A decent-quality, everyday essential that won’t break the bank during your pregnancy
If you’re after an alternative to an underwired bra that gives the flattering contours (and much-needed nipple coverage) that most soft-cup styles fail to, check out Marks & Spencer’s Soft Padded Maternity Bra.
You’d expect the nation’s favourite underwear retailer to offer a range of maternity and nursing bras and, sure enough, Marks & Spencer doesn’t disappoint. It may not boast the most exciting or colourful collection but, as always, M&S have got the basics covered.
Priced at £16, the Marks & Spencer Soft Padded Maternity Bra is machine washable, comes in sizes 32-40, B-DD, and is made from a stretchy, synthetic polyamide/elastane mix.
What we love
A major flaw with soft-cup maternity bras is the lack of shape and uplift they give your bust in clothes. Bulky seams and lacy details often show through fabrics and, if we’re being frank, so too do nipples. And while that look might be good for Posh Spice or Kate Moss, it’s not one pregnant women necessarily want to flaunt! Step forward the Marks & Spencer Soft Padded Maternity Bra – a comfortable, supportive, t-shirt style that gives your boobs some shape and preserves your modesty under tight tops. Thank you M&S!
What to watch out for
I was a little disappointed that this bra didn’t wash particularly well – the foam padding in the cups became a little wrinkled and the colour doesn’t stay bright white for long (as is often the case with synthetic fabrics). So while it’s still fine to wear, I think I’ll ignore the ‘machine washable’ claim on the label and take the time to hand wash it from now on.
The straps and band around the chest could do with being a little wider for added support. And with DD being the maximum cup-size, this isn’t going to be an option for more buxom mums-to-be.
Plus, for some reason, the Marks & Spencer Soft Padded Maternity Bra only comes in white. It would be great to offer such a handy style in a range of colours (or at least black!), and with matching briefs, too.
Who is the Marks & Spencer Soft Padded Maternity Bra best for?
Women after a simple, functional bra for a seam- and nipple-free silhouette, who don’t want to blow the budget.
The Marks & Spencer Soft Padded Maternity Bra is a good-value, everyday basic for mums-to-be who go up to a DD cup. If you only buy one bra, make it this one – but it’ll have to be white!
