Have you recently finished breastfeeding and been left feeling a little deflated? Our bodies go through so much change at this time - you may notice that your breasts feel flatter on top, and your skin may feel stretched and delicate. Your nipples may have changed too, which can alter how certain bra styles fit and feel.
It can take a little while to get used to your new shape, so we're here to help you find bras that feel supportive, comfortable and, most importantly, like you.
Our founder - and ma of four - Elly, recommends some of the best post-breastfeeding bras to help you feel lifted and give shape to the bust, whilst offering you a fit like no other. You can watch Elly's video here for a closer look at her favourite bras to wear after finishing breastfeeding.
Why do my boobs feel so different after breastfeeding?
Your breasts go through a huge amount of change in a relatively short period of time.
Breasts are made up of muscle, ligaments, tissue, and skin, all of which change throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding, and recover over time. They can be left feeling much softer, less full, or even more sensitive than before.
There's no 'right' way for your breasts to look after breastfeeding. Your body has been through a lot, and finding a bra that works with your new shape can be a great way of giving yourself a bit of extra support.
How long should I wait after finishing breastfeeding to get fitted for a new bra?
Once you have completely stopped and your milk supply has reduced, your breasts will continue to change for a little while.
We generally recommend waiting around 3-6 weeks before being fitted for a new bra. Of course, everyone is different, and if your current bras are uncomfortable or no longer providing the support you need, there's no need to wait - our team can always help you find something comfortable in the meantime.
Why can't I just wear my old bras after breastfeeding?
You might find that your bra size hasn't changed dramatically since before your pregnancy, but that doesn't necessarily mean your bras will fit in quite the same way. The shape and fullness will likely have changed, meaning that you may find yourself better suited to different cup shapes, styles or fabrics.
It's also worth remembering that bras don't last forever. With regular wear and washing, the elastic and fabrics naturally lose some of their support over time. A regularly-worn bra will typically last around 6-12 months, depending on how many bras you have in rotation, and how often they are worn.
Wired bras... should I wear wired or non-wired bras after breastfeeding?
It's entirely up to you! If you've been living in soft, wire-free nursing bras the thought of returning to underwires might not sound very appealing, however the key is finding the right shape, style and fit for you.
A well-fitting underwired bra should have wires that are sitting around your breast tissue, encapsulating it rather than digging into it, with the band providing a secure foundation of support.
What styles of bra do you recommend post-breastfeeding?
Here are a few of our tried-and-tested favourite bras to give you support and shape after breastfeeding:
Buttercup lace & rose demi balconette bra, £68
This bra features a secure cradle, which means the wires hug the bust from underneath to support and uplift. The lower coverage creates a beautiful rounded shape, while carefully designed cups help to gently bring the breast tissue forward without creasing or cutting in. Available in several colourways, it's a bra that you really 'lift' your spirits. Due to the demi-cup design of this bra, we recommend taking one cup size up ( so if you're a C cup, take a D cup ).
Abstract petal lace balconette bra, £39
This bra is a go-to when you want a little more lift and a beautifully refined shape. The wires are firm, but the shape is unmatched, and perfect to wear under a shirt, or for an occasion when you need a little more lift. The balconette style helps lift the breast tissue up, creating a plumper look in the area where you will have lost some fullness at the top. Available in D to H cups, due to the demi nature of these cups, this style can also work for fuller C cups.
Cotton contour underwired plunge bra, £38
For something super comfy and versatile, this bra is a brilliant option for B-F cups. It has lightweight wiring and plenty of stretch, allowing the bra to mould to your shape and avoid gaping at the top of the cup. This can be particularly useful when your breasts are changing throughout the month. There's also a clever power mesh lining to help lift, narrow and shape, while the lilac colour surprisingly works as a great neutral under lighter clothing.
Everyone needs a good t-shirt bra in their 'bra-drobe', and this one stands out from the rest. The smooth moulded cups creates a beautiful rounded shape whilst sitting seamlessly under fitted clothing. Its multiway straps can be crossed over in back, which is a fab way to help distribute weight comfortably and allows you to have complete ease, and stops the straps from falling off your shoulders! A simple, practical style that comes in multiple colourways and works hard up to G cup - especially as your baby becomes more mobile and you want a little extra security and comfort.
Fuller cup wire-free bralette, £30
This Fuller cup wire-free lace bralette is designed to give a little extra support for DD - FF cups. Combining semi-sheer power mesh with soft, stretch lace and a plunging V-neckline, it lifts and shapes without the need for underwires. It also has an extra-wide, stretchy band, with a 4-hook and eye closure, which offers a smooth fit without rolling. This is a sublimely comfortable bra you won't want to whip off at the end of the day!
Stretch lace wire-free bralette, £41
Offering great support from B-F cups, this soft style features moulded lace in place of an wire, giving a structured, separated appearance, and the supportive feel of an underwired bra, while the delicate floral stretch lace ensures a supremely comfortable fit.
Finding your new fit ...
The most important thing to remember is that your post-breastfeeding body doesn’t need to fit back into the bras you wore before. Your size may be similar, but your shape may have changed, and that’s completely normal.
Instead of focusing on the size that's on the label, we look at how the bra fits you: where the wires sit, how the cups contain your breast tissue, how the band feels around your back and most importantly, how comfortable and supported you feel.
Our entire team, AKA Pant Patrol, are trained to offer fit advice throughout your journey - from pregnancy to postpartum styles, onto breastfeeding and pumping bras, and of course, bras for when you’ve finished feeding.
If you’re ready to find your new fit, we’d love to help. Our fittings are always free and informal, whether you visit us for an in-store bra fitting or prefer to book an online bra fitting from the comfort of your own home.
All of our fitting spaces - including our online fittings - are safe spaces. You’re very welcome to bring baby along, stop for a feed, and take things at your own pace ♥️.
Your body has been through a lot. You deserve a bra that works with it, not against it.
Here’s to happy boobs and a happy Ma! x
