When I was pregnant with my first child four years ago, I didn't appreciate quite how much my body would change, or how quickly my favourite bras would stop fitting. Now well into my second pregnancy, I've already packed away most of my everyday designs in favour of the best maternity bras that are far more forgiving. Even before my bump became obvious, the extra stretch, softer fabrics and wire-free support made them infinitely more comfortable to wear throughout the day.
If you're wondering whether maternity bras are really worth buying, I'd say the answer is yes – whether you plan to breastfeed or not. Unlike standard bras, maternity bras are designed to accommodate fluctuating breast size, increased tenderness and the changes that happen throughout pregnancy and after birth. They typically use stretchier fabrics, wider straps, flexible support and additional hook-and-eye fastenings, while nursing bras add drop-down cups that make feeding or pumping much easier.
