While many bralettes we tested stretched out substantially in our Lab testing, this bralette proved to be durable. It received a perfect score in our stretch recovery test, returning to its original shape. It also barely shrunk after being machine washed on the gentle cycle and hung up to dry. Unlike most bras where you shop by the band and cup size, this one ranges from small to 3X and has a size guide to follow when you buy. It's designed for band sizes 34 through 46 — which is a wider range than most styles, though it only specifies cup sizes B to DD in its size chart. And while it offers great shaping benefits with some built-in padding, it doesn't separate as well as underwire bras. It may be a case of trying one type of nursing bra and seeing how it feels once your baby has arrived and you’re in the midst of feeding. You may even find you can adjust an existing regular bra using a bra extender during pregnancy and wait before committing to a nursing bra. Hanes makes our list again, this time for its wireless bra that's lightweight yet surprisingly supportive. Whether you're wearing it in the summer or just want a barely-there feel, it fits like a second skin, so you won't be poked or weighed down. Not to mention, it’s one of the least expensive bras we tested. The band should be level with your ribcage without riding up, and the center gore, the section of the bra that stretches between the two cups, should lie flat against your breastbone.

This version has an underwire for good separation, though it also comes in a wireless version that still proved to be supportive in our tests. And though the panels are stretchy, the bra still kept its shape well after we put it through the wringer in our stretch recovery and laundering evaluations.With f ull-coverage cups to avoid spillage, wide straps to reduce stress on shoulders and wide side panels that smooth to prevent bulges, this bra is your best bet if you're looking for all-over support. The cups are lightly lined so there's not too much padding, and the fabric feels smooth throughout and looks flattering under clothes.

Finding a good bra can be especially difficult if you have a larger cup size, but this fashionable yet functional style may end your shopping struggles. It goes up to a size HH (which is the UK equivalent of a US cup size L) and it performed exceptionally well in our tests. It was durable in our Lab’s evaluations without any issues to report, and our tester panel loved wearing it.

Maternity

Wear tests: Users with a range of band and cup sizes try the bras and fill out thorough surveys, scoring factors like the ease of putting it on and taking it off, fit, comfort, support, stay-in-place capabilities, visibility under clothes and overall appearance. Testers also have the opportunity to share comments about specific things they liked and disliked about each bra. In our latest test, our testers wore sizes that ranged from AA to H cups and 30 to 48 bands. If you’re particularly large-chested, plus size or have found your breasts have grown a lot through pregnancy and postnatally, Molke will make a bra that fits. Ranging from a 26A to a 50M, they offer a wider range of sizes than many other brands, with a crossover design that changes with your body, making them perfect as you grow through pregnancy and then as your breastmilk comes in.

From bralettes to balconettes, our women's bras lift, sculpt and enhance your shape. The key to a great bra is a great fit, a design that flatters and a style that works around your wardrobe – and we’ve hit the nail on the head with all three in our collection. Explore what’s new – including our super fresh colour palette – today. Your tees, but betterThis bra proves you don’t have to sacrifice support to go strapless. In fact, it had higher scores from our testers than many of the non-strapless styles we analyzed. It uses silicone strips along the top of the cup and on the band that help it stay in place as you move, and it features wide side panels with boning for more stability and smoothing benefits. Our testers said the bra was comfortable, but a few online reviewers noted that although the bra stayed put, the silicone strips and boning dug in. We washed this bra five times in the Lab and noticed minimal changes in appearance, though the brand recommends hand washing this style for best results over time. In our stretch recovery tests, the bottom band of this bra did stretch out a bit. The wired nursing bras in the range use flexiwire to make them more comfortable, but there are plenty of options without underwire for those who don’t want the additional structure. Washability: Each bra is repeatedly laundered according to its care label and assessed for aspects like shrinkage and appearance after washing. Another standout feature of this bra is its straps: They lie flat without slipping and are the ideal width to be supportive yet discreet. The bra's buttery soft fabric also kept its shape perfectly after we stretched it out in Lab tests, and it washed well with no signs of wear.

Hotmilk offers something for every breastfeeding mum. Whether you want underwire or not, need a larger size or value comfort as well as practicality, these bras are very popular with our Community parents. Lexie Sachsis the Executive Director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Fiber Science from Cornell University and more than 15 years of experience in the textiles industry, including merchandising and product development fields. Lexie led a massive bra test in 2017 and wrote the shopping guide for this story. The range of nursing bras on the market is now broader than ever, offering something for everyone, whatever your size. Many also cross from maternity to nursing and accommodate the changes your body will make as you move from pregnant to the postnatal stage. It held up well in our Lab tests without shrinking or stretching out. It also comes with removable straps so you can wear it as a traditional bra, halter, criss-cross or one-shoulder style. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors and a wide range of band and cup sizes. In fact, this style was especially loved by people with full figures and larger busts.

The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing bras and intimates for decades, providing expert guidance on the most comfortable and supportive styles. We have tested over 200 different bras in our Lab with over 500 consumer testers (with cup sizes from AA-H cup sizes) wearing each bra. Past bra testing has been completed by: Making sure a nursing bra is the right fit is important. This may mean being fitted regularly to ensure you’re wearing the right size. Some shops offer this service in their stores, with other brands having online virtual fitting services for their customers. If you’re unsure or cannot get to a fitting, measure yourself at home and use the brand’s online size guide before purchasing. In our Lab testing, Pepper bras stayed in great condition after stretch recovery tests and after laundering five times, but some testers reported durability issues with their Pepper bras, noticing some fraying and even torn straps. We also tested the brand's wire-free bra and T-shirt bra: and both were popular among testers with smaller chests too. Refresh your everyday lingerie drawer with our fantastic collection of bras. A must-have in every woman's wardrobe, they’re the perfect combo of style and comfort. Whether you’re looking for bras to wear under your tee or a strapless bra to pair with your gorgeous dresses, we have a cohesive range in a plethora of colours and designs. Bras for working out The thoughtful design offers support yet still works with most clothing because the cut isn't too high and the straps aren't too wide. It's adjustable and has an underwire for good separation, plus soft cups for a rounded shape. Although our testers found it to fit nicely, some online reviewers share that it runs on the smaller side, so be sure to review the size chart before buying, especially since it's offered in UK cup sizing.