Best Pumping Bras of 2024
It's tough to get pumped about pumping. These expert-tested, parent-approved pumping bras can help.
By Jen LaBracio
There are lots of ways to feed your baby, and giving them pumped breast milk is one that many parents may choose. But in an effort to keep it real—pumping can be a slog. The type of pumping bra you buy may sound like a small thing, but actually can make a pretty big difference in both your comfort level and your overall pumping experience.
A pumping bra frees up your hands to do other things while you pump. (Those “other things” can involve anything from prepping dinner to answering work emails to scrolling social media on your phone—we’re certainly not about to judge.) Pumping bras also make it easier to pump when you’re out and about or if you’re expressing milk at work, and they make pumping more comfortable. Most pull double duty as nursing bras, too.
Babylist’s Top Picks for the Best Pumping Bras
- Best Hands-Free: Simple Wishes Hands Free Breastpump Bra
- Best for Nursing and Pumping: Bodily Do Anything Bra
- Most Comfortable: Larken X
- Best Sports Bra: Kindred Bravely Sublime Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Sports Bra
- Best High-Impact Sports Bra: Sweat and Milk Venice 5 Ultimate Support Full Coverage Nursing & Pumping Sports Bra
- Best for Large Breasts: Kindred Bravely Sublime Hands-Free Pumping Bra
- Best for Wearables: Davin & Adley Amelia Pumping & Nursing Crop Cami
- Best Affordable: Momcozy Hands Free Pumping Bra
- Best Looking: The Dairy Fairy Rose 2.0 Nursing + Handsfree Pumping Bra
- Best Tank: Storq Everyday Pumping & Nursing Tank
In This Article
Babylist’s Picks for the Best Pumping Bras
Best Hands-Free Pumping Bra
What Our Experts Say
All of the pumping bras in our best-of roundup let you pump hands-free, but the Simple Wishes is an original—and one of the best. The easy zip-on, zip-off style and easily adjustable size are two features that make this pumping bra stand out from the crowd. You can wear it on its own or fold down the flaps of your nursing bra and slip it on right on top. You can even wear it over a regular bra if you pull down your bra’s straps and cups.
The bustier style and compressive fit of the Simple Wishes hold your shields, flanges and bottles securely in place, leaving your hands free to do other things while you pump. And there’s a 10-inch adjustable Velcro panel in the back, another favorite feature, so you can adjust the bra’s fit as your body changes throughout the postpartum period and beyond.
What’s Worth Considering
This isn’t the type of pumping bra you’ll want to wear all day on its own, so stick to pumping sessions only.
Additional Specs
| Size Range | XS-Plus |
| Padding | None |
| Closure | Adjustable Velcro back; zipper front |
Best Nursing and Pumping Bra
What Our Experts Say
As its name implies, this bra really can do anything. Thanks to its design and function, it’s a favorite for all-day, everyday wear if you’re exclusively pumping, exclusively nursing or doing a combo of both. When it’s time to pump, simply slip your flanges through the slits on each side of the bra. Need access to nursing instead? Just use the bra clips to take down the flaps.
This hybrid nursing and pumping bra is also a lot less bulky than other similar-style bras. It’s made from soft, silky material that’s comfortable enough to wear all day and features a V-neck design so you can wear it under almost any type of shirt. And one more thoughtful detail to love: you can adjust the bra straps from the front (rather than from the back like most other bras) so it’s quick and easy to get a good fit.
What’s Worth Considering
The Do Anything Bra offers mid-range support. If you prefer something with more hold and compression, this probably isn’t the pumping bra for you. And while the built-in slits are super convenient, they do create a seam that’s visible under certain types of shirts.
Additional Specs
| Size Range | S-3X |
| Padding | None |
| Closure | Hook and eye |
Most Comfortable Pumping Bra
What Our Experts Say
Most pumping bras aren’t known for their comfort level, but the Larken is an exception. Unlike most pumping and nursing bras, this bra doesn’t have any wires, elastics, clasps or tight straps. Instead, it slips on like a racerback-style sports bra and has two layers of buttery soft seamless fabric in front that crisscross to hold your flanges in place in a very cool, clever way. (Can’t quite visualize it? There’s a video that can help.) The Larken is comfortable enough for all-day and overnight wear and can be pulled down for convenient nursing access, too.
What’s Worth Considering
The Larken is definitely a low-support bra. If you’re hanging at home, you’re out and about but not moving around a ton or are fairly small-chested, it’s fine—but save the jumping jacks and stair climbing for a different type of bra.
Additional Specs
| Size Range | XS-SSL |
| Padding | None |
| Closure | None |
Best Pumping Sports Bra
What Our Experts Say
Finding a good sports bra when you’re not pumping or nursing can be hard enough; throw in these added curveballs and the whole process is even more frustrating. Kindred Bravely’s Sublime bra is the answer. It’s perfect for low-impact activities and functions as either a pumping bra or a clip-down nursing bra. This bra has three standout features: it’s comfortable, supportive and easy to get on and off. The bra is made from a soft, moisture-wicking, breathable materials that pull sweat away from your body and dries quickly. It’s just the right combination of compressive without feeling constrictive. And, unlike lots of pumping and nursing sports bras that feature complicated closures, the Sublime’s racerback style makes it easy to pull on and take off. Similar to Bodily’s Do Anything bra, the strap adjusters are in the front, so it’s easy to tighten or loosen the bra straps when needed. Optional padding is included.
What’s Worth Considering
The Sublime is a low-impact sports bra. For most nursing or pumping people, it won’t cut it for higher-intensity exercise like running or HIIT, but it’s perfect for things like walking, yoga, Pilates or spinning. Also note that the slits on the Sublime are horizontal, not vertical, and some pumping people say they don’t hold their flanges in place quite as well.
Additional Specs
| Size Range | Regular S-3X; Busty S-3X |
| Padding | Removable |
| Closure | None |
Best High-Impact Pumping Sports Bra
What Our Experts Say
Need more support? Your breasts can feel even more sensitive when you’re pumping or nursing, so finding a supportive sports bra for high-impact activities like running or interval training is crucial if you’re doing these types of exercises on the regular. Sweat and Milk makes a range of high-impact pumping sports bras, but Venice is one of our favorites.
Venice is specifically designed to provide maximum support for high-impact activities. It’s full coverage, fully adjustable and fits all types of body shapes and cup sizes. The wide shoulder straps help distribute weight more comfortably while you’re in motion and both the straps and back can be adjusted depending on how compressive (or not) you need the bra to be. This newest version includes later cut patterns and a narrower gap between the straps for added comfort.
What’s Worth Considering
Finding the proper fit for a high-impact sports bra like this one is critical. Follow the brand’s fit guide and be sure to measure before you order. You can even download a measuring tape if you need one.
Additional Specs
| Size Range | XS-XXL |
| Padding | Removable |
| Closure | Hook and eye |
Best Pumping Bra for Large Breasts
What Our Experts Say
If you have a large chest, it can be challenging to find a pumping bra that fits well, feels good and provides enough support. This pumping bra from Kindred Bravely (that doubles as a nursing bra) checks these boxes and more and is a favorite among Babylist parents. It’s available in both regular and busty fits in small through XXL, sizing that’s equivalent to a 30B all the way through a 44I.
What else is there to love about this bra? The soft but supportive fabric, double clips for nursing or pumping access, underwire-free support and a seam-free design around the flange openings. The Sublime also works well if you’re using a wearable breast pump.
What’s Worth Considering
Because of the double layer of fabric that’s on the thicker side when compared to some of the other bras on our list, this bra can feel a bit bulky. It also sits a bit high in the cleavage area and may be visible if you’re wearing a lower-cut shirt.
And don’t be dissuaded from the Sublime if you’re not large-chested; it works just as well for smaller-chested folks as it does for people with larger breasts.
Additional Specs
| Size Range | Regular, S-XXL; Busty, S-XXL |
| Padding | Removable |
| Closure | Hook and eye |
Best Pumping Bra for Wearable Pump
What Our Experts Say
If you frequently pump with a wearable breast pump like the Elvie or the Willow or use collection cups, not all pumping bras are going to cut it. You need a bra that’s either specifically designed to fit a wearable or one with the right amount of stretch + compression to hold your wearable properly in place. The Amelia is Davin & Adley’s bestselling hands-free pumping bra and the one voted on by users to work best with wearable breast pumps.
This crop cami-style bra has a unique design. There are adjustable straps, but no clips or fold-down panels. If you’re using it with a wearable or collection cups, simply slip them right in, but if you’re pumping with flanges, pull up the top layer of fabric to reveal a second layer with flange slits on either side. For nursing, just loosen the bra strap on whichever side you’re nursing from and pull down at the bra’s neckline. Bonus: the Amelia comes in a ton of fun colors and has a really cool lacy back.
What’s Worth Considering
As noted on the brand’s website, the Amelia runs tighter than Davin & Adley’s other bras, so you may need to size up. Definitely review the size chart and check your measurements before ordering.
Pumping parents also love Willow’s The Daily Pumping Bra for use with wearable breast pumps. Just keep in mind that this bra doesn’t have slits for flanges, so you’ll only be able to use it with a wearable or clip it down for nursing.
Additional Specs
| Size Range | S-2X |
| Padding | None (cups are lightly lined) |
| Closure | None |
Most Affordable Pumping Bra
What Our Experts Say
Over 50,000 Amazon users are onto something: this well-priced Momcozy pumping bra is worth a try. At around twenty bucks, it’s the most affordable pumping bra on our list, and one of the most well-loved. Like many of the bras on our best-of list, this one has dual functionality for both pumping and nursing. The cotton/spandex material blend is soft and comfortable, and the mid-range support works well for most day-to-day activities. It’s available in three different colors and the strap adjusters are located in the front, a feature we appreciate.
What’s Worth Considering
Because this bra only has one layer of material (the slits for your flanges are located on the outer part of each cup), there’s a seam that runs down each side, making the bra visible and sometimes bunchy looking under some clothing. The fuller coverage scoop-neck style means you’ll be able to see the top of the bra if you’re wearing a lower-cut shirt. And some pumpers say the removable pads that come with the bra don’t sit in the cups very well.
Additional Specs
| Size Range | XS-SSL |
| Padding | Removable |
| Closure | None |
Best Pumping Bra That Doesn't Look Like a Pumping Bra
What Our Experts Say
Think all pumping bras have to look like something you found at the back of your grandma’s closet? Think again. This pumping and nursing bra from Dairy Fairy is as stylish as it is functional. The soft, silky material, pretty colors and lace accents make the Rose 2.0 look more like lingerie than like a pumping bra. As for function, there are slits on either side of the cups for your flanges and clips at the top if you need to pull down the bra to nurse. The straps are detachable and can be worn either as traditional bra straps or racerback style.
What’s Worth Considering
In addition to being pretty, Dairy Fairy is also size inclusive. Two of their most popular styles, the Ruby and the Pippa, size up to 50H.
Wondering why the flange slits on most pumping bras are located a bit off to the side rather than directly over the center of the cup? It’s so they won’t irritate your nipples. Just keep in mind that, like other similar pumping bras, these slits can create an uneven area on some shirts. Some customers also report that the slits are on the smaller side.
Additional Specs
| Size Range | XS-2XL |
| Padding | None |
| Closure | Hook and eye |
Best Pumping Tank
What Our Experts Say
If you’re newly postpartum and can’t stomach the idea of putting on a bra, or simply prefer a tank, then this pumping tank from Storq is the way to go. It’s made from soft, formfitting micromodal jersey fabric so it’s as soft as a pajama shirt yet stylish enough to wear all day long. The tank features an internal shelf bra with pumping access, and the neckline is stretchy enough to pull to the side if you need to nurse. (It won’t lose its shape, either—it’s designed for this.) It can even accommodate nursing pads.
Pro tip if you need to pump while you’re out or at work but don’t want to wear a pumping bra: layer this slim-fitting tank right under your shirt.
What’s Worth Considering
This tank is expensive. Like most nursing tanks, this pumping tank provides fairly light support. And Storq recommends laying the tank flat to dry instead of putting it in your dryer.
Additional Specs
| Size Range | XS-XL |
| Padding | None |
| Closure | None |
How We Chose Our Best Pumping Bras
- We analyzed results from Babylist’s Best Baby Products survey, which polled 6,000 Babylist users and asked them to share the baby products they love the most and why.
- We utilized insight from the Babylist editorial team, including Gear Editor Jen LaBracio, an expert in the baby space for over six years and a mom of two who has written hundreds of baby gear guides and personally researched and tested hundreds of baby products, including over 15 different pumping bras.
- We reviewed customer reviews from hundreds of real Babylist parents.
What Is a Pumping Bra?
A pumping bra is a bra that’s specially designed to hold your breast pump parts in place while you express breast milk.
Depending on the design, pumping bras hold your pump flanges (sometimes also called a breast shield), wearable pump or collection cups in place while you pump, freeing up your hands to do other things.
Most pumping bras come in two styles:
- Bustier-style bras that either slip on or zip into place. While some of these types of bras can be worn solo (they often include detachable straps), most are designed to be worn over a nursing or regular bra.
- Traditional hook-and-eye or racerback-style bras with slits on either side of the cups. The slits can be either horizontal or vertical and are designed to hold your breast pump flanges in place while you pump. These types of bras are often multi-taskers. Many provide access to nursing via either clip-down flaps or pull-down sides, so they double as nursing bras, too. Some also feature removable padding.
Do I Need a Pumping Bra?
Is a pumping bra an essential postpartum item? No. But is it really helpful, especially if you’re a frequent pumper? Definitely.
If you pump very infrequently, you can simply hold your flanges and bottles in place while you pump. (Just be warned that your arms may get tired and you won’t be able to do anything else with your hands!) There are also plenty of creative hacks and DIY solutions out there to turn an ordinary bra into a hands-free pumping bra. (Think: using two elastic bands to hold your flanges in place on a nursing bra or cutting slits in an old sports bra.)
But, if you plan on pumping even semi-regularly, we recommend investing in at least one hands-free pumping bra. It will make your life as a pumping and nursing parent a whole lot easier and will free up your hands so you can multitask while logging your time on the pump.
What to Look for in a Pumping Bra
Comfort and fit, bra type, adjustability and materials are the main things to look for when shopping for a pumping bra. Here’s how to think through these features.
- Fit. A properly fitted pumping bra will be comfortable, supportive and easy to use. To ensure the right fit, follow the measuring directions for the particular brand of pumping bra(s) you’re interested in. (Most will require a measuring tape and a mirror.) Be sure to measure yourself as close as possible to the time you’ll be wearing the bra—ideally post-delivery. Breast size fluctuates, especially postpartum, so measuring at the proper time offers the best chance of getting the right fit. Think through what you’ll be doing most of the time while wearing your pumping bra. Many pumping parents prefer a more supportive bra for when they’re out and about and a less supportive one for at home and overnight. And, be sure the pumping bra firmly supports your breast pump flanges.
- Bra type. As noted above, there are two types of pumping bras: slip-on/bustier styles and all-in-ones. If you’re a frequent pumper or need a bra that you can both nurse and pump in, an all-in-one style is a good choice. If you don’t pump regularly, a bustier style that you can clip on over your regular bra will work.
- Adjustability. Look for a pumping bra that can adjust easily to your changing breasts. Make sure the straps adjust and that the band has lots of different clasp positions or includes an extender.
- Material. Many pumping and nursing parents say their breasts feel extra sore and tender. A good pumping bra will be made from soft, stretchy, breathable material that doesn’t irritate or rub against your skin. This is especially important if you’re shopping for a pumping bra to wear overnight.
Are Pumping Bras HSA or FSA Eligible?
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, many health insurers now cover the cost of a breast pump for nursing parents. Babylist Health can help you get one through your insurance, so check to see if you qualify before purchasing a pump. But what about pumping bras?
While pumping bras aren’t covered by insurance, you may be able to get reimbursed for one if your employer offers an HSA (Health Saving Account) or an FSA (Flexible Spending Account). These special accounts can be used for certain out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including pumping bras, and you won’t pay taxes on this money. The FSA Store is a good place to start to check if the pumping bra you want to purchase is eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
When to shop for a pumping bra
Your body and your breasts are going to change dramatically immediately following the birth of your baby, throughout the postpartum period and beyond. There will be many size fluctuations in your breast size, your bra size and and your band size. Wait until at least your third trimester to start shopping for a pumping bra, and even then, start by purchasing just one. Save the rest of your shopping until after your baby arrives so you can measure yourself and ensure the correct size.
Can you wear a pumping bra all day?
Yes, as long as your pumping bra is comfortable, you can wear it all day. That’s why finding a pumping bra that fits properly is so important. A properly fitted bra equals a comfortable bra, one that you won’t mind wearing for extended periods. You might also consider wearing a tighter, more supportive pumping bra during the daytime if you’re moving around more, and a softer, less structured pumping bra overnight.
Does wearing a tight bra reduce milk supply?
According to the La Leche League, a too-tight bra may cause sore breasts and plugged ducts, which can lead to decreased milk production. But don’t confuse too tight with supportive. Many nursing people want the support of a fitted bra as it can help you feel more comfortable, especially as your breasts change throughout the first few months of nursing. Just be sure the bra you choose isn’t putting too much pressure on your breasts.
Is there a best pumping bra for small breasts? A best pumping bra for large breasts?
Most pumping bras work for a large variety of breast sizes, but some brands tend to work better for larger or smaller breasts. For smaller breasts, check out Bodily and Simple Wishes. For larger breasts, pumping parents like Kindred Bravely’s Sublime bra, Simple Wishes (it’s ultra-adjustable so it works for both small and large breasts) and the Clip and Pump Hands-Free Nursing Bra Accessory from Bravado.
Jen LaBracio
Senior Gear Editor
Jen LaBracio is Babylist’s Senior Gear Editor, a role that perfectly combines her love of all things baby gear with her love of (obsessive) research. When she’s not testing out a new high chair or pushing the latest stroller model around her neighborhood, she likes to run, spin, listen to podcasts, read and spend time at the beach. In her past life, she worked for over a decade in children’s publishing. She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and their two boys, Will and Ben.
