with a cheaper bra, choosing the right maternity bra will save you time – and your body will thank you in the long run.

How to find the right fit for a maternity bra?

Use a cloth measuring tape to take two simple measurements: your underbust and bust. These measurements determine your band and cup sizes. Wrap the measuring tape or string around your body, directly under your breasts, to find the underbust measurement. The tape should be snug, but not too tight around you. Now, round this measurement up to the nearest even number. For instance, anywhere from 32.5 inches to 34 inches will be considered a band size of 34.

The bust measurement can be found by wrapping the tape around the fullest part of your breasts; nursing moms should measure before breastfeeding. 

By subtracting your band size from your bust measurement, you get the difference corresponding to a letter/cup size. For example, if your bust measurement is 39 inches and your band size is 34 inches, then the difference of five inches would mean you’re an E cup.

Where to buy the best maternity bra?

When searching for high-quality maternity bras, look no further than Big Girls Don't Cry Anymore online. We offer a wide range of sizes and styles, so you can find maternity bras that will fit you now and after the birth of your baby. Visit our website to check out our bra sale as you can never have too many maternity bras, T-shirt bras, plus size bras and plus-size swimwear.

We are one of the leading online retailers for sports bras, nursing bras, briefs, sleepwear, and swimwear. With a wide range of products to choose from, you'll find the perfect underwear for your body type. 

We offer free virtual fitting services for all customers and free returns for 100 days so that you will have peace of mind regarding your purchase. Browse our website to find the perfect maternity bras and nursing bras for you.

We can take your order over the phone, or you can talk to one of our qualified fitters who can assist you in choosing the best underwear for you. Order now!