Complete guide: choosing your maternity lingerie

Guide complet : choisir sa lingerie de maternité

Pregnancy transforms the body over the months, and lingerie is one of the essentials that needs to evolve with it. More sensitive breasts, a growing belly, size variations, breastfeeding… choosing the right maternity lingerie helps improve daily comfort while caring for your skin.

Maternity bras, nursing bralettes, seamless lingerie or OEKO-TEX® certified fabrics: here is our complete guide to help you find the right styles for every stage of your motherhood journey.

Key takeaways:
Pregnancy transforms the body over the months, and lingerie is one of the essentials that needs to evolve with it. More sensitive breasts, a growing belly, size variations, breastfeeding… choosing the right maternity lingerie helps improve daily comfort while caring for your skin.

Table of contents

Why choose lingerie specifically designed for maternity?

During pregnancy and postpartum, the breasts constantly change. A classic bra can quickly become uncomfortable: overly rigid underwires, compressive cups, straps that mark the skin, or insufficient support.

Maternity lingerie is designed to support these changes thanks to:

• softer and more flexible fabrics;
• adaptive cups;
• adjustable straps;
• supportive fit without compression;
• easy nursing access;
• comfortable cuts that follow the body.

Choosing the right pieces also helps reduce discomfort and maintain freedom of movement throughout the day.

The 3 essential measurements to find the right size

Before choosing your maternity or nursing lingerie, it is important to take your measurements correctly.

1. Bust measurement
This is taken standing up, placing the tape measure flat across the fullest part of the breasts, passing under the arms.
The ideal is to take this measurement while wearing a bra that does not compress your chest.

2. Underbust measurement
The tape measure should be placed just under the bust, snug to obtain an accurate measurement.
This determines your band size.

3. Hip measurement
For bralettes, bodysuits or maternity sets, the hip measurement can also be useful. It is taken at the widest part of the hips.

How to calculate your maternity bra size

The choice of a maternity bra is based on two elements:

• band size;
• cup depth.

Step 1: determine your band size

• 69 to 78 cm → FR size 85
• 78 to 87 cm → FR size 90
• 87 to 96 cm → FR size 95
• 96 to 105 cm → FR size 100
• 105 to 114 cm → FR size 105
• 114 to 123 cm → FR size 110

Example:
If your underbust measures 81 cm, your band size corresponds to a 90 FR.

Step 2: determine your cup

Once your band size is defined, refer to your bust measurement to identify your cup.

Example:
• Band size: 90
• Bust measurement: 94 cm
You fall into the corresponding C cup category.

Bra or bralette: which one to choose?

Maternity bra

The maternity bra offers more structured support. It is particularly suitable for:

• fuller busts;
• active days;
• women looking for more support.

Adaptive models with multiple hook positions are especially practical during pregnancy.
For nursing, choose clips that are easy to open with one hand.

Maternity bralette

The bralette is ideal for:

• relaxing moments;
• sleep;
• postpartum;
• sensitive breasts.

Thanks to its soft, seamless fabrics, it provides a second-skin feeling that is highly appreciated during pregnancy.
Some nursing bralettes also offer an excellent balance between comfort and support for everyday wear.

Fabrics to prioritize during pregnancy

During maternity, the skin often becomes more sensitive. Fabrics therefore play a key role.

• soft cotton;
• breathable fabrics;
• stretch fibers;
• OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified fabrics;
• seamless materials that prevent irritation.

More responsible fabrics such as organic cotton, lyocell or recycled fibers also provide additional softness and comfort.

Should you choose underwires?

Contrary to popular belief, underwires are not necessarily to be avoided during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

The key is to choose:

• flexible underwires;
• the right size;
• a bra that does not compress the chest.

Underwires that are too rigid or an incorrect size can create uncomfortable pressure points.
Many women also prefer to alternate between wired and non-wired models depending on the time of day.

How to choose nursing lingerie

Nursing lingerie should be practical, comfortable and adaptive.

Here are some key criteria:

Easy-to-open clips
Clips should be easy to handle, even with one hand.

Adaptive cups
The breast size can vary throughout the day with milk production. Stretch fabrics provide greater comfort.

Proper support
Even without underwires, good support remains essential.

Skin-friendly fabrics
During breastfeeding, the chest is particularly sensitive. Soft and breathable fabrics are essential.

How many maternity bras should you have?

• 4 to 5 maternity and nursing bras
• 2 bralettes for comfort
• Curve reusable nursing pads: eco-friendly and gentle on your skin (OEKO-TEX®).

This allows you to rotate easily between washes and adapt to comfort variations throughout the day.

When to buy maternity lingerie?

Many women start to feel discomfort as early as the first trimester.

There is no need to wait until the last months to invest in suitable lingerie. As soon as your regular lingerie becomes too tight or uncomfortable, it may be helpful to switch to adaptive maternity models.

The ideal is to choose pieces that can support pregnancy, postpartum and breastfeeding, like our Cache Cœur bras, so you can wear them longer.

Lingerie designed to support every stage of motherhood

The best maternity lingerie is the one that supports the body without restricting it. Support, softness, adaptability and comfort should remain at the heart of your choice to experience each stage more peacefully.

Full-coverage bras, second-skin bralettes, invisible lingerie, nursing styles or OEKO-TEX® certified fabrics: every detail matters to feel good in your body during pregnancy and after your baby is born.