7 of the best breast pumping bras 2024
WHAT IS A PUMPING BRA?
A pumping bra has openings to hold the the breast shield (flange) part of a pump securely in place on your breasts so that you don’t have to hold it while expressing milk.
Why is it useful?
Pumping milk can feel very restricting so a pump bra is useful as it frees up your hands. If the motor part can fit in your pocket or clip on your clothes, this means you are also free to move around.
What’s the alternative to a pumping bra?
Another alternative is a wearable breast pump, which has no wires and fits entirely inside your normal bra. You can read all about those here:
Wearable breast pumps: why handsfree expressing is the next big thing
There is also something you can do with hair bands and a regular nursing bra. Hold two together so they overlap like a Venn diagram, then put the end of one of them through the middle bit and pull. This will give you a figure of eight hair band. Unclip your nursing bra cups and loop one end of the hairband over the clip and loop one end around the breast pump flange. Then place it over your breast and hold it in place until the suction gets going.
Another thing to try is unclipping your nursing bra, placing the flange on the breast and then wrapping the bra strap around one side before doing up the cup again on the other side. This should hold it in place.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BREAST PUMP BRAS?
There are three main types:
A bra which is designed to be worn only when pumping. It is often a bustier with a zip up the front.
A 2-in-1 pumping and nursing bra. This can be worn all day and the cups with the openings can either be pushed to one side or unclipped and dropped down for breastfeeding. There is sometimes also an outer layer to give you a smooth line under your clothes. Not only do you not have to get changed when pumping but you can pump and breast feed at the time.
An accessory which is worn over the normal nursing bra and clipped on while the nursing cup drops down. This is also good for simultaneously pumping and breastfeeding.
OTHER FEATURES TO LOOK OUT FOR
Material: Most will contain some spandex to make the bra stretchy enough to support any fluctuations in size. If the remainder is a natural fibre like cotton, this will make it more breathable in hot weather and might be useful if it’s a 2-in-1 bra that you could be wearing all day.
Size: Most are very adaptable with adjustable shoulder straps, three or four hook and eye fastenings or Velcro at the back and sometimes even extra sections which can be added to increase the size. You should also choose the correct size for you, which can be done by checking your current bra size with the size chart for the bra. Most will go up to 42E or 44A. For larger breasts, the biggest pumping bra I found was the Bravado Designs Clip and Pump. This is suitable for those with a bra size of 46G.
Washing: If you feel you’ve got enough on your plate dealing with a baby, look for ones that can be machine-washed and not just hand-washed.
Compatibility: Pumping bras are usually designed to be used with most standard breast pump flanges. If you are unsure, check with the manufacturer before you buy.
Security of the opening: It’s important that the opening can securely keep the breast shield in place or there will be not enough suction to express. Look for bras with a reinforced elasticated opening. They are often in a figure of 8 or an X shape.
THE BEST HANDS-FREE PUMPING BRAS TO BUY
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. It was last updated on 14 January 2024.
If you buy through a link, we may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
1. Bravado DESIGNS Clip and Pump Maternity Bra
This is an accessory which turns your usual nursing bra into a pumping bra. Just put it on over your usual nursing bra and attach it to your bra clips. Then pull your nursing bra down underneath. This is great as it means you’re not having to completely change bras when you want to do some hands-free pumping. It also means you can hands-free pump on one side and easily breastfeed on the other.
Everything else you need to know:
49% organic cotton, 32% TENCEL Modal and 19% spandex. It is soft and breathable. TENCEL Modal is an environmentally sourced man-made fabric derived from beech wood.
Hand wash only.
Available in S, M, L and XL. Small will fit those with the bra size 32B to 34G, medium will fit those from 36B to 38G, large will fit those from 40B to 42G and extra large is suitable for those from 44B to 46G.
It has a figure of 8 opening for the breast shield, which is elastic to keep them in place.
The back fastening is adjustable with a 4-row hook and eye closure.
The under band is wide and stretchy.
Compatible with all standard breast pump flanges.
Available in black, grey and pink leopard print.
2. Bravado designs original pumping and nursing bra
Another Bravado Designs bra. This is their original pumping bra and is a 2-in-1 pumping and nursing bra. There is an outer layer, which unclips to reveal the layer with holes for inserting the breast pump shield. This can also be pulled to one side for breastfeeding. It looks smooth under clothes so it can be worn all day long, not just for pumping. And like the one above you could hands-free pump and breastfeed at the same time.
Everything else you need to know:
Made from 49% organic cotton, 32% TENCEL™ Modal and 19% spandex.
They recommend hand washing in cold water. However, if you do want to machine wash use a lingerie bag and delicate cycle with cold water to reduce fading and shrinkage.
A racerback style bra with a comfy and wide under band.
Available in S, M and L. Each of these also has a full cup option. Small with fit those with a bra size 32B-D and 34B-D. Small full cup is for those 32E-G and 34E-G. Medium is for 36B-D and 38B-D. Medium full cup is for 36E-G and 38E-G. Large is for 40B-D and 42B-D. Large cup is for 40E-G and 42E-G.
Secure, one-handed clips.
Compatible with most pumps.
Available in black and grey on Amazon. You may also find it in pink leopard elsewhere.
3. Medela Women's Easy Expression Bustier
This is a bustier style pump bra with a front zip, making it easy to put on. It’s made by the hugely popular Swiss breast pump brand Medela and designed for their pumps but should fit any pump with standard breast shields.
Everything else you need to know:
Made from 85% nylon and 15% spandex to make it stretchy and comfortable.
Machine washable up to 30°C.
Available in S, M and L. There is a good size chart on the Amazon link below. The biggest bra size it’s recommended for is 44DDD or F.
The reinforced openings keep the shield securely in place.
Comes in black and white.
4. iLoveSIA Nursing and Pumping Bra
This is another 2-in-1 pumping and nursing bra. There is an outer layer which is unclipped to reveal the pumping bra layer. This can also be pulled to one side to breastfeed. There is also a thin layer of removable padding to create a smooth line under clothes.
Everything else you need to know:
Made from 92% polyamide and 8% elastane. (Polyamide is also known as nylon.)
Can be machine washed at 30°C in a laundry bag.
Comes in M, L, XL and XXL. These will fit those with a bra size from 32B to 42D.
Available in black, beige and grey.
Shoulder straps are adjustable and there are four hook and eye fastenings at the back.
The straps can be both parallel and crossed at the back.
They can be bought individually or in a pack of two.
5. DORSION Hands-Free Breast pump Bra
A bustier-style pumping bra with a zip up the front and shoulder straps.
Everything else you need to know:
Made from 93% cotton and 7% spandex. It’s very soft and stretchy.
Machine wash cold and tumble dry low.
The back panel has 10 inches of Velcro to make it very adjustable for the perfect fit.
It also comes with a panel which can be zipped in at the front to make it even bigger.
The shoulder straps are also adjustable.
6. Springcmy pumping bra
This breast pump bra has drop-down clips so that it could also be used as a nursing bra.
Everything else you need to know:
Made from 90% nylon and 10% spandex.
Machine washable at 30°C.
Available in S, M, L and XL which will fit those of with a bra size from 32A to 42E.
The shoulder straps are adjustable and there are three hook and eye fastenings at the back.
The breast shield opening is elastically reinforced to keep them in place.
Compatible with most pumps.
Comes in black and beige.
7. Hofish pumping bra
This popular pumping bra, made from a stretchy, seamless fabric, can also be used as a nursing bra and has two overlapping layers of fabric to secure the pump.
Everything else you need to know:
Made from 92% nylon and 8% spandex.
Machine washable.
Adjustable shoulder straps and four hook and eye fastenings at the back. It also comes with a free matching extender which can add another two inches.
There are removable moulded foam cups.
The sizes range from S to XXL which will fit those with bra sizes from 32B to 42G.
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