“A nursing tank allows coverage of your belly with easy access to your breasts while feeding. If you find the ease of access and coverage you get from a nursing tank convenient, go for it,” explains Ashley Blankenship, breastfeeding counselor, founder of Supported Season, and creator of Bump Up Birth Method. “You can always just pull your shirt down or up as long as it doesn’t put pressure on your breasts to do so. If there is pressure while feeding, it can cause issues with clogged ducts.” Like nursing bras, most nursing tanks come in a clip-down style, but there are other types of nursing tanks, such as pull-down styles. Some have a built-in bra, eliminating the need for an additional layer, while others have a less constrictive style. If you’re planning on pumping, you can choose a nursing tank that allows you to feed your baby as well as pump hands-free. We carefully considered design, ease of use, comfort, material, and value when coming up with this list. Here are the best nursing tanks for your body, lifestyle, and needs. The Kindred Bravely Sublime Hands-Free Pumping Tank is an all-in-one tank that works for either pumping or nursing. Made of super-soft, stretchy, and supportive fabric, the smooth silhouette has an extra-long, hip-length cut so it provides plenty of coverage. The patented design is underwire-free and has removable pads. With an EasyClip design, the tank fits all standard pump flanges, comes in five sizes, and is available in black and nude. Price at time of publication: $65 Inclusive sizes range from Small through XXXL+, with a bra size chart that makes it easy to find the right size. Price at time of publication: $60 The super-soft jersey knit fabric tank features a shelf bra and an easy to use clip-down nursing function. Reviewers praise these tanks as super flattering and consider them an essential wardrobe staple. Price at time of publication: $48
Price at time of publication: $58 For leakage support, Hatch also sells (separate) reusable anti-leakage pads that are durable and so soft. Price at time of publication: $78 Price at time of publication: $25 Price at time of publication: $38 Price at time of publication: $33
What to Look for in a Nursing Tank
Comfort
Just like with other clothing and undergarments (especially during pregnancy and the postpartum period), you want to make sure that your nursing tank is comfortable enough for you to wear for an extended period. Your breasts may be sensitive from your body’s constant changes. Opt for fabrics that are breathable, stretchy, and flattering. “Find one you can snap and unsnap quickly with one hand. If there is no snap, make sure it’s not tight on your breast while feeding,” Ashley Blankenship, breastfeeding counselor, founder of Supported Season, and creator of Bump Up Birth Method, tells Verywell Family. “Tight-fitting clothing over your breasts can cause a range of issues while lactating. Comfort is key!”
Purpose
When do you plan on wearing your nursing tank? If it is going to be worn as a layering piece, you may want a tank that is long and form-fitting to avoid creating a bulky look. If you are going to wear it by itself, you want to purchase a tank that is a flattering style while also offering your preferred amount of coverage. Even if you’re unsure of how you plan to use a nursing tank just yet, consider at least one thing: machine-washable nursing tanks. “To cut down on how many you’ll need to buy, find one you can toss in the dryer, so you’re not waiting for air-drying,” Blankenship suggests.
Type
Like regular bras, nursing tanks come in a variety of styles and types, but no matter what style or type you choose, you always want support. “Breasts may be sore, especially in the beginning, so find one with the proper amount of support for you,” says Blankenship. “A full-coverage silhouette leaves more options for nursing pads to remain discreet. Some have pockets for pads, but that means you’ll need to change the tank more often, not just a pad.” Most nursing tanks come in a clip-down style. This is convenient whether you’re nursing on-the-go or in the privacy of your own home. These tanks can often be worn without a nursing bra. Pull-down styles are designed more like traditional tanks, but have more elasticized necklines to provide easier access for breastfeeding. Pull-down styles often don’t include much support and may need to be paired with a nursing bra. Layered nursing tank styles often feature strategically placed cutouts or slits underneath a layer of draped fabric in order for you to gain easy access to the breast for nursing. Like pull-down styles, layered nursing tanks may not provide adequate support, and you may need to wear a nursing bra underneath.
Pumping
If you’re planning on pumping, choosing a nursing tank that allows you to feed your baby as well as pump hands-free will be a lifesaver. Pay attention to the garment description, however. Some pumping tanks are meant exclusively for pumping while others are designed for both pumping and nursing.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year old daughter. With three spring babies, nursing tanks were essential to Maya’s wardrobe. Throughout three newborn stages, she lived in cardigans and flowy tops with a nursing tank underneath. “The nice thing about nursing tanks is they usually have a shelf that offers some support. If you feel like you need more support, you can definitely add a bra underneath so you’re more comfortable,” explains Blankenship. “There are also adjustable nursing tanks, which are helpful if your breast size changes while you are breastfeeding.” Think of a nursing tank as an extra layer of protection and a point of easy access, which is key when you have a crying, hungry baby. Wearing a nursing tank under another top lets you lift the top to breastfeed while keeping your torso covered (unlike a bra), which might be important to you. “Nothing in nursing is a necessity other than a good latch,” Blankenship says. “The best thing to wear over a nursing tank is something that buttons or zips. Easy access is key here,” Blankenship recommends. “However, the nice thing about wearing tanks instead of nursing bras is that it covers your belly if you decide to wear a top that you’ll need to pull up or down to access your breasts.” Long after you’ve finished breastfeeding, nursing tanks are great layering pieces to keep around. You can wear them just like you would any other layering tank.
