Nursing Bras in Australia: Bonds, Kmart, Target & Specialist Brands Compared

You've just found out you're pregnant, or you're a few weeks into breastfeeding and the bra you grabbed from the shops isn't cutting it anymore. So you do what every Australian mum does: Google "nursing bra" and a brand you already know.

Bonds. Kmart. Target. Big W. Maybe Berlei or Myer if you're willing to spend a bit more.

These are completely reasonable places to start. Some of them sell genuinely decent nursing bras. But the range, fit, sizing and quality vary enormously between retailers, and most comparison articles are written by people trying to sell you one specific brand.

This guide compares what each major Australian retailer actually stocks, what you get for your money, and at what point it makes sense to look at specialist maternity lingerie brands instead.

The Quick Comparison: Every Major Retailer at a Glance

Retailer	Price Range (AUD)	Styles	Size Range	Nursing Clips	Where to Buy
Kmart	$10-$15	4-5	Limited (S-XL or 10-18)	Yes	In-store + online
Big W	$12-$25	5-6	Limited to moderate	Yes	In-store + online
Target	$15-$35	6-8	Moderate (10A-18DD)	Yes	In-store + online
Bonds	$30-$50	4-5	Moderate (8-18)	Yes	Online, Target, Big W
Berlei	$50-$80	5-6	Good (10B-18E)	Yes	Online, Myer, David Jones
Triumph	$50-$80	4-5	Good (10B-20E)	Yes	Online, Myer
Myer	$28-$80	15+ (multi-brand)	Broadest in-store	Yes	In-store + online
Specialist (Mumgerie)	$35-$95	15+ (multi-brand)	Broadest online (A-J cup)	Yes	Online

Prices and ranges verified March 2026. Retailer stock changes seasonally.

Bonds Nursing Bras: Australia's Go-To

Bonds is probably the first brand that comes to mind. They're Australian, they're everywhere, and most women already know their Bonds size from buying regular underwear.

What Bonds offers in maternity

Bonds currently stocks around four to five maternity bra styles, all wirefree. The lineup includes:

• Originals Maternity Wirefree Bra - contour cups with an integrated sling for feeding, made with stretchy organic cotton
• Maternity Wirefree Contour Bra - one-handed nursing clips and a drop cup sling for easy feeding
• Maternity Seamless Wirefree Crop - racer-back style with removable foam cup inserts and hidden sling
• Retro Rib Maternity Wirefree Bra - easy-feeding clasp, extendable back clasp to accommodate size changes

The honest take: Bonds nursing bras are comfortable, affordable, and reliable for everyday wear. The organic cotton and soft seamless fabrics feel good against sensitive skin. If you're after something simple that works for around the house or sleeping, Bonds delivers.

Where Bonds falls short is variety. Four to five styles means limited choice in construction types. There's no underwire option for women who prefer more lift and shape. The size range tops out around an 18 band, and cup sizing is less precise than brands that use traditional cup letters. If you're a D cup or above and want structured support, you'll notice the difference.

Best for: Everyday comfort bras, sleep bras, first-trimester transition bras. Pair with a more supportive bra for going out.

Kmart Nursing Bras: The Budget Pick

Kmart is where many Australian mums buy their first nursing bra, and the price is the reason. At around $10 per bra, you can buy several without thinking twice.

What Kmart offers in maternity

Kmart stocks its own-brand maternity bras in a handful of styles:

• 2 Pack Maternity Wirefree T-Shirt Bra - two bras for around $20, simple wirefree design
• 2 Pack Maternity Wirefree Seamfree Crop - crossover front design, double-lined for modesty
• Lace Trim Maternity Bra - a slightly more polished look at the same price point
• Soft Cup Maternity Bra - basic nursing clips, soft cup construction

The honest take: You get exactly what you pay for. Kmart nursing bras are functional. They have nursing clips. They're soft enough. They'll get you through the early weeks when your size is changing rapidly and you don't want to invest in something expensive that might not fit in a month.

The trade-off is fit precision and longevity. Sizing tends to run in generic small/medium/large rather than band-and-cup combinations. Support is minimal. After a few washes, the fabric and elastic can lose shape. If you're breastfeeding for six months or longer, you'll likely replace them.

Best for: The first few weeks post-birth when your size is unstable. Stocking up cheaply so you always have a clean one ready. Hospital bag extras.

Target Nursing Bras: The Middle Ground

Target sits between budget and mid-range. They stock their own maternity label alongside branded options like Bonds, giving you more choice under one roof.

What Target offers in maternity

Target has one of the wider ranges among mass-market retailers:

• Maternity Wirefree Cotton Nursing Bra - cotton construction with nursing clips
• Maternity T-Shirt Bra - seamfree, wirefree, smooth under clothing
• Maternity Seamfree Wirefree Bra - available in multiple colourways
• Full Figure Maternity Bra - extended sizing for larger band and cup sizes
• SpaFX Maternity Bra - cotton fabric with aloe vera microencapsulation, extended back fastenings
• Bonds Maternity Bumps range - Bonds bras stocked within Target's maternity section

The honest take: Target is the strongest mass-market option for variety. The Full Figure Maternity Bra fills a gap that Kmart and Big W don't cover well. The SpaFX line with aloe vera-infused fabric is a genuinely thoughtful touch for sensitive postpartum skin. Prices are reasonable without feeling disposable.

Sizing is more precise than Kmart but still less specific than lingerie brands. You're unlikely to find anything above a DD cup in most stores, and stock varies between locations. Online availability helps, but trying on matters for nursing bras.

Best for: Mums who want something a step above Kmart without jumping to $60+ bras. The Full Figure range is worth checking if you're above a D cup.

Big W Nursing Bras: Budget With Brand Options

Big W is similar to Kmart in pricing but offers a broader brand mix. You'll find house-brand basics alongside Bonds and Naturana.

What Big W offers in maternity

• Brilliant Basics Side Seamfree Maternity Bra - adjustable straps with unclip function for nursing
• Brilliant Basics Maternity Wirefree Bra - front-opening feeding clips, padded cups
• Naturana Nursing Bra - seamless cups with lining and nursing clasps (a European brand not found at Kmart)
• Underworks Seamfree Maternity Bra 3 Pack - removable cups, nursing clips, value multi-pack
• Bonds range - selected Bonds maternity styles also stocked

The honest take: Big W's advantage over Kmart is the Naturana and Bonds options. Naturana is a European intimates brand with decades of maternity bra experience, and their nursing bras offer better construction than house-brand basics at a modest price premium. The Underworks 3-pack is solid value if you want quantity.

Like Kmart, sizing is limited and the shopping experience depends heavily on what your local store has in stock. Online ordering helps bridge the gap.

Best for: Budget-conscious mums who want slightly better quality than Kmart's house brand without leaving the discount retailer space.

Berlei Nursing Bras: The Australian Mid-Range

Berlei is where the jump in quality becomes noticeable. As an established Australian lingerie brand, their maternity range brings proper bra engineering to the nursing category.

What Berlei offers in maternity

Berlei currently stocks five to six maternity styles across two key ranges:

• Life Maternity Wrap Bra - wirefree, designed to wear during pregnancy and nurse in later
• Life Maternity Seamless Bra - engineered to hug and shape while supporting through pregnancy
• Barely There Cotton Rich Maternity Bra - the popular Barely There range adapted for maternity
• Barely There Deluxe Maternity Bra - soft cotton-lined wirefree cups, one-handed nursing clips, plush-padded hook and eyes
• UnderState Maternity Bra - designed to go unnoticed under clothing
• Life Maternity Active Crop - for light activity and everyday movement

The honest take: Berlei's maternity range benefits from the brand's decades of fit research with Australian women. The Barely There Deluxe in particular is a well-engineered bra: cotton-lined cups, proper one-handed clips (not the fiddly kind), and plush padding on the hooks so nothing digs in during night feeds. The Life range is good for pregnancy when you need something that adapts to a changing shape.

The size range goes up to around an 18E, which is broader than mass-market options but still cuts off before the larger cup sizes where specialist brands excel. Pricing sits between $50 and $80 per bra.

Best for: Women who want proper bra engineering and know their Berlei size. A genuine upgrade from mass-market without entering specialist territory.

Triumph Nursing Bras: European Engineering

Triumph is a German-founded brand with over 130 years in lingerie. Their Australian maternity range is smaller than Berlei's but brings European construction expertise.

What Triumph offers in maternity

• Lace Maternity Wirefree Bra - drop-down cotton-lined cups with A-frame support
• Gorgeous Maternity Bra - wirefree A-frame design with drop-down feeding cups
• Gorgeous Mama Lace Wirefree Bra - lace detailing with nursing function
• Mamabel Smooth Wire-Free Twin Pack - A-frame support, drop-down cups, value two-pack

The honest take: Triumph's standout feature is the A-frame construction in their maternity range. The A-frame design provides support from below the cup rather than relying entirely on the band, which means less pressure on a sensitive ribcage. The Lace Maternity Bra is one of the few affordable options that looks like lingerie rather than medical equipment.

The range is smaller than Berlei's, so you have fewer options if the first style doesn't suit your shape. Sizing goes up to around a 20E band. Available through Triumph's Australian online store and Myer.

Best for: Women who want a nursing bra that still feels like lingerie. The A-frame support is worth trying if band pressure is uncomfortable.

Myer Nursing Bras: Department Store Selection

Myer doesn't make nursing bras. It stocks them from multiple brands, which makes it the best single destination for trying on different options in person.

What Myer stocks in maternity

Myer's maternity bra section typically carries:

• Berlei - Life and Barely There maternity ranges
• Triumph - Gorgeous and Mamabel ranges
• Naturana - wireless maternity and nursing bras with cotton
• Royce Lingerie - wirefree maternity and nursing bras (UK brand)
• Rockwear - maternity nursing sports bra
• Bendon, Calvin Klein, Ripe - selected maternity styles

Prices range from around $28 to $80 depending on brand.

The honest take: Myer's value is variety under one roof. You can try on a Berlei, a Triumph, and a Naturana in the same visit and compare fit directly. The staff in larger stores can also help with sizing, which matters more for nursing bras than regular bras because your size will change.

The downside is stock consistency. Not every Myer carries every brand, and maternity is a small section within the lingerie department. Calling ahead or checking online stock saves a wasted trip. You also won't find specialist maternity-only brands like Hot Milk or Cake Maternity at Myer.

Best for: In-person fitting and comparison shopping. If you're not sure what style suits you, Myer gives you the most options to try.

Specialist Brands: Hot Milk, Cake Maternity and Panache

This is where nursing bras stop being a compromise and start being something you actually choose to wear.

Specialist maternity lingerie brands like Hot Milk, Cake Maternity, and Panache design exclusively for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It's their entire business, not a subcategory within a broader range.

What makes specialist brands different

Feature	Mass-Market	Specialist
Size range	Typically S-XL or 10A-18DD	8A to 18J (Hot Milk)
Construction types	1-2 (wirefree crop, wirefree contour)	4+ (flexiwire, wire-free lace, moulded, seamless, pumping)
Nursing clip quality	Functional	One-handed, engineered for repeated daily use
Fabric certification	Varies	OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (Hot Milk)
Design	Functional, plain colours	Lingerie-grade: lace, colour options, matching sets
Awards	N/A	OhBaby! 2024 Gold, Project Baby 2022 Gold (Hot Milk)
Price	$10-$80	$35-$95

 

Hot Milk Lingerie is a New Zealand-founded brand offering four distinct bra constructions: flexiwire for structured support, wire-free lace for comfort with style, moulded smooth for t-shirt invisibility, and sustainable bamboo seamfree bras for sleep and sensitive skin. Sizes run from A to J cup. Two parent-voted Gold awards. Priced $60-$80 at Mumgerie. Read the full Hot Milk review.

Cake Maternity is an Australian brand known for their nursing bralettes and pumping bras. The Cotton Candy Bralette ($35) is the most affordable entry point in the specialist category. The Choc Chip Pumping Bra ($55) solves a specific problem that mass-market brands barely address.

Panache is a UK brand that specialises in D-K cup support. If you're above a DD and haven't found a nursing bra that actually holds you, Panache is built for exactly that. The Eleanor underwired nursing bra offers support that wirefree options from mass-market brands simply cannot match at larger cup sizes.

Best for: Women who want proper fit across the full size range (especially D+ cups), multiple construction types to match different moments in the day, and bras that feel like something they chose rather than settled for.

Browse the full nursing bra range at Mumgerie.

How to Choose: Mass-Market vs Specialist

There's no single right answer. Most breastfeeding mums end up owning a mix.

Start with mass-market if:

• You're in the first trimester and your size is still changing
• You want cheap extras for overnight and around the house
• You're between an A and a D cup and find mass-market sizes work for you
• Budget is the priority right now

Move to specialist when:

• You're above a D cup and can't find your size at Kmart or Target
• You're past the early size fluctuations and want bras that last
• You want structured support, not just soft fabric
• You're returning to work and need a bra that looks polished under professional clothing
• You want a pumping bra that actually works hands-free
• You simply want to feel good in what you're wearing

A practical approach: buy two or three budget bras from Kmart or Bonds for the hospital bag and early weeks. Once your size stabilises around six to eight weeks postpartum, invest in two specialist bras for daytime wear and keep the budget ones for sleep and weekends.

Use the Mumgerie sizing guide to find your fit.

Where To Buy Nursing Bra FAQs

Where is the cheapest place to buy nursing bras in Australia?

Kmart is the most affordable option at around $10 per bra. Their 2-pack options bring the per-bra cost even lower. Big W is similar in price, with house-brand options starting around $12.

Are Bonds nursing bras good?

Yes, for everyday comfort. Bonds maternity bras use quality fabrics including organic cotton, and the nursing clips work well. They're a solid choice for sleep bras and casual wear. For structured support during the day, especially above a D cup, you'll likely need something more engineered.

What's the difference between a $10 Kmart nursing bra and a $80 specialist nursing bra?

Fit precision, support engineering, fabric certification, size range, and longevity. A $10 bra uses generic sizing (S/M/L), minimal support structure, and basic elastic. An $80 specialist bra uses band-and-cup sizing, engineered support panels or flexiwire, OEKO-TEX certified fabrics, and construction designed for 6-12 months of daily nursing use.

Do I need an underwire nursing bra?

Not necessarily, but some women above a D cup prefer the support. Mass-market retailers like Bonds, Kmart and Target sell wirefree nursing bras only. Specialist brands like Hot Milk and Panache offer flexiwire and underwired options designed specifically for nursing, with channels that sit away from breast tissue.

Can I get fitted for a nursing bra in Australia?

Myer offers the best in-store fitting experience for nursing bras among major retailers. Some Berlei outlets also offer fittings. For specialist brands, online retailers like Mumgerie provide detailed sizing guides with measurement instructions specific to maternity and nursing fit.

When should I buy nursing bras?

Most women buy their first nursing bras in the third trimester (around 36 weeks). Start with two or three budget bras from Kmart or Bonds for the hospital bag and early weeks. Once your size stabilises around six to eight weeks postpartum, invest in specialist brands like Hot Milk or Cake Maternity for your daytime nursing bra wardrobe.