When do I buy a maternity bra?
Whether these changes occur in the early weeks of pregnancy or well into the second trimester, there's no universal timeline, as every woman's body undergoes unique growth and changes. However there are 5 common signs indicating it's time to switch to a maternity bra.
- You are spilling out of your current “Regular Bra” in the cup
- Your “Regular Bra” is leaving red marks
- Your “Regular Bra” is too tight in the band
- You are just feeling super uncomfortable in a “Regular Bra”
- Your “Regular Bras” are old and due to be upgraded anyway
How to Measure Your Bra Size: A Step-By-Step Guide
Every mama's body is different and self measuring can be tricky especially late in the third trimester, but it gives us a great starting place to work out your bra size. Scroll to your trimester and find the tips to measure at each stage. Find our bra measurement guide here.
How do I know what size bra to buy when pregnant?
Measuring your bra size in the First trimester
1-3 months or under 12 weeks (It’s generally about the boobs!)
Congratulations you're expecting! Some women the first sign of pregnancy is an increase in cup size, most will increase by 1-2 cup sizes but there is no hard and fast rule. As soon as you notice you are spilling out of your current bras, it's time to change.
STEP 1) Wearing your best-fitting non-padded bra (not one you are spilling out of).
STEP 2) Measure quite tightly underbust for your band size - Your bra won't fit tight but the underbust measurement needs to be tight to get the right size!
STEP 3) Measure loosely around the fullest part of your bust - this will guide you to your cup size E, F, FF etc
STEP 4) Using your measurement follow the bra measurement guide. Example - underbust 75cms, overbust 96cms = 12DD
* The ideal band fit in the first trimester for your maternity bra is on the tighter hooks, this will allow room to extend the band throughout your pregnancy as your baby grows.
How do I know what size maternity bra to get?
How to measure your bra size in the Second trimester
3-6 Months or 12-24 weeks (It’s about the Bump)
Most women will find little change in cup size during the second trimester, if you haven't already changed to a maternity bra, now is a great time to do so as your current bra bands starts to feel tight. It is absolutely normal to go up at least 1-2 band size.
Is your cup fits well but the band is tight? Sister size up * 12D = 14C, this is the same cup size but a bigger band.
Is both your cup and band feeling a little tight? Sister size up * 12D = 14D, this is 1 cup and a band size bigger.
Alternatively self measure as below, and of course, our team is always here to help - email now
STEP 1) Wearing your best-fitting non-padded bra (not one you are spilling out of).
STEP 2) Measure quite tightly underbust for your band size - Your bra won't fit tight but the underbust measurement needs to be tight to get the right size!
STEP 3) Measure loosely around the fullest part of your bust - this will guide you to your cup size E, F, FF etc
STEP 4) Using your measurement follow the bra measurement guide.
*The ideal band fit in the second trimester for your maternity bra is on the middle hooks this will allow room to extend the band throughout your pregnancy as your baby grows.
How to buy the right size nursing bra before giving birth?
Third Trimester (this is the trickest trimester!)
6-9 Months or 24-40 weeks (still about the bump and then some prep)
When measuring your underbust in late pregnancy, it can get tricky due to your bump sitting high, keep in mind most women will go down a band size in the months after delivery.
STEP 1) Start wearing your best fitting non-padded bra (not one you are spilling out of).
STEP 2) Measuring underbust is tricky, you may need to get someone to help. Baby sitting high will put this measurement out, we recommend using the measurement and what you were pre-pregnancy as a guide. ie measuring a 16 band but pre-pregnancy you were a 12 band then we recommend the 14 band.
STEP 3) Measure loosely around the fullest part of your bust - this will guide you to your cup size E, F, FF etc
STEP 4) Using your measurement follow the bra measurement guide. However we do recommend you allow for at least 1 cup size increase in your bust when your milk comes in. So if you measure a DD we recommend going up to E for postpartum.
*The ideal band fit in the third trimester for your nursing bras is on the loosest hooks so after birth you can tighten as needed. (there is no perfect time frame, allow your body the time it needs to recover)
How many bra sizes do you go up when breastfeeding?
How to buy the right size nursing bra. The Fourth Trimester
Birth–3 months (Get breastfeeding sorted and start postpartum recovery)
This is the time to show yourself the utmost kindness and generosity. Demands of breastfeeding and an increase in milk supply can lead to a dramatic change in your cup size and shape during the initial weeks. Multifit styles are ideal for accommodating these changes.STEP 1) Start wearing your best-fitting non-padded bra (not one you are spilling out of).
STEP 2) Measure quite tightly underbust for your band size - Your bra won't fit tight but the underbust measurement needs to be to get the right size!
STEP 3) Measure loosely around the fullest part of your bust at the middle of your feed cycle. Not too full, not totally empty - this will guide you to your cup size E, F, FF etc
STEP 4) Using your measurement follow the bra measurement guide.
*The ideal band fit for your nursing bras is on the loose to middle hooks so you can tighten as needed. (there is no perfect time frame, allow your body the time it needs to recover)
Our support team are always here to offer you individual advice so don't hesitate to reach out we would love to hear from you.
Every few months, check on your bra inventory. If your favourite bras are worn out, replace them! Don’t suffer in an uncomfortable, dead bra. Having a drawer full of ready-to-wear bras makes getting dressed and feeling your best easy. After all, bras are an essential piece of equipment in our journey to grow a human being and then be able to feed that little person! It's just a bonus that Hotmilk Lingerie makes you feel fabulous too!
