The Bravado Essential Nursing Bra Tank Top basically combines a camisole with a bra, as is a well-made comfy piece of breastfeeding kit, great for hiding your midriff.
Bravado was founded in the early 1990s by two Canadian nursing mums, and the company are experts in making well-engineered nursing bras – and some very sexy ones as well! The best-selling Bravado Essential Nursing Bra Tank Top is an ingenious invention: a vest and bra in one that's comfy, versatile and good looking.
What we love
This isn't just a mere 'secret support' top – the Bravado Essential Nursing Bra Tank Top has a proper built-in double-moulded bra, and comes in chest sizes 32-40, from cup sizes B up to an impressive G.
As a breastfeeding mum, the smart design means that, effectively, you don't have to worry about buying hundreds of nursing tops. Wear the tank under any top, unclasp the straps, drop the cups and it means you don't have to display your midriff when you pull your top up (something I personally hated doing).
I found the clips, which lie flat next to the skin, were easy to manage. The straps, which are nice and thin so not too ugly, are also easy to adjust.
The Bravado Essential Nursing Bra Tank Top is particularly good for using around the house, and it's so comfy it could also be used as a bra to sleep in or for a yoga lesson. The inner fabric is soft breathable cotton, while the nice and stretchy outer cotton/spandex mix moulds gently to your body, giving a good shape.
Overall the Bravado Essential Nursing Bra Tank Top feels good quality and well made. As it doesn't actually look a nursing bra, and it could feasibly be used as a camisole afterwards.
The Bravado Essential Nursing Bra Tank Top is also designed for use during pregnancy – the stretchy material is designed to accommodate a growing bump.
It comes in white, chocolate, black (my favourite as it went with anything), ruby, aquamarine and, new for this season, dark plum. It also comes in natural bamboo, for an eco option. You can also buy a matching tie-front, three-quarter length sleeve shrug, which adds extra warmth in winter, and covers your modesty when out and about.
What to watch out for
I found the elastic under the bust and general fabric did inevitably get baggier and stretch with age and lots of repeated use.
Unlike some nursing bras, the Bravado Essential Nursing Bra Tank Top comes in grouped cup sizes: B/C, D/E, F/G. While this means that the bra is great for accommodating those mysterious changes in bust size that occur between pregnancy and nursing, that also means you may not get a very precise fit. It's always a good idea to try on any nursing bra before buying, as your breasts can change in size before and after giving birth. You can always ring up the Bravado sizing advice helpline if you're confused about size – 0844800 9063.
Who is the Bravado Essential Nursing Bra Tank Top best for?
Breastfeeding mums, looking for quality, who don't want to expose their midriff.
MadeForMums Verdict
Bravado is known for well-designed nursing bras, and the best-selling Bravado Essential Nursing Bra Tank Top is no exception. It's well made, offers good support and is very comfy - ideal for layering up with other clothes or just for wearing around home. However, as the cup sizes aren't precise, make sure you buy the right size for you.
the Bravado Essential Nursing Bra Tank Top!
