When breastfeeding my son I will admit that breastfeeding friendly sportswear was not a priority for me. I found it hard enough just to find a comfortable and stylish breastfeeding bra never mind breastfeeding sports bras! However, my family and I have gone through a lifestyle change in the last year and I know when the time comes to have another baby breastfeeding friendly sportswear will be much higher on my priority list.
The only thing is breastfeeding and sportswear has never really gone hand in hand. Well, until recently that is. Nike has just launched its first-ever line of maternity activewear which features a breastfeeding sports bra. And last year Adidas featured a model breastfeeding in a tracksuit in an advertising campaign that went viral. Finally, we’re seeing these big sports brands recognize breastfeeding women as a target audience!
But who’s really winning in the breastfeeding sports bra category? Nike and Adidas have not been in the maternity market long enough to be seen as front-runners so let’s look at those bras that have made a real positive impact with breastfeeding mamas. Bras that rate well for support, comfort, style and feeding accessibility in a range of price bands.
Whether it’s a a trip to the gym, a mother and baby home workout, or a power walk with the pram, here is a list of 5 top-rated breastfeeding sports bras for active mamas!
1. Hotmilk Activate Royal Blue Sports Nursing Bra
For the mamas who want extra support
Hotmilk knows a thing or two about breastfeeding bras. They are the go-to brand for beautiful and stylish nursing bras that don’t actually look like nursing bras! However, they are one of the priciest nursing bras around, and their sports bras are no exception. The Hotmilk Activate Royal Blue Sports Bra retails at around £45.99.
Best bits
- They’ve been in the nursing bra game a long time so they know their stuff
- High impact sports bra so ideal for those with a bigger bust or doing intense workouts
- Good range of bra sizes available – 32-38 band, D-H cup
- Flexi-underwire to give added support and shaping
- 5* reviews online.
“OMG I finally found a sports bra that fully supports my GG boobs!!!! I’ve tried all the well-known maternity sports bras and nothing did the job. I was bouncing all over the show on a walk not to mention the shape ‘the Madonna look’ not cool. This bra won’t let you down!!!”
Teressa via Hotmilk.
2. GapFit Low Impact Nursing Sports Bra
For easing yourself back into exercise
Over the last few years, Gap has really made a name for themselves in the maternity wear and sportswear category for women. As is typical of Gap, their range of breastfeeding sports bras are understated and simple, with comfort as key. The GapFit Low Impact Nursing Sports Bra comes recommended by lots of new mamas and it retails at around £39.95.
Best bits
- Ideal for low-impact exercise
- Comes in a variety of colours and designs
- Low-to-mid price range
- 4* reviews online.
“This bra is great! I’m a 34D in bra size regularly and a large fits perfectly. I like that it has holes for the nipples to come out for breastfeeding and it’s overall very comfortable.”
Jade via Gap
3. Latched Breastfeeding Sports Bra
For mamas who want to support another mama!
Latched was set up by new mama called Natalie who found traditional sportswear didn’t flatter or support her fabulous new body (you can read her story here). You know you’re supporting a small business when you purchase a Latched bra. The Latched Breastfeeding Sports Bra retails at around £35.00.
Best bits
- One of the best looking sports bras around
- Designed by a breastfeeding mama!
- The bras are available in a B-E cup and an E-HH/J cup.
- Ideal of low-medium impact exercise.
- 5* reviews online.
“Putting on this bra made me feel good about my body for the first time since giving birth! It’s so comfortable and provides such good support making everything feel more shapely. I love it!“
Farah via Latched
4. H&M MAMA Nursing Sports Bra
For those who don’t want to splash the cash
This sports bra had to make the list due it being one of the cheapest breastfeeding sports bras on the market. It also does very well in terms of reviews. Not everyone will want to, or be able to, invest in a breasfeeding sports bra. In that case, this could make a great economic choice for mamas. The H&M MAMA Nursing Sports Bra retails at around £17.99.
Best bits
- At the low-end of the price range making it affordable for many
- It can be bought on the highsteet or online depending on your preference
- Comes in a choice of black and dark pink
- 4* reviews online.
“Really happy with this sports bra. There are very few nursing sports bras available! This seems lightweight but it offers good support. I was unsure what size to order so I ordered both small and medium – I’m a 32D at the moment and the small fits well.”
Anonymous via H&M
5. SYROKAN High Impact Racerback Sports Bra
For the mama who buys everything on Amazon
Available on Amazon, this sports bra will appeal to a lot of mamas who like to order with the click of a button. Whilst not technically a breastfeeding sports bra, the adjustable front makes to accessible for breastfeeding in. It’s racking up an impressive number of positive reviews from breastfeeding mamas. The Syrokan High Impact Sports Bra retails at around £17.99.
Best bits
- Available on Amazon making it quick and easy to order and return if it’s not suitable
- At the low-end of the price range
- Ideal for high-impact exercises
- Comes in 10+ colours
- 4* reviews online.
“This is literally the best sports bra Ever! Currently nursing a little one and this is just perfect for feeding her when I get back from a run. The velcro straps are so easy to open and you can adjust them throughout the day depending how much little one nurses. It fits amazingly and is so comfortable, probably the best sports bra I’ve used even before baby. Would definitely recommend to anyone but especially to breastfeeding ladies.” ~
StefRob via Amazon Reviews