Nursing moms have endless choices in nursing bra styles, in clasps and fasteners, and designers, but one of the most important parts of choosing the right nursing bra for you is the right nursing bra material. The fabric used to construct a nursing bra is very important and all too often glossed over or overlooked.

Materials for nursing bras should be stretchy of course because this helps them to fulfill their function of support and comfort with breasts that might vary in size from hour to hour. Another important concern is that the fabric should also be breathable in order to keep moisture and possibly yeast infections down.  How long a nursing bra lasts and how comfortable it is, will depend upon the fabric it is made from.

Some of the most popular nursing bra material choices are explained below.

Cotton nursing bras are not what they used to be. A cotton nursing bra might have been your grandmother’s only choice, in spite of that, even today they are considered the best choice by many, and recommended by professionals over any other nursing bra material. Cotton is lightweight, durable, and allows air to flow, which keeps breasts dryer. It also can be woven to have a moderate amount of elasticity. The drawback to cotton is that it lacks the elasticity of synthetic fabrics and is only moderately expandable and is not as absorbent as other materials so nursing pads should be worn.

Spandex nursing bras tend to be the most flexible and sizable of nursing bra materials. They shrink and expand to fit best of all. On the other hand, they are not usually very breathable and don’t allow the airflow to your skin that cotton does. They also are not as comfortable for many women as cotton or cotton blends.

Microfiber nursing bras seem to combine the best of both worlds. This nursing bra material has the ability to stretch beyond that of cotton, and provide a nice firm support. The microfiber nursing bra material is also a lot more breathable than spandex and increased airflow which keeps the breasts drier and can enhance skin and breast health.

Some microfiber nursing bras can be lined or imbued with bamboo. Bamboo provides a natural antibiotic effect that is eco friendly and can help prevent infections. It also has excellent absorbency and will wick water away from skin and can be luxuriously soft.

On the negative side of the coin is that Microfiber nursing bra materials are usually synthetics, which is not a choice for those who prefer organic nursing bra materials.  Many women hold the opinion that synthetic materials don’t last as long as organic materials.

Ultimately the choice in nursing bra materials will be up to the breastfeeding mother. Lifestyle, preferences in style, and comfort, and of course how well it supports her breasts, will play a part in an informed choice of nursing bra materials.