When it comes to lingerie, one size definitely does not fit all. For women with fuller busts, finding a comfortable and supportive bra can sometimes feel like an impossible mission. However, it's essential to understand that the world of lingerie has evolved, we pride ourselves on catering to the needs of larger-busted women. In fact, we offer bras that go up to a J cup. But why is this so important, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
During pregnancy, it's common for a woman's body to undergo a lot of changes, and one of those changes can be an alteration in bra size. The timing and extent of these changes can vary from woman to woman, but here's a general guideline on when you can expect your bra size to change during pregnancy:
- First Trimester (Weeks 1-12): In the early stages of pregnancy, you may not notice a significant change in your bra size. Some women might experience slight breast tenderness or swelling. If you are experiencing swelling or any tenderness we suggest trying a wirefree, multifit maternity bra.
- Second Trimester (Weeks 13-27): For many women, the most noticeable changes in breast size occur during the second trimester. Your breasts may start to feel fuller and more tender. You might find that your current bras are becoming tight or uncomfortable. It's a good idea to start considering maternity or nursing bras with more support and flexibility.
- Third Trimester (Weeks 28-40+): As you progress into the third trimester, your breasts can continue to grow. Some women experience significant breast enlargement during this time. Your ribcage may also expand to accommodate your growing baby, which can affect the band size of your bras. It's essential to ensure that your bras fit comfortably during this period to avoid discomfort.
- Postpartum (After Giving Birth): After giving birth, your breasts will likely change again. They may become engorged as your milk comes in, causing your bra size to temporarily increase. Once your milk supply stabilizes, usually a few weeks after birth, you may settle into a new, more stable bra size.
For a comprehensive list of what bras works best for the different trimesters, check out our blog - Five Signs You Are Ready To Start Wearing A Nursing Bra.
It's essential to monitor the fit and comfort of your bras throughout your pregnancy and breastfeeding. Maternity or nursing bras that are specifically designed to accommodate changes in breast size and shape will be your best friend during this time. These bras often have features like stretchy cups, adjustable straps, and easy-to-open nursing clips for breastfeeding.
To ensure you have the right size during and after pregnancy and postpartum, complete our online fit quiz,, especially if you're experiencing significant changes in your breast size. A well-fitted bra can provide the support and comfort you need during this transformative time in your life. Remember that every woman's experience is unique, so pay attention to your body and adjust your undergarments as needed to stay comfortable and supported.
The Importance of Proper Support for a Maternity & Nursing Bra:
Bigger busted women have unique needs when it comes to bras. They require extra support to maintain comfort and posture, and this becomes even more critical during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Hotmilk understands these needs and is dedicated to ensuring that women with fuller busts have access to bras that are not just supportive but also sexy.
It is important for any woman, regardless of her bust size, to have the right bra for several reasons. However, for women with larger busts, finding the right bra becomes especially crucial due to the following reasons:
- Support: Larger breasts are heavier, and without proper support, they can cause discomfort, pain, and strain on the neck, shoulders, and back. The right bra with proper support features, such as wire or wirefree and wider straps, can distribute the weight of the breasts more evenly and reduce discomfort.
- Comfort: A well-fitting bra can significantly improve comfort. It can help prevent skin irritation, chafing, and discomfort caused by breast movement during daily activities.
- Posture: Wearing the right bra can help maintain good posture. Without proper support, the weight of larger breasts can cause slouching, which can lead to back and neck pain over time. A well-fitted bra can help keep the spine aligned properly.
As maternity and nursing lingerie specialists we have spent years developing products that will provide women with the right level of support, comfort and style.
Key Features in Hotmilk Bras for Bigger Busts:
- Three Piece Support: Hotmilk's maternity and nursing bras for larger busts feature a three-piece design. This means that the bra is constructed from three separate pieces of fabric, joined by seams. This design provides significantly more support compared to standard vertically-seamed bras.
- Wider Straps: All Hotmilk bra straps are carefully designed to gradually widen from A to J cups. This strategic design ensures maximum support, making daily wear comfortable and pain-free.
- Top Cup Stretch: To accommodate changes in breast size and shape, the top cup of these bras is designed with stretch material. This feature ensures a secure and supportive fit throughout the journey of motherhood.
- Back Adjusters: Pregnancy often brings changes to a woman's body, including an expanding diaphragm. Hotmilk's larger-size bras feature six rows of hook and eye closures, providing the flexibility needed during this period. Additionally, selected sizes come with a wider width of triple hook and eyes.
- A Frame Support for Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding can be challenging for women with larger busts, which is why Hotmilk offers bras with A-frame support. This feature not only provides greater support but also offers more coverage while breastfeeding, ensuring both comfort and convenience.
Standard Features of All Hotmilk Bras:
- One-Handed Drop Down Cups or Discreet Magnetic Clips: Hotmilk bras make breastfeeding a breeze with easy one-handed drop-down cups, allowing for fuss-free access when nursing your baby. Alternatively, we offer Magnetic Clips on a number of our nursing bras for a sleek discreet look.
- Two Strap Types: Hotmilk bras offer both fashion front straps, cotton-lined for added comfort, and fully adjustable back straps for flexibility in strap length.
- Power Fabric Panels for Extra Support: The back side panels of these bras are designed for exceptional support, especially as breasts become heavier during breastfeeding.
- Seam Friendly Cups: To prevent irritation and chafing, all seams are concealed internally, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience.
Here are Our Top Selling Styles for Larger Cps and Why:
Maternity & Nursing Sleep Bras
My Necessity Full Cup My Necessity is a seamless multifit maternity and nursing bra with removable foam cups and a side sling breastfeeding support. It will be an essential in your hospital bag, great for sleeping in and ideal for those cozy days where comfort is all you want!
This Full Cup version has hidden support panels designed to lift a heavier bust. This is a soft support style with no seams for the ultimate in comfort, and a flexible fit that will expand 2-3 cup sizes to offer total comfort and flexibility for your changing size throughout your pregnancy and for postpartum changes
Caress Full Cup - This seriously soft multi-fit plunge bra flatters the body while feeling like a second skin. This wirefree style is constructed from sustainable bamboo fabric with wide wings for a smooth and seamless look. Caress FULL CUP is designed for the fuller bust from a DD cup.
Wirefree Everyday Nursing Bras
Our Global Award-winning Show Off maternity bra is the ultimate in comfort, style, and support. This buttery-soft wireless, full-cup style has adjustable straps and discreet A-frame feeding support making it the perfect everyday maternity bra.
Infinite, the ultimate wirefree contour cup nursing bra, perfection up to a K cup. Soft supportive foam cups reduce nipple show. Sleek silky recycled nylon outer with a cotton blend lining. Sophisticated comfort with fully adjustable straps.
Based on a best-selling Hotmilk design Show Off, this bra molds to the body, creating a beautiful silhouette. Constructed from a sleek microfiber with 4-piece cup support to give your bust a natural, rounded lift. Featuring Hotmilk's discrete magnetic nursing clips and side sling feeding support for skin-to-skin contact. If you love Show Off this is the bra for you!
Flexiwire
True Luxe in a luxuriously refined large floral lace nursing bra. Based on our award winning Temptation flexi-wire with a lowered plunge center and twin strap detail offering a sleek sexy look up to a M cup. Semi-sheer three-piece cup lifts, rounds and supports while offering the same trusted fit as Temptation. IFYYN!
Designed for the fuller bust, the ultimate t-shirt nursing bra with a flexible underwire. A seriously sensual and supportive contour cup made with engineered spacer foam. Smooth under clothing with the flat lace paneling and smooth, soft microfiber. Flexible underwire offers a higher level of support and expands and flexes with your body reducing pressure on the breast tissue.
Alternatively, the Forever Yours is perfect for cup sizes G and smaller who prefer less coverage.
Temptation Nursing Bra is our most popular flexi underwire nursing bra. Luxurious enough for special occasions, yet comfortable for all-day wear. A Lower center with lace full cup coverage, convertible racerback and fully adjustable straps for flexibility of wear. The universally flattering diagonal cup seaming with side sling support ensures maximum comfort and lift up to a M cup.
Activewear
Balance Sports Bra - The ultimate sports bra, easy to fit with dual sizing foam cup support. A microfiber wire free sports bra with cotton A-frame nursing support, perfect for everyday light exercise and comfort.
Our Reactivate Nursing Bra is designed for the fuller bust and is ideal for all-day on-the-go support and exercise. Being active has never been so easy. This nursing bra is perfect for the fuller bust up to an K cup, padded front straps, and a convertible racer-back to maximize support and comfort. Breathable with four-way stretch and a moisture-wicking lining.
Focus Maternity Sports Leggings squat-proof 7/8 length - adjustable support to take you through pregnancy and beyond, from coffee runs to active exercise. Placement of seams for the pregnant body and c-section scars means zero irritation, with non-see-through fabric when bending and no roll down, these leggings are designed with maternity at the forefront. Bump and postnatal tummy support.
