Is It OK to Wear an Underwire Bra While Nursing?

When it comes to nursing bras, there’s plenty of debate about underwires. Some women love the lift and shape that wired bras give, while others find them uncomfortable once they’re feeding. So, is it ok to wear an underwire bra while nursing? The honest answer: sometimes, but most mums find they’d rather not.

Why shouldn’t you wear underwire while pregnant?

By the third trimester, your body is changing quickly. Breasts feel fuller, more sensitive, and your milk ducts are getting ready to do their job. At this stage, tight or wired bras can put extra pressure on places you don’t want it, leading to sore spots, blocked ducts, or even mastitis. That’s why groups like the La Leche League NZ suggest steering clear of underwires in the final trimester.

It doesn’t mean you need to give up your support. Late pregnancy is the perfect time to switch into softer, more flexible maternity bras that move with you. They’ll keep you comfortable, reduce the risk of issues, and still give you the hold you’re looking for.

The risks of underwires during breastfeeding

Once you’ve had your baby, those changes to your body may be less noticeable, but they're still happening. If you’re breastfeeding, protecting your ducts from pressure is more important than ever.

In early breastfeeding, when breasts are especially full and prone to engorgement, most experts recommend avoiding underwires. Underwire bras are designed with rigid wires that sit close against the body. If those wires press into breast tissue or milk ducts, they can cause problems. But post-pregnancy, it’s not actually the wire itself that’s the enemy, it’s poor fit.

If everything is positioned just right, you may be able to wear a wired bra safely, but considering 70% (or more) women are wearing the wrong size, the chances are relatively high that yours doesn’t fit the way it should.

Learn more about Bra Fit Tools and take a look at our Bra Size Calculator.

Why wirefree and maternity bras are better for breastfeeding

Due to their rigid structure, underwire bras aren’t designed for repeated pulling and stretching. When you tug down the cup fabric to nurse, the fabric and stitching are forced against a wire that has no give. Over time, this can cause the bra to lose shape, warp the wires, or damage the cup fabric. That’s why we recommend saving your favourite wired bras for later, and choosing something designed for your current stage.

For example, Rose & Thorne maternity bras feature:

• A wider underband and straps to support without digging in.

• Drop-down clips for easier, discreet breastfeeding.

• Soft, stretchy fabrics that flex with your body as it continues to adjust.

When your body has settled into its post-pregnancy size and those cluster feeding sessions have slowed down to something more manageable, you can consider returning to wired bras, but make sure you get fitted by an expert and wear the correct size.

And if you’re looking for maternity bras for larger breasts, Rose & Thorne offers a wide range of plus-size bras in inclusive sizes up to 24J.

I’m not breastfeeding, can I wear a wired bra post-pregnancy?

If you’re not planning on breastfeeding, a maternity bra might feel like one “pregnancy must-have” that you can skip, but your body is actually going through many of the same changes as nursing mums. Your breasts will still be engorged in the early days, and will take a while before they settle down to their post-pregnancy size. 

Mastitis is still a big risk for formula-mums, as those milk ducts are under much more pressure with no release. With that in mind, wirefree bras are a great in-between option to see you through the first few months. They give gentle support without the rigid structure of wires, so you can feel comfortable while your body adjusts.

The bottom line

It can be ok to wear an underwire bra while nursing, as long as your breasts have settled to a stable size and it fits like a glove, but most women still find that wirefree or maternity bras are more practical. If you love your underwires, save them for special occasions or when you know they won’t be on for long. For daily wear, your breasts will thank you for the flex and softness of a nursing-friendly style.

Looking for more information on maternity bras? Check out How To Choose The Best Maternity Bras.