Buying guide for best sleep bras
Getting a good night’s sleep is an essential part of any healthy lifestyle, but many of us have trouble catching enough Zs. If you have large breasts, lying down at night can be especially uncomfortable, which is why you may need a sleep bra to give you the support necessary to get the rest you need.
Sleep bras are often similar in appearance to sports bras, though they generally don’t offer as much compression. Sleep bras are designed to be highly comfortable, with no annoying straps or wires digging into your body while you’re trying to sleep. They’re usually incredibly soft and feel good against the skin, too. Depending on the style you choose, you can also wear your sleep bra while lounging or hanging out around the house.
There are quite a few sleep bra options to choose from, which can make shopping pretty difficult. You’ll need to pick the right style of sleep bra, find the correct size, and select a special type if you’re pregnant or nursing.
Key considerations
Style
Sleep bras are available in a few different styles: traditional sleep bras, molded sleep bras, and racerback sleep bras.
- Traditional sleep bras are designed like regular bars with a closure at the back. They don’t offer as much support as everyday bras, but they can work well for women with medium to large breasts. Some styles feature slight padding, while others are non-padded for a lightweight design that works well in hot weather.
- Molded sleep bras feature individual cups for the breasts for more significant support, though they don’t have any seams that might press into your skin while you’re sleeping. They work well for medium to large breasts.
- Racerback sleep bras feature racerback shoulder straps. They provide more support than other types of sleep bras, making them an excellent choice for women with large breasts.
Size
As with any bra, getting the size of a sleep bra right is crucial if it’s going to be comfortable and provide the support you need. Some sleep bras follow the same sizing guidelines that everyday bras do, so you need to know your band and cup size. These are usually molded styles that require more of an exact fit.
However, most sleep bras follow more general sizes, such as small, medium, large, and extra-large. That’s because many sleep bras are stretchy and not designed to provide as much support as an everyday bra. It’s essential to consult the sizing chart for these bras to see what band size each size corresponds to so you can find your best fit.
Nursing or pregnant
If you are nursing or pregnant, it’s important to recognize that your breasts will grow when shopping for a sleep bra. Look for styles clearly marked as nursing or maternity sleep bras, so you won’t have to keep buying new sizes as your breasts grow. Nursing bras also make it easier to feed your baby in the middle of the night because you usually only have to pull them aside to uncover your breasts.
Keep in mind that maternity bras can actually make very comfortable sleep bras even if you’re not pregnant or nursing. They have a much stretchier, more forgiving fit, so many women find them more comfortable in general.
Sleep bras with a wider band at the bottom aren’t as likely to roll up while you’re sleeping.
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Features
Materials
Sleep bras are generally made from soft, breathable materials with some stretch. These materials include cotton, microfiber, and spandex or Lycra blends. Opt for bras made from thicker materials if you want more support while sleeping, and look for thinner fabric if you prefer a lightweight style that can help keep you cool.
Pull-on vs. clasp
Many sleep bras are pull-on styles that go over the head and don’t have any hooks or other closures. These are often the most comfortable because there aren’t any hard pieces to dig into the skin.
If you have limited mobility, though, getting a bra on over the head can be difficult. A sleep bra with a clasp or hooks is usually much easier to put on, especially if the clasp is in the front.
Wire-free
Most sleep bras are wire-free because they’re not meant to be as supportive as everyday bras. And let’s face it: most women don’t want to sleep in an underwire bra after wearing one all day. Wire-free sleep bras are more comfortable because there’s nothing to poke you while sleeping.
Versatility
If you want to get more bang for your buck, it helps to choose a more versatile sleep bra. Many sleep bras offer enough support to work well as a lounging or “around-the-house” bra, even if you’ll have guests or other people in your home. Styles with a wide elastic band at the bottom typically offer greater support, which can keep you more comfortable if you’re wearing the bra during the day.
Color
The majority of sleep bras come in neutral shades like white, black, or gray or other soft shades like pink, lilac, or mint. However, you can find some sleep bras in brighter shades like magenta or purple – and even some in patterns like animal prints or floral designs.
DID YOU KNOW?
Sleep bras made of moisture-wicking materials can help keep you cool and comfortable during warmer weather.
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Accessories
Women’s pajamas: Ekouaer Women’s Comfort Long-Sleeve Pajama Set
In warm weather, you can sleep in a sleep bra alone, but you’ll need pajamas to pair with it for colder weather. This set from Ekouaer is a favorite because it’s made of a comfortable, breathable material that won’t irritate even sensitive skin.
Sleep masks: ASUTRA Premium Silk Eye Pillow
If you have issues getting a good night’s sleep, you may need a sleep mask to go with your sleep bra. We love this one from ASUTRA because it’s made of natural silk and includes a pouch filled with lavender to provide aromatherapy benefits that can soothe you to sleep.
Sleep bra prices
Sleep bras vary in price based on style, materials, and features. Most cost between $10 and $50.
The most inexpensive sleep bras are typically traditional cotton or microfiber styles with a pull-on design. They’re usually hand wash-only but may have removable foam cups or pads. You’ll usually pay between $10 and $21 for these sleep bras.
Mid-range sleep bras are usually traditional styles or racerback styles made of cotton or microfiber with a pull-on design. They’re often hand wash-only, though some are machine-washable. You can also find nursing and maternity sleep bras in this price range. You’ll generally pay between $21 and $38 for these styles.
The most expensive sleep bras are usually traditional, racerback, or molded styles made of cotton, microfiber, or spandex/Lycra blends. Many are machine-washable, and there are also some nursing and maternity options in this price range. You’ll typically spend between $35 and $50 on these sleep bras.
Some sleep bras feature lace details for a more attractive or stylish look.
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Tips
- Always check the label on a sleep bra for care instructions before washing it. Some bras are machine-washable, but others require hand washing.
- You usually don’t need to size up when buying a sleep bra. A sleep bra is designed to have a looser, more comfortable fit than an everyday bra, so there’s no need to adjust the size.
- You can wear a sleep bra all on its own, but if you tend to get cold you may want to wear a tank top or T-shirt over it. You can also wear it beneath pajamas or a nightgown.
FAQ
Q. Is it healthy to sleep with a bra on?
A. Some people believe sleeping in a bra isn’t good for you because it’s too tight and can reduce blood flow. However, there is no evidence to support the idea that sleeping in a bra is unhealthy. Choose a sleep bra that isn’t too tight and feels comfortable to lie down in, and you won’t have any problems.
Q. Why should I wear a sleep bra?
A. Many women with large breasts find it uncomfortable to lie down without some kind of support because their breasts can move around when they toss and turn. The right sleep bra can also prevent irritation that might occur from your breasts rubbing against the rougher material of a T-shirt or pajama top. The bra can help reduce pain if you have tender breasts due to your period or you’ve recently had breast surgery, too.
Q. Will wearing a sleep bra prevent sagging?
A. Unfortunately, there really isn’t any evidence that sleeping in a bra can prevent your breasts from sagging. But the light support that a sleep bra provides can definitely help make you more comfortable if you have large breasts.
