Although some believe that sleeping with a bra to prevent sagging breasts is more of an old wives’ tale than actual science, there are cases when women can benefit from a sleep bra. For pregnant women, nursing mothers, or women who have larger breasts (from C cup onwards), sleeping without a bra can be uncomfortable or even painful due to the lack of support. Women recovering from breast surgery, will find that sleeping with a bra protects the wound for better healing.
So although there is no scientific evidence that sleeping with a bra will prevent sagging, there are certain situations when the bit of support could provide comfort. Or maybe you just want a comfortable bra while lounging at home so that you will still look decent if the doorbell rings unexpectedly!
Of course, the best bra for sleeping would be as comfortable as possible. No wires, no padding, no clasps and loose fitting, while also providing shape and coverage. Because of this, most sleep bras are similar to maternity or nursing bras, or sports bras without the compression. We’ll tell you what to look for when shopping for a sleep bra online, and have even picked out some favorites for you!
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What Are the Top Seven Sleep Bras?
If you’re looking for a good sleep bra, we’ve put together a list of top sleep bras below. These 5 bras have all been sleep tested and are highly rated.
Hanes Women’s Cozy Seamless Wire-Free Bra
The Hanes Women’s Cozy Seamless Wire-Free Bra is constructed with 4-way stretch fabric for ultimate comfort. This pullover bra has no wires and no clasps but provides some shape with full-coverage cups. It’s very much like a sports bra but doesn’t have too much compression. The wide bottom band and straps add more comfort and with just enough support. This sleep bra is made from nylon and spandex, and it comes in 29 colors and sizes from small to 3X.
Some larger breasted women have found that there could be more support for day wear, but if you are a cup B, this is enough. The V neck design also makes this a nice choice underneath a shirt.
Pros:
- “Barely there” feeling
- Great quality for the price
- Stretchy cups
- Perfect for lounging and sleeping
Cons:
- Not enough support for daytime wear
- Best if hand washed
Hanes Women’s Comfort Evolution Bra
The Hanes Women’s Comfort Evolution Bra is a wireless bra with a sweetheart neckline. This bra has a sleek, seamless design with satin trim. It has a hook-and-eye back closure with fuller cups for appropriate coverage. The Comfort Evolution Bra is constructed with 4-way stretch fabric made from polyester and spandex that will stretch and flex to fit you perfectly. The bra is not lined, which means your nipples could show through. This isn’t much of an issue if you are just hanging around the house, but it may be something you want to bear in mind if you plan to use them for daywear. Finally, it is available in 16 colors and sizes from small to 3X, plus there is the option of purchasing a two pack.
Pros:
- Soft and comfortable
- Keeps everything in place while sleeping
- Satin trim design
Cons:
- Not enough support for daytime wear
- Not very durable
Fruit of the Loom Women’s Cotton Pullover Sport Bra
The Fruit of the Loom Cotton Pullover Sport Bra has a simple design that mirrors the top half of a spaghetti strap tank top. It is made with cotton lycra and spandex, and has no clasps, wires, or tags. This bra comes in packs of three with a wide variety of color combinations and in sizes 32 through 44. Each pack comes with one set of optional pads. Although they do call it a sports bra, the bra doesn’t have the compression needed to support high impact sports like running, but works well for yoga. The spaghetti strap is also modern and elegant design, making it a nice bra underneath a tee, a tank top or a dress that you can also wear during the day.
Pros:
- Great quality for the price
- Comfortable for lounging and sleeping
- Modern spaghetti strap design
Cons:
- Prone to shrinking
- May run small
Carole Martin Full-Freedom Front Closure Wireless Comfort Bra
The Carole Martin Full Freedom Front Closure Bra has a front hook-and-eye closure for easy entry and exit without adding discomfort. This makes this a great bra for older women with limited mobility, or for women who are recovering from surgery. The bra is constructed with a stretchy nylon and spandex blend with no wires. It also has extra wide straps that won’t dig into your shoulders and the sides are also generously wide so that there are never any bulges. The Full-Freedom Comfort Bra is available in 5 colors in an elegant, silky sheen. Sizes range from 34 through 48.
Pros:
- Front Clasp ideal for women with limited mobility
- Stretchy cups
- Elegant, silky sheen
Cons:
- Prone to shrinking
- May run small
Kindred Bravely French Terry Racerback Nursing Sleep Bra
If you’ve just given birth, your breasts will be fuller as you have to nurse a child. You will also appreciate the extra bit of support from a bra at night. The Kindred Bravely French Terry Racerback Nursing Sleep Bra is the recipient of a Mom’s Choice Award, and it is built with soft French Terry, rayon of bamboo, and spandex. There are no wires and no clasps, and since it is normally meant for breastfeeding, the cups adapt to changing breast sizes. The design of this bra includes a supportive bottom band and pull-aside front to make feedings in the middle of the night simpler. Even though this bra is meant for nursing, the design and features make for a comfortable sleep bra. It is available in 11 colors and sizes extra small through 2X.
Pros:
- Extremely soft and comfortable
- Designed for changing breast sizes
- Enough support for large breasts
Cons:
- Not enough support for daytime wear
Additional Sleep Bras We Reviewed
1. Hanes Women’s Comfort-Blend Flex Fit Pullover Bra
A Pullover Bra with a racerback design, with no wires or clasps. It is soft and stretchy, with rave reviews from large-breasted women.
Key features:
- Good support for large breasts
- Great quality for the price
- Available in range of sizes and colors
2. Sunzel Women’s Cotton Seamless Sleep Bra
Sunzel offers a soft, comfortable bra that is very functional and supportive. This bra comes in packs of three consisting of beige, gray, and black. The sizes themselves range from small to three times extra-large.
Key features:
- Comfortable and practical
- Available in sizes ranging from small to 3 times extra-large.
- Has removable cup pad
- Great for nursing mothers
3. Motherhood Maternity Women’s Wrap Front Nursing Sleep Bra
This is a pull-on bra with a front wrap that works well as your breasts change during and after pregnancy. Soft and wireless with light coverage, this sleep bra is an excellent choice for both nursing mothers and large breasted women.
Key features:
- Soft and light
- Wireless, clasp-less, pull on bra
- Good for nursing and larger breasts
4. Just Behavior Wireless Sleeping Wireless Seamless Comfort T-Shirt Bra
This bra is soft and comfortable while offering a bit more support. It comes with removable pads that you can add on if you want to use it during the day.
Key Features:
- Soft and seamless
- Enough support for day use
- Comes with removable pads
5. Fruit of the Loom Women’s Front Close Racerback
This bra has good coverage and the racerback design provides more support. It has a clasp in the front that makes it easier for women with arthritis or for those who struggle with pull on bras.
Key Features
- Soft, stretchy cotton for comfort and support
- Front clasp good for those with limited mobility
- Good value for money
This pull on sleep bra is lightweight while providing good support. Comes with removable pads so your nips are covered if you want to use it during the day.
Key Features
- Soft and light
- Enough support for day use and light exercise
- Comes with removable pads
7. Calvin Klein Modern Women Bralette
This classic from Calvin Klein is soft and light making it a perfect sleep bra. It comes in a range of colours with a racerback design for a cute and sporty look.
Key Features:
- Soft and comfortable
- Available in many colors
- Cute and sporty look
8. Bali Women’s Microfiber Crop Top Bra
This is a thin, light bra with the smooth silk feeling that microfiber is famous for. The bra comes with no tags anywhere so there will be absolutely no scratching or chafing.
Key Features
- Light and smooth
- Comfortable for sleep
- Wireless, clasp-less, tagless
A little bit pricier but you’ll get first class quality and materials. This pull on, wire-free bra has no hooks or clasps and is made out of organic cotton and lycra. A wider band underneath gives it more support than typical sleep bras.
Key Features
- Enough support for light use during the day
- 91% organic cotton, 9% lycra
- Made in the USA
10. Lamaze Intimates Overnight Maternity Nursing Bra
A pull on bra with a frontal wrap, this is a great sleeping bra that is a mother’s dream. It is also an excellent for non-nursing women who just want a comfy bra around the house.
Key Features
- Soft and comfortable
- Wire-free, no clasps or hooks
- Front wrap
11. Delimira Gentle Comfortable Bra
This bra was designed for nursing mothers but is also a comfortable bra for both sleep and day use. It also has a pretty trim for added style.
Key Features:
- Pull aside front wrap
- No wires
- Enough support for day use
12. Kindred Braverly Extra Soft Organic Cotton Bra
Made out of premium materials, this is a soft, wire free, organic cotton nursing bra that is perfect for sleep. Wide straps with gentle support means that this can even be used for yoga.
Key features:
- Pull aside front wrap
- 90% organic cotton, 10% spandex
- Enough support for day use
13. In Touch Organic Cotton Bra
A cute bralette with spaghetti straps. You’ll also sleep well in this bra knowing that it’s organic, GMO free and fairly made in California.
Key features:
- Made in California
- Organic cotton and GMO free
- Modern spaghetti strap design
14. Jockey Matte & Shine Seamfree Bralette
Made out of microfiber, this sleep bra is thin and smooth. It’s wire-free and has removable padding if you want to use it during the day.
Key Features:
- Thin, smooth silky feeling
- Removable pads
- Elegant design
15. Cakye Maternity Nursing Bra for Sleep
A soft, cotton pull on bra with a front wrap design, this a good choice for nursing mothers as well as anyone looking for a comfortable bra to sleep in. Comes in a pack of 3.
Key Features:
- Soft cotton
- No wires, clasps or hooks
- Great value for money
16. Playtex Nursing Pullover Sleep Bra
Another classic pull over sleep bra that has no wires or clasps. The criss-cross front is designed for nursing mothers but the bra is a good choice for women looking for light support in a sleep bra.
Key Features:
- Soft cotton, cute print
- No wires, clasps or hooks
- Comes in pack of 2
17. Mae Women’s Lace V Neck Bralette
This is a comfortable bralette with lace trimmings for a more sophisticated and sexy look. All while remaining wire-free and clasp free.
Key Features:
- Lacy look without wires or clasps
- Enough support for day use
- Fits A to C cups
Sleep Bras – Key Considerations
There’s good reason for why many women prefer to sleep braless: that’s what’s most comfortable. That’s why you will find that most sleep bras are wire free and you won’t find the underwire that is common to regular bras.
However, there are also good reasons why some women prefer to sleep with a bra. Some might have undergone surgery recently, some might be pregnant or nursing, and some women with larger breasts find the subtle support from a sleep bra more comfortable. Or perhaps you’re not planning to sleep in a bra but just want a comfy bra to wear around the house.
All these reasons will play a role in choosing the perfect sleep bra that works for you. Here are a few things you should consider when choosing a sleep bra so you can find one that’s comfortable and meet your needs.
Chest Size: Chest size is usually the first factor that comes to mind when looking to purchase a bra. Women know that certain bras just don’t work with certain chest sizes; for example, big-chested ladies cannot wear bras with straps that are unable hold the weight of their breasts because they will have back pain, and small-chested ladies could have trouble finding a bra that has small cups and a strap that isn’t too tight around their ribs. But since sleep bras are intended to be less supportive and less about looks than everyday bras, they typically have a simple, wire free design, which allows them to keep any size breasts in their rightful place.
Nursing or Pregnant: If you are pregnant or nursing, your breasts will grow. A nursing or maternity bra will accommodate changing breast sizes so you don’t have to buy a new one every few weeks. These bras also use a frontal wrap that you can just pull aside to feed your baby in the middle of the night. Who wants to deal with getting a bra off or on for midnight feedings?
It’s also worth saying that maternity bras are also very comfortable for women who are not pregnant or nursing. Because they are designed to accommodate changing breasts, the fit is much more forgiving and comfortable, making them perfect for sleeping in.
Pull On or Clasp Design: Most sleep bras tend to be a pull on design so there are no clasps or hooks for ultimate comfort, since clasps can sometimes dig in. However, for some women who might have limited mobility for example due to arthritic shoulders, injuries or who are recovering from surgery, pulling on a bra on or off can be a struggle. In these cases, a clasp can be helpful and a bra with a clasp in the front makes it much easier to put on or take off.
Sport Bras or Bralettes: You will find that some sleep bras are labelled as sport bras or bralettes. Most of them call themselves sport bras just because of the similarity in design but they do not provide enough support for high impact sports like running, but can be ok for yoga. You certainly don’t want to sleep in a proper sports bra as there is too much compression and your breasts should also be given the chance to relax during your beauty sleep. Bralettes are also similar in terms of their design and minimal support.
Day Use: If the bra is mostly for lounging around the house, or if you’re looking for something to relax in while still looking decent among guests, you may want a sleep bra with just a touch more support as you will be moving around more than if you were sleeping in bed. Plus let’s face it, sometimes you don’t want to change bras just for a nap. Usually a wider elastic band at the bottom of the bra will provide that extra little bit of support needed for day use.
The Science Behind Sleep Bras
Some women believe that wearing a bra while sleeping can help their breasts maintain their youthful perkiness and prevent the natural sagging that comes with age. This idea has been popularized by our society, but does it really work?
Loosely speaking, the answer to that question is no, but it isn’t so simple. All breasts will sag as aging occurs; it’s inevitable because the tissue that holds breasts in place gradually loses its strength and elasticity over the course of a woman’s life. Plus, there are many factors that contribute to breast sagging, including pregnancy and nursing, family history, smoking, weight loss or gain, and activity level, all of which can add up to more sagging than a bra can prevent. In addition, sagging only occurs as a result of gravity pulling breasts downward, so when you are lying down asleep, no gravity is pulling on your breasts, so a bra is almost redundant.
That having been said, experts do agree that sleeping with a bra may be beneficial for women with larger breasts. While women with A or B cups can enjoy the freedom at night, for women with C cups or larger, their bigger breasts often end up pulling more to the sides, which can end up being rather uncomfortable or even painful. Sleep bras are also helpful for women who have just undergone surgery. Sleeping with a bra in these cases will provide support and comfort.
In any case, whether it’s a bra for sleeping or a bra you wear during the day, it’s important to remember that a bra that is too tight can be harmful. Because the chest area contains important pieces of our anatomy, a bra that is too tight could restrict blood supply and even hinder the function of the lymphatic system, which could become less effective in clearing toxins from the body.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does sleeping in a bra prevent breasts from sagging?
There is no scientific evidence that sleeping in a bra will prevent your breasts from sagging. However, for large-breasted women, the mild support may make sleep more comfortable.
Is it unhealthy to sleep in a bra?
The main issue with bras is that sometimes they are too tight and restrict blood flow or lymphatic drainage. Thus, the theory is that sleeping without a bra gives your breasts some time to relax. However, this issue is with bras in general and as long as your sleep bra is comfortable and not constrictive, there are no issues.
Are sleep bras machine washable?
Yes, most sleep bras can be machine washed since they do not have wires or cups. Do however wash at the right temperature to avoid shrinking. Check the bra’s label for full instructions.
Are maternity bras only for nursing mothers?
No! Maternity bras are designed with a pull aside wrap in the front for easy midnight feedings, but there is no reason why women who are not pregnant or nursing can’t use them! They are also known to provide the perfect support while being comfortable, so moms can get their much needed rest.
Should I size up for a sleep bra?
This depends on the fit you want, but generally speaking there is no need to size up. Most of the sleep bras have already taken into account that you want a comfortable, looser fit for sleeping or lounging around.
What fabrics do sleep bras come in?
Sleep bras are available in a variety of materials, from cotton to microfiber mixes with spandex or lycra. Some are thicker if you want more support, while others are very thin and feel barely there. You’ll also find that they come in a variety of colors, patterns and looks to suit your style.
Sleep Bras – Final Thoughts
When you are searching for a sleep bra, comfort is key, and part of comfort is finding a bra that has the right fit, support, and coverage. Although many sleep bras are categorized as sports bras or nursing bras, any bra that provides the comfort and function you are looking for can be the perfect sleep bra for you.
