Buying guide: Best maternity and nursing bras

Whether you’re planning to breastfeed or not, wearing a well-fitting, comfortable and supportive bra is an essential part of your journey into parenthood.

Often, one of the first things you’ll notice is that your breasts become larger and much more tender. This can happen as early as six weeks into your pregnancy, long before you get a hint of a bump. Book an expert M&S bra fitting at the earliest opportunity to determine your size and discuss the best bras for pregnancy.

We recommend that you stop wearing underwired bras (unless made with flexible wiring designed for pregnancy), as they can dig into sensitive breast tissue and potentially block milk ducts. Our range of non-wired and supportive maternity bras should be your first port of call.

Designed with feeding in mind, the best nursing bras go beyond everyday maternity styles to make breastfeeding simpler and more comfortable. Look for practical details like drop-down cups and easy-to-use clips for one-handed access (because multitasking is basically a given). Internal slings offer gentle support when the cup is open, so you're covered at every stage of a feed.

The best breastfeeding bras are also soft, breathable and made with seam-free fabrics to minimise irritation on sensitive skin. They also adapt to daily shape changes, which is a lifesaver. If you're after something more fashion-forward, brands like Hotmilk offer nursing bras that balance style with comfort.

You don't have to rush out and buy a nursing bra straight away, but many women find them a worthwhile addition from late pregnancy onwards