Nursing requires a lot of energy, time, dedication and patience, and it can sometimes feel like a full-time job. But turning to a Pumping Bra might just be your new time-saving solution. Made to support your breasts and hold pump flanges in place, a hands-free pumping bra lets you multitask while expressing milk (and without worrying about losing a single drop)—a total game-changer. No matter how you spend your day—at home, on the road or in the office—your time is valuable. Whether you’re looking for a pumping bra that easily slips on and off or one you can wear throughout the day, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find the best pumping bra to suit your needs, as well as some tips for what to look for when shopping.
What to Look for in a Hands-Free Pumping Bra
Like most intimates, hands-free pumping bras are not always one-size-fits-all. You’ll want one that offers the correct amount of support, comfort and versatility, on top of being cute to boot. When shopping, look for certain features that can help you find the best pumping bra for you:
- Level of support. Breast size and fullness increase when you’re lactating, so it’s doubly important to find a pumping bra that offers comfortable support.
- Proper fit. Next, make sure your pumping bra has a proper flange seal so it stays put and your suction power stays high. Look for size-adjustable styles that can adapt to your changing needs.
- Pump compatibility. You’ll want your hands-free pumping bra to be compatible with your breast pump, of course. That said, choose a design that has openings and closures to fit your specific breast pump and all of its accessories.
- Materials. You’ll spend a lot of time in your pumping bra, meaning the fabric is also an important consideration. Opt for soft, breathable, stretchy materials that are easy to clean and durable.
Best Hands-Free Pumping Bras to Shop
With all that in mind, you’ll know exactly what to look for as you shop. Below, check out our top picks for the best pumping bras that keep your hands free to tackle other tasks.
Overall best pumping bra
Image: Bodily
Designed in collaboration with a lactation consultant, this pumping bra from Bodily was created to empower women to tackle their day, and it truly lives up to its name. The stretchy OEKO TEX-certified fabric will meet your changing needs, while still being supportive enough to hold your pumping parts securely in place. According to one of our Best of The Bump product testers, “if you're looking for a comfortable/barely there feeling bra that is great for nursing, it's perfect.”
Highly adjustable, the bra features an extended back closure and sliders. These allow you to tighten the fit during pumping sessions and then loosen it for the rest of your day. You’ll also appreciate how it has shoulder straps that convert to a racerback style for added support. Front clips allow for easy nursing access, but thanks to the clever flange slits (instead of additional bra layers), this pumping bra feels sleek and bulk-free. This was praised by our product tester, who mentioned that she “loved how easy it was to unclip and nurse. It was also really easy to clip back when I was done, which is sometimes difficult to find in nursing bras.”
Sizes: S to 3X | Material: 76% polyamide/24% spandex | Color options: 5
“The quality seems good. Depending on how you wear it and where you're going I think it can depend on how well it can hold up. It's definitely more of a bra I'd wear at home, which would make it last longer than wearing it all day going out.“
- Clever flange slits for a sleek style
- Compatible with all leading breast pumps
- Can be worn during pregnancy and every stage of breastfeeding
- Our product tester would have liked to see more support for public wearing
- Line dry
Best nursing and pumping bra
Image: Kindred Bravely
Breastfeeding moms have plenty to do in the day as it is, so not having to change bras every time you want to nurse or pump is a huge convenience. Enter: The Sublime hands-free pumping bra. It has two clip-down front layers—one that reveals flange slits to hold your pump parts in place, and another that releases the fabric for easy nursing access. The pumping bra has been designed for maximum support while still providing some stretch, and the hook-and-eye back closure allows you to adjust the fit. One Best of The Bump product tester says: “This really is a comfortable bra—the fit is spot on for the sizing chart and while it’s not a sleeping bra it was comfortable enough to sleep in which is great for middle-of-the-night pumping.” What’s more, she noted that “the support, durability, and multi-functionality make this an excellent value for money.”
Sizes: S to XXXL | Material: 94% nylon/6% spandex (outer), 84% nylon/16% spandex (inner) | Color options: 7
“It is tough to find a pumping bra in a busty size that is truly supportive and multi-functional. Very happy with this and would definitely recommend it to other moms who are pumping.”
- Easy enough to unclip, even while holding baby, according to reviewers
- Compatible with all leading pumps
- Comfortable enough to sleep in
- Hand-wash only
- Some users say the straps can be scratchy
Best cooling pumping bra
Image: Ingrid + Isabel
Hot flashes are a common, unwelcome postpartum side effect. One solution: A cooling pumping bra to avoid discomfort when expressing in the middle of the night. Made of built-in cooling minerals, it will lower your body temperature as it wicks away moisture, and it dries incredibly fast. Other functional features this pumping bra has to offer include dropdown cups and openings for your pump flanges—how versatile!
Sizes: S to XL | Material: 66% cooling nylon/27% nylon/7% spandex | Color options: 2
- Fits throughout pregnancy and after
- Compatible with all major electric pumps, including wearable ones
- Works with your changing body, thanks to adjustable straps and hook-and-eye closures
Best massaging pumping bra
Image: Lilu
The most advanced of the bunch, this hands-free pumping bra from Lilu features interior lactation massage cushions. The result? A design that mimics hands-on compression while you pump. Massaging offers several benefits, such as helping empty your breasts more fully to establish, increase and maintain your milk supply, as well as alleviating clogged ducts and engorgement.
Sizes: S to 2XL | Material: N/A | Color options: 1
- Massage feature can boost milk expression
- Rechargeable controller adjusts massage levels for up to two hours
- Can be worn alone or over a nursing bra
- High price point
- Only available in one color option
- Not yet compatible with Willow, Elvie, Freemie or Pumpin Pal flanges
Best size-inclusive pumping bra
Image: The Dairy Fairy
Accommodating sizes 30A to 36H, the Rose 2.0 nursing and pumping bra is one of the most inclusive options on the market. (It’s also one of the prettiest, in our opinion!) Pump flanges slip into cleverly concealed slits and a clip-down front offers breastfeeding access so you can nurse, pump or do both. It features an impressive four inches of hook-and-eye closures so you can adjust for the perfect fit. Plus, detachable straps can be arranged in a racerback crisscross style for extra support when you need it. This pumping bra also comes in a wide and inclusive size range, including a petite plus option.
Sizes: XS to 2XL | Material: N/A | Color options: 5
- Inclusive sizing and highly adjustable
- Compatible with all leading breast pumps
- Lace detailing elevates the look
- Some users say the band can be uncomfortable
Best clip-on pumping bra
Image: Amazon
This pumping bra accessory from Bravado securely attaches to your undergarment so you can easily and discreetly express without removing or undressing—convenience at its finest. The cotton fabric is comfortable and breathable, and the design also gives you the option to pump on one side and breastfeed on the other—score!
Sizes: S to XL | Material: 49% organic cotton/32% Tencel modal/19% spandex | Color options: 5
- Easy breast shield insertion and removal
- Affordable price point
- Runs small, according to some reviewers
- Openings tend to be on the smaller side
Best zippered pumping bra
Image: Amazon
For a strapless bra that’s a breeze to put on when it’s time to pump, try this one from Simple Wishes. It’s a well-liked option for its stretchy material and front zipper that offer ease, comfort and convenience. Four-way layering support will ensure that your flanges and bottles stay in place while you pump, and, if needed, bra straps are included for additional support. No need to worry about size fluctuation with this one—the 11-inch adjustable back panel helps maintain an ideal fit over time.
Sizes: XS to L | Material: Cotton-spandex blend | Color options: 2
- Easy to put on and take off
- Highly adjustable
- Compatible with all major breast pump brands
- Not ideal for larger chests
- Not suitable for nursing
Best Velcro pumping bra
Image: Amazon
This one-size-fits-most pumping bra is complete with an easily adjustable Velcro back closure that allows you to alter the bra’s tightness according to your needs. This also makes it easy to take the bra on and off when you’re short on time. Better yet, the compression from the Velcro closure puts pressure on your milk glands to help you express more in less time. For additional support when pumping, a neck strap is included to help keep the bra in place.
Sizes: One size | Material: 80% neoprene/20% nylon | Color options: 5
- Compression helps maximize milk expression
- Compatible with leading breast pumps
- Not for use outside of pumping
- Line dry suggested
Best affordable pumping bra
Image: Amazon
For a 2-in-1 style that won't break the bank, opt for this pumping bra from Momcozy. You’ll appreciate how the versatile design can be worn for regular wear throughout pregnancy, as well as for nursing and pumping. Simply unhook the detachable clips to nurse, while the hidden layer supports a pump. You’ll want to wear this stylish pumping bra all day; stock up on a few to keep in your rotation.
Sizes: S to XXL | Material: 93% cotton/7% spandex | Color options: 3
- Adjustable straps for added convenience
- Can be worn during pregnancy and the postpartum period
- Affordable price point
- Some users say the bra isn’t flattering under shirts
How We Chose the Best Hands-Free Pumping Bras
We get it—entering motherhood comes with a lot of new gear, not only for baby, but also for yourself. To support you on your nursing journey, we’ve curated this list of the best hands-free pumping bras. We browsed styles from an array of leading maternity brands and online retailers, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling. When choosing which bras to feature, we considered several factors, including support, comfort, quality and durability, sizing options, material, value and, of course, style. What’s more, we read user reviews to understand how these pumping bras have worked for real moms, and didn’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating. Some pumping bras featured in this roundup were also tested by our team of independent reviewers who provided honest feedback, and helped us identify standout options that are particularly good for specific nursing needs.
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