Pregnancy is full of changes, some more surprising than others and the right underwear can make a world of difference to comfort. Whether you’re expecting, breastfeeding, or simply looking for extra comfort, finding the perfect nursing bra or maternity knicker helps you feel supported and confident.
Here at MySmartyPants, we’ve picked the best from one of our leading lingerie brands, Chantelle. For lingerie generally, their designs and styles are class leading from comfort, support and shaping and their designs and styles for pregnancy provide outstanding comfort, support. Let’s take a look at our top three must-haves for mums and mums-to-be.
Chantelle Pure Maternity Non-Wired Nursing Bra
For a nursing bra that feels soft yet supportive, this Chantelle favourite is a perfect choice. Style aside, the feature that everyone wants to know about is that the bra cups are thoughtfully designed with an easy fastening clip, opening the cup for breastfeeding and importantly are non-fiddly which means you should be able to open or close with one hand.
Clothing sized for simplicity with sizing from small to extra-large making this bra suitable for up to a G cup. The smoot non-wired design offers gentle support and lift without pressure, making it ideal for both pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Features mums will love:
• Smooth, seamless cups
• One-hand nursing clips for easy breastfeeding access
• Stretch fabric that adapts as your body changes
• It’s a great everyday bra for those who want comfort without compromising style
• Eco design, made using recycled fibres
• Excellent as a nursing bra for sleeping
Shop the Chantelle Pure Maternity Non-Wired Nursing Bra ›
Chantelle SoftStretch High Waisted Maternity Knicker
SoftStretch knickers are amazing, with an ultra-smooth lightweight feel, outstanding stretch, as the name suggests and with a one size design, they’re a blissfully easy choice. Even better is when this award-winning style has been tailored for pregnancy, making this style one of the best pregnancy briefs available. With a high waist design, that’s supportive but non-restrictive they’re a superb choice of knicker style that we can’t recommend enough.
Why you’ll love this pregnancy brief:
- Seamless, second-skin fit that feels weightless
- High-waisted shape for light bump and waist support
- Breathable, quick-drying material perfect for everyday wear
- Designed to grow with you, they’re a maternity essential for comfort and confidence
Shop the Chantelle SoftStretch High Waisted Maternity Knicker ›
Chantelle Underwired Nursing Bra
If you prefer a little extra structure matched with elegant style, the Chantelle nursing bra with underwire is a fantastic option for the latter stages of pregnancy and during breastfeeding. Featuring flexible underwiring, it’s a nursing bra with support, shaping naturally and comfortable for all day wear. The spacer bra fabric is lightweight and smooth against the skin, remaining breathable for additional comfort, its an advanced fabric you’ll find in many of Chantelle’s t-shirt bra styles.
The cups open and can be closed easily with one hand, making breastfeeding that little bit easier. Teamed with delicate details to this versatile style, makes this bra one of the most elegant nursing bras available. Simply perfect for new mums who want both comfort and a touch of luxury.
Key features that makes this bra a favourite amongst pregnant and nursing mums:
• Spacer bra cups for lightness, breathability and invisibility
• Clips at the strap point can be unfastened with one hand for breastfeeding
• Underwired - Flexible wires for additional comfort, adapting to the size/shape changes of the bust
• Soft seamless lined cups, perfect for sensitive skin
• Mounted on a base for better support
• Optimal support and a re-centred bust
• Feminine trim with lace along the neckline
• Lined brasserie back in sizes 42D, 40-42DD, E/F/FF
• Fully adjustable straps with adjustment to the front for ease
• 4 hook and eye fastening to the back of the bra
Shop the Chantelle Nursing Bra ›
Choosing the Right Maternity Underwear
Not sure which nursing bra or maternity knicker is right for you? Keep these tips in mind:
• Fit first: Choose flexible fabrics that stretch with your changing body.
• Accessibility: Look for nursing clips that can be opened one-handed.
• Support: Wider straps and shaped cups help reduce strain on your shoulders and back.
• Softness: Breathable materials like spacer bra fabrics keep you cool and comfortable all day.
When in doubt, start with non-wired styles like the Chantelle Pure Maternity Bra, perfect for pregnancy and early breastfeeding, then add a more supportive option once your size stabilises.
When to buy a nursing bra?
The exact timing really depends on what changes you’re seeing in your body. At any stage of pregnancy, wearing a comfortable bra with suitable support will always help you in the long term with posture and reduce the likelihood of back pain.
Your size is likely to change into the later stages of pregnancy, so don’t buy too early, but this is where a clothing sized style like the Chantelle Pure Maternity non wired bra can come in handy. Bridging the gap between exact cup sizes. Its not usual during pregnancy and after, to have gone up a couple of cup sizes and potentially be broader across the back.
Your body deserves comfort and care, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Our small but tailored collection offers versatile options for every stage and if you’re looking for a collection of non padded bra and underwear take a look at the Chantelle SoftStretch collections.