What Are the Best Nursing Bras for Large Busts? (D–K Cup Guide)

Why Do Larger Busts Need Different Nursing Bras?

Standard nursing bras are typically designed around B–D cup proportions. Once you move into DD and beyond, the engineering requirements change significantly. Larger breasts are heavier — a G cup can weigh over 1kg per breast — and that weight increases further during breastfeeding as breasts fill with milk between feeds.

Without proper support, the weight pulls on your shoulders and back, and the breast tissue isn't held in a position that makes nursing comfortable. A bra designed for smaller cups simply can't distribute that load safely.

The common complaints from D+ mums wearing standard nursing bras include:

• Straps digging in because they're too narrow to spread the weight
• Back band riding up because it's not firm enough to anchor the bra
• Cups collapsing or gaping during milk fluctuations
• No separation — the dreaded "mono-boob" from soft, unstructured cups
• Underwire poking from poorly designed wire shapes that don't account for fuller tissue

What Features Should You Look for in a D+ Nursing Bra?

Multi-part cup construction

Cups made from 3 or 4 separate panels (rather than a single piece of fabric) shape and lift the breast from multiple angles. This is the single biggest difference between a bra engineered for larger busts and one that's simply available in larger sizes.

Wide, padded straps

Narrow straps concentrate weight on a small area of your shoulder, causing digging and pain. Straps at least 2cm wide distribute the load more comfortably. Padded straps add a further cushion for heavier busts.

Firm back band

The back band provides 80% of a bra's support — not the straps. A firm, wide back band (at least 3 hooks wide) keeps the bra anchored and stops it riding up. This is especially important during breastfeeding when your bust weight changes throughout the day.

Side support panels (side slings)

Internal side panels — sometimes called side slings — hold breast tissue forward and prevent it from spreading under your arms. For larger busts, this is essential for both comfort and shape.

Flexi-wire or underwired options

Wire-free bras are popular during breastfeeding, but for many D+ mums, underwired or flexi-wire bras provide noticeably better support. Modern flexi-wire sits on the chest wall (not on breast tissue) and follows a wider arc than traditional underwire, reducing the risk of pressure on milk ducts.

A note on underwire and breastfeeding: The concern that underwire causes blocked ducts comes from wearing poorly fitting underwired bras where the wire sits on breast tissue. A correctly fitted underwired or flexi-wire nursing bra — where the wire sits on the ribcage below the breast — is considered safe by most lactation consultants. The key is fit, not the presence of wire itself.

Wire-Free vs Underwired: Which Is Better for Larger Busts?

This is one of the most common questions from D+ mums, and the honest answer is: it depends on your bust size and what you're used to wearing.

Factor	Wire-Free	Underwired / Flexi-Wire
Support level	Moderate (relies on cup construction and back band)	High (wire provides structured lift from below)
Risk of blocked ducts	Lower (no pressure points)	Very low if correctly fitted; higher if poorly fitted
Comfort during engorgement	More forgiving during size fluctuations	Can feel tight if engorged — consider sizing up
Best cup range	D–G (beyond G, support may be insufficient)	D–K+ (wire provides the structural support larger busts need)
All-day wearability	Very comfortable for lounging and sleep	Better for work, outings, and active days
Shape under clothing	Less defined, more natural	More lifted and separated

Our recommendation: If you're a D–F cup, a well-constructed wire-free nursing bra can provide enough support. If you're a G cup or above, consider at least one underwired or flexi-wire nursing bra for daytime wear, with a wire-free option for home and sleep.

 

Best Nursing Bras for Large Busts at Mumgerie

We stock nursing bras from three brands that specialise in D+ engineering: Panache, Cake Maternity, and Hot Milk Lingerie. Here's how they compare for larger busts.

Panache Eleanor Underwired Nursing Bra — $94.95

The Panache Eleanor is the most structured nursing bra in our range and the top pick for mums with larger busts. Panache has decades of experience engineering bras for D–K cups, and the Eleanor applies that expertise to a nursing bra.

• Cup range: D–K (the widest range in our collection)
• Support type: Full underwire with 3-part cup construction
• Key features: Stretch lace top cup accommodates milk fluctuations, side support panels, wide adjustable straps, firm 3-hook back band
• Best for: Mums sized G+ who want maximum support and lift for work or outings

Cake Maternity Taffy Busty — $79.90

The Cake Taffy is a wire-free option designed specifically for fuller busts, using Cake's patent-pending support panel technology.

• Cup range: D–J
• Support type: Wire-free with internal support panels and heat-moulded cups
• Key features: Wire-mimicking panels provide structure without actual wire, seamless design under clothing, nursing clips
• Best for: D–G mums who want support without underwire, or G+ mums looking for a comfortable at-home and sleep option

Hot Milk Warrior Plunge — $79.95

The Hot Milk Warrior Plunge is a flexi-wire contour bra that combines structured support with a lower neckline.

• Cup range: Up to G cup
• Support type: Flexi-wire with contour moulded cups
• Key features: Plunge neckline works under lower-cut tops, flexi-wire sits on chest wall, smooth contour shape
• Best for: D–G mums who want support with a plunge neckline for everyday wear

Quick comparison

Bra	Price	Cup Range	Wire	Best For
Panache Eleanor	$94.95	D–K	Full underwire	Maximum support, G+ cups
Cake Taffy Busty	$79.90	D–J	Wire-free (support panels)	Wireless comfort, D–G primary
Hot Milk Warrior Plunge	$79.95	Up to G	Flexi-wire	Plunge neckline, D–G cups

Fitting Tips for Nursing Bras in Larger Sizes

Getting the right fit is more important (and more difficult) the larger your bust. Here are the fitting principles that matter most for D+ nursing bras.

Measure at the right time

Your breast size fluctuates throughout the day when breastfeeding — fullest before a feed, smallest after. Measure when your breasts are moderately full (between feeds) for the most representative size.

The back band test

Fasten your bra on the loosest hook. The back band should sit level and firm around your ribcage without riding up. If it rides up, the band is too big and your straps are doing the support work instead. Size down in the band.

The two-finger strap test

You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably under each strap. If you can't, the straps are too tight. If you can fit more than two fingers, they're too loose and the bra will lose its anchor.

Check the wire position

For underwired and flexi-wire bras, the wire should sit flat on your ribcage, completely below and around your breast tissue. If the wire sits on any part of your breast, the cup size is too small or the wire shape doesn't suit your body.

Allow for fluctuation

Breastfeeding breasts can change by a full cup size between feeds. Look for bras with stretch lace or flexible top-cup panels that accommodate this fluctuation without gaping or compressing.

For detailed measuring instructions, see the Mumgerie sizing guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size nursing bra should I buy if I'm a DD before pregnancy?

Most women go up 1–2 cup sizes during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you're a DD pre-pregnancy, you'll likely need an F–G cup nursing bra. Buy your nursing bra in the last month of pregnancy or the first few weeks postpartum for the most accurate fit.

Can I wear an underwired bra while breastfeeding?

Yes, provided the bra fits correctly and the wire sits on your ribcage rather than on breast tissue. A well-fitted underwired nursing bra is considered safe by most lactation professionals. The risk of blocked ducts comes from poor fit, not from the wire itself.

How many nursing bras do I need for a large bust?

We recommend at least 3 nursing bras: one for daytime support (underwired or flexi-wire), one for comfort at home (wire-free), and one for sleep. Having a rotation also means you always have a clean bra while others are in the wash.

Do nursing bras come in K cup and above?

Nursing bras above K cup are rare. The Panache Eleanor goes up to K cup, making it one of the widest ranges available in Australia. For cup sizes above K, you may need to consult a specialist bra fitter for custom options.

Why are larger cup nursing bras more expensive?

Larger cup bras require more material, more complex engineering (multi-part cups, wider straps, reinforced bands), and more extensive grading across sizes. The price difference reflects genuine construction differences, not just a size markup.