The 8 Best Sports Bras For Pregnancy & Postpartum

Fitness

Mar 28

Written By Caitlin

Did you know that lactating breasts can be an average of 35% heavier than normal? And by 9 months of pregnancy, the average woman's breasts have increased by as much as 2 pounds. Those are reasons enough for why your pre-baby sports bras might not be cutting it when it comes to supporting you through your workouts during pregnancy and postpartum.

But when you combine that added breast weight with heightened breast sensitivity, sore nipples, leaking milk, and nagging upper back pain, it becomes abundantly clear that whatever bra you pick has a lot of work to do. This is true for your everyday bras during pregnancy and postpartum, but even more important for sports bras, as they're responsible for keeping everything in place and comfortable while you're active. And if your sports bra isn't giving you the support you need while working out, it could be doing damage to delicate breast tissue.

We know you have so many things to think about while expecting and in those foggy newborn months, and finding a good, supportive sports bra can take time. When we asked our community, 75% said they were still looking for the perfect sports bra! So we've done the research for all of you mamas. All you need to do is pick the one that's best suited to your needs.

So, when it comes to picking the right sports bra for your 2nd and 3rd trimesters and your postpartum workouts, here's what to look for:

Wide (and if possible, adjustable) straps, to give a more solid hold that won’t dig into your shoulders.
Medium to high support, especially if you are going to be doing anything higher impact.
If you are breastfeeding (or planning on it) and want the convenience of easy access before or after working out, look for options with nursing clips.
Soft, breathable fabrics are essential to help with soreness: cotton is actually a highly recommended option!
Styles with a clasp back or zip front, as opposed to ones you pull over your head (trust us, you'll love this).
When it comes to cup sizing you may want to size up for extra space when your breasts are full, but it's important to make sure it feels tight enough to support you. You can always pop in a breast pad if needed for additional support.
Since your rib cage expands during pregnancy you may need to adjust your band size as well. If you're able to try before you buy we definitely recommend it to find the right fit for maximum comfort and support.

Now, let's do a little shopping, shall we? We also asked our community for their favorite brands & sports bras for pregnancy and postpartum, so we’re sharing their top picks and ours!