Nursing Bras

The best way is to come in and see us – our complimentary bra fitting service exists for exactly this reason. Every woman's body is different, and the way your breasts change during pregnancy and breastfeeding is unique to you. Your size may continue to change after birth, which can make finding the perfect fit a little tricky on your own.

In general, measure your underbust (the band size) and your bust at the fullest point (the cup size) in your third trimester. Our team will help you find a bra that fits beautifully right now and has enough adjustability for the weeks ahead. Click here to find your closest Ripe store.

The best time to buy a nursing bra is generally around 36 weeks of pregnancy, when your breast size may be more settled ahead of birth. We'd suggest starting with three nursing bras: two for daytime and one for night or sleep. Your size may shift again when your milk comes in, so don't stock up too heavily before birth. Our complimentary in-boutique bra fitting service is available any time, and we highly recommend booking one in your third trimester. 

Find your nearest Ripe boutique on our Stores page. If you are buying online, feel comfortable knowing that we do offer returns and exchanges on bras.

Look for: soft, stretchy fabric that feels gentle against sensitive skin; drop-down cups you can open and close with one hand (trust us, the other hand will always be holding a baby); a wide underband for support without digging; adjustable straps for your changing shape; and at least three rows of hook closures so you can adjust as your ribcage changes. Bonus points for styles that look gorgeous enough to wear alone - because you deserve that too. Try our new Essence Nursing Bra as a seamless everyday essential.

We'd suggest three as a comfortable starting point: two for everyday wear and one for sleeping or nights. This gives you enough to rotate through washing without ever being caught short. If you're returning to work, you might want a fourth - something a little more structured or polished under workwear. Start with three before birth and add as you need them. Your needs will evolve and you'll quickly discover which styles you reach for most. Browse our full Nursing Bras Collection above.

A maternity bra is designed to support your growing, often tender breasts during pregnancy. A nursing bra does that too, but also features drop-down cups or panels for easy, discreet feeding access once baby has arrived. Here's the good news: many of our styles work as both. If you choose a nursing bra in your third trimester, you can wear it through the final weeks of pregnancy and go straight into feeding without needing to buy two separate styles. Clever, comfortable, and cost-effective - we love that for you. 

A drop-down cup is the little design detail that makes a nursing bra so much more than just a regular bra. It's a cup that unclips or unhooks at the strap, allowing the cup to fold away so you can feed your baby with ease and with one hand - because the other will almost certainly be cradling your little one. Good drop-down cups are discreet, easy to operate, and re-fasten securely. Once you've nursed in one, you'll wonder how anyone manages without. 

Yes, absolutely - and we love it when mamas come in for a fitting in their third trimester. A fitting at around 36 weeks gives you a really useful size to work from. Your band size tends to be reliable from this point, though your cup size may increase when your milk comes in, so we factor that in. 

Our in-boutique team offers complimentary bra fittings, and they'll help you find styles that work now and transition beautifully into your nursing journey. You can book a bra fitting via our Book a Stylist page. Just enter your details, your preferred time and store, and we will be in touch.

Finding the right nursing bra size starts with two simple measurements. Using a soft measuring tape, measure around your ribcage, directly underneath your bust, keeping the tape snug and level. Next, measure around the fullest part of your bust, ensuring the tape sits comfortably without pulling too tight. Use these measurements to check our Bra Size Guide and find your best fit. Remember, your breast size can change throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it's worth checking your measurements regularly. For extra help, visit us in-store for a personalised bra fitting. Find your closest store here.