Best Nursing Tanks in 2019

Breastfeeding in public has opened various discussions all over the world. And while it is a socially acceptable practice, discretion is essential for a more comfortable breastfeeding session. One of the best solutions that accommodate to both the demand of the public and mothers is the use of nursing clothing.

The good news is there is a broad selection from nursing shirts, tanks, to bras in the market. But for us, tanks fall right in between bras and shirts, which is why they make good wardrobe additions. Not only are they functional, but they also feel and look great to wear. Don’t get us wrong; there is nothing to be ashamed about breastfeeding in public. However, mothers would rather have their tank tops not to scream “I’m going to breastfeed” in the restaurant, for example.

Nursing tanks are not only useful when you’re outside. The practicality and comfort that they provide are also much appreciated at home when you’re lounging on the couch. What we have here are 10 different nursing tanks that we also reviewed for you. This way, you can choose what appeals to you and get the most out of your order.

As a bonus, we also shared our opinions on 3 nursing bras and a nursing shirt in case you wanted to have them too. And if you’re overwhelmed with what to choose, you can always read our buyer’s guide to know what to look for in the best nursing tanks and shirts.

Best Nursing Tanks Comparison Table

Read Also: Best Electric Breast Pump

Best Nursing Tanks Reviews

Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime – Best Clip-Down Nursing Tank

Our first tank top is the Simply Sublime from Kindred Bravely. It comes in 6 colors ranging from white, gray, black, cabernet, and blue. When it comes to the available sizes, Kindred Bravely has 10 sizes with busty options.

Comes in Busty Sizes

The busty sizes are great for mommies that are already large-chested. And those that are expecting an increase in their breast size will benefit as well. Women can have an increase in breast size during pregnancy or as they are nursing, so these sizes are excellent.

The busty sizes of this tank top have longer straps and more fabric in the cups. Kindred Bravely has a built-in bra, so having more material provides better coverage. The straps of the busty sizes are also slightly longer, which means there’ll be no straining around the shoulders. And if you are on the taller side, you will appreciate these straps as well.

Comfortable Elastic Chest Band

As we all know, breastfeeding clothes should not have any underwire. However, your breasts will still need support, and this is where the tank’s chest band becomes useful. Other than support, this also gives a more flattering, lifted look on the chest area. According to Kindred Bravely, they also designed the elastic in the chest band of the busty sizes to suit larger breasts.

Soft and Seamless with Removable Padding

When it comes to comfort and practicality, the Simply Sublime feels soft to the skin. Even though it has an elastic band under the bust, it doesn’t feel too tight. And because it is seamless with removable padding, you can use it as an undergarment as well. We appreciate this feature in a tank top because it eliminates the need for multiple layering with a separate nursing bra. You can also quickly undo the top part for accessing your breasts with the tank’s clips. However, because it is a clip-down nursing access, you won’t get top coverage on your breasts.

UpSpring Baby – Best Nursing Tank for Compression

360-Degree Compression

Looking for something to add on your list of best compression nursing tanks? This tank from UpSpring Baby is our top pick! It comes in 4 sizes fitting from small to extra large, all with adjustable straps. However, what’s unique with this tank is that it provides a full 360-degree compression surrounding your waste. This means you’ll get a slimmer-looking waist and belly.

Looking at the tank top, you wouldn’t find or feel a prominent elastic band surrounding the bust area. As we have mentioned, the whole UpSpring Baby tank itself compresses the entire torso itself. Postpartum or not, every mother will appreciate any wardrobe piece that flatters their body and compresses extra inches.

Infused with Bamboo Charcoal Fibers

But another unique thing with UpSpring Baby is that they infuse the tank’s rayon fabric with bamboo charcoal fibers. According to the manufacturer, bamboo charcoal fibers increase metabolism, and with weight loss comes better circulation. Although we can’t find any supporting study to this claim, this material is hypoallergenic and moisture-proof. And in a nursing clothing, these features are always nice to have.

Padded and Seamless

Other than the compression, this tank top is also seamless with removable pads. Similar to our previous top earlier, these features are advantageous in many ways. Because you won’t need a separate nursing bra, you can use this tank top as your main shirt or undergarment.

Machine-Washable

However, because it’s also a clip-down nursing access top, you won’t have upper breast coverage. We should also mention that the bottom of the tank tends to roll up at times. On the bright side, we love that UpSpring Baby is machine-washable. This saves time and effort, especially when leaks happen during breastfeeding.

Undercover Mama Nursing Tank – Best Nursing Tank for Layering

The next tank top we have is the Undercover Mama. It comes in a set of black and gray, and you’d have 8 sizes to choose from. We like that Undercover Mama caters up from extra small to 5X large. However, a drawback that we saw is that this top runs small, which is something that you should note before buying.

The Undercover Mama is different than our previous nursing tanks because it has no built-in bra. This tank top is strapless and is meant to attach to your bra. For us, this design is similar to elongating your bra so that you can get lower torso coverage.

Stay Covered Up and Down

As we have said, this tank top lengthens your bra. We like that it’s long because it helps for a snug fit. This length also prevents the bottom from rolling up so that your back and belly stays covered. You can also use Undercover Mama as an undergarment to minimize layering. This way, the outer garment covers the top of your breast, while this tank top gives you the nursing opening while covering your back and belly.

Hook and Loop Attachments

For attaching the tank to your bra, you’d get to choose between two styles unique to Undercover Mama. Let’s discuss first the loop-type attachment. They are simple silicone bands/loops that you’ll just hook over the cup-side clip of your nursing bra. On the one hand, you can also use the plastic hooks directly on the strap or flap of your bra.

Lastly, the Undercover Mama is machine-washable. You can quickly clean after spills and leaks without having to worry about ruining the garment.

Bravado! Designs Women’s Dream – Best Comfortable Nursing Tank

The next nursing tank that we have looks similar to the previous Simply Sublime. This time, we are reviewing the Dream nursing tank from Bravado! Designs.

Bravado! Designs is a well-known brand when it comes to nursing bras and tanks. And this tank, in particular, is a classic favorite among moms.

Soft and Breathable

The Dream nursing tank is 92% cotton, which means it’s going to be soft and breathable throughout the day. Although it is not as seamless as the previous tanks, Dream also has a built-in bra for skipping the multi-layer clothes. You can choose from 3 colors, as well as 13 sizes for a more customized feel.

Clip-Down with Built-In Bra

The Dream nursing tank differs in the previous clip-down tanks because of its built-in bra. The Simply Sublime and UpSpring Baby, on the other hand, are only padded. What we mean is that with the latter two, your whole breast will be exposed when you clip the flap down. With the Dream tank, the nursing bra provides more coverage on your chest area.

Secured Clips

However, the snaps might take you a while to pop open. They clip in from behind instead of the front. Nonetheless, with a few practices, you’ll get the hang of it. And perhaps this slight difficulty in opening can be advantageous for added security.

This tank is meant to be slightly fitted and at a hip-length when worn. If you prefer to lose the padding, you could also remove them for added comfort. You might need to adjust these pads depending on how much you move, but we like that they don’t look prominent when used.

KUCI Maternity Nursing Tank Top – Best Nursing Tank for Home

Easy Pull-Down Neckline Access

Our review does not only have clip-down tank tops. Another favorite of ours is this pull-down top from KUCI Maternity. As we have discussed in our buyer’s guide, there are different styles used by tanks for their nursing openings. With the KUCI Maternity, the neckline of the tank is in V-shape, where you’ll just pull down one side to access the breast. This style is more convenient, especially when you’re at home.

You can choose from different colors, and three US sizes with this tank top. They come in two pieces a pack, which we think is a great value in the long run. The tank itself is also long so if you’re on the taller size, you’ll appreciate this pull-down tank more.

Built-In Padding Pouches

KUCI has no built-in bra or padding, but what’s unique about it is it has internal pouches. You can use these for nursing pads or bra pads if you’re planning on wearing the tank outside. You can skip the pads if you just want to lie in bed and avoid the hassle of moving pads.

iLoveSIA Nursing Cami – Best Stretchy Nursing Tank

Another clip-down nursing tank top that’s worth considering is from iLove SIA. It comes in packs of threes, with different color combinations. You can also choose from 5 sizes. However, right off the bat we want to say that you should get a size up. The straps are also adjustable, but in the long run, they loosen up.

Stretchy and Slimming

Now that we have the drawbacks out of the way, let us mention some fantastic features of this tank. The material of iLoveSIA is amazingly stretchy. The tank fits very well and also helps in concealing some curves. But even though it is snug to the skin, the overall feel of the fabric does not feel tight. The length of this cami is also long, which again, can help with the illusion of a slim torso.

Seamless with Removable Padding

As we have said earlier, this tank is a clip-down. You can also use it as an undergarment because it is seamless and has its own removable padding. The elastic band under the bust is also worth noting because it gives great support to prevent sagging.

Bearsland Nursing Tank Top – Editor’s Choice

We are halfway through our review, and what we have here is our favorite nursing tank top. This layered tank from Bearsland comes in 4 sizes as well as multiple designs. You can also buy them in a set of three to save more.

Bearsland has adjustable straps. although we would have preferred them to be wider for extra support. We also suggest that you get a size smaller because of the way it is designed. This way, you’ll avoid accidental slips.

Cute Yet Functional

This Bearsland tank top has double layers at the front. For us, this design and the abundance of colors and patterns available makes it great even as a wardrobe piece. However, this is not just for aesthetic purposes. The ruffles are actually there to help for concealing during breastfeeding.

Comfortable Fabric

Do note that this tank has no built-in padding, but you can wear any nursing bra underneath. And because of its nursing access style, Bearsland also makes a good stay-at-home shirt similar to the previous KUCI Maternity. The fabric is also breathable and lightweight, so your comfort is not going to be compromised.

Smallshow Nursing Tank Top – Best Stylish Nursing Tank

Another layered tank top in this review is from Smallshows. However, it has a different style compared to the ruffles of the previous Bearsland. To differentiate the two, instead of having multiple ruffles at the front, Smallshow has two layers of fabric.

Straightforward Access for Nursing

The front layer goes all the way down, and pulling it to the side will expose another layer with flaps. You’ll just pull a flap down, and you can start nursing. Note that Smallshow has no padding, so you have to use a separate nursing bra.

Stylish and Flowy

The overall look of the top is unique, and you wouldn’t even guess that it’s a nursing tank. We like that it is somewhat flowy and lengthy, especially at the sides. These fabric directions also help in concealing the tummy and waist area.

You can choose from different colors and designs, as well as buy multiple pieces per pack. Sadly, a potential drawback with these designs and color selections is that some of them will show wet areas. If you are sweating or leaking, lighter colors might be awkward to use.

Smallshow also offers 5 sizes, but for us, we recommend that you buy a size up. Although the material doesn’t shrinks, we think you’d be safer to get a size higher than usual to get a flattering look.

Intimate Portal Gaia Nursing Tank Top – Best Nursing Tank for Small Breasts

Removable Inserts

At times, it can be challenging to find the best nursing tanks for small breasts. Perhaps you struggle with the padding or support. The Women Gaia from Intimate Portal comes with pads for added cushion. You can also remove these inserts and replace with your favorite padding. This way, you’d get more customized support and cushioning on your breasts. And you can even buy this tank in a set of 2 with various color combinations to get the best value.

Soft and Breathable

Similar to the previous tank top from KUCI, Intimate Portal is a pull-down access. You can assume the same amount of convenience and comfort that it offers compared to tanks with clips. And speaking of comfort, its fabric is 92% cotton, so it’s soft to touch and breathable in every weather.

Overall, Intimate Portal would be an excellent choice for moms with small breasts. Its overall design would be flattering and not too daring for them. And as a bonus, it’s comfortable and easy to use for nursing too.

SUIEK Nursing Tank Top – Best Nursing Tank for Large Breasts

If we are making a list of the best nursing tanks for large breasts, Kindred Bravely and KUCI will certainly make the cut. However, our top pick for those needing busty-friendly tops would be from SUIEK. You can buy this top in a pack of three, and it offers 4 sizes along with various colors.

You might be thinking, “Wouldn’t a pull-down bra a better choice for large breasts?” Well, you are correct, and as we have previously said, KUCI is also a notable candidate. However, not every mom prefers pull-down styles or even tanks that come padded. Sometimes, slips can happen with the former, and the latter might not be as supportive and comfortable.

Pad-Free Support

SUIEK is a clip-down top with a loose waistline and an elastic band under the bust area. Unfastening and fastening the clips are pretty easy, so doing it with one hand is possible. And even though it has no padding, it’s chest area has another layer of fabric underneath for modesty. The elastic band under the breasts are also supportive without the pinching feeling.

Conceals Post-Partum Belly

The bottom part of the tank, on the other hand, drapes over your lower torso. This is pretty effective in hiding this area, and overall adds to the comfort when wearing it. And speaking of which, the tank’s material is mostly cotton so you can expect good breathability and softness.

Slip-Proof

You can adjust SUIEK’s shoulder straps to prevent them from falling down or being too tight. The back of the tank is also racerback style. This overall design will help in supporting you without the fear of slips. You can even choose from 4 racerback designs to match any mood or outfit.

Now, for the drawbacks, note that you should line dry this tank. Otherwise, it is prone to shrink, which is a drag, especially for someone with large breasts. Overall, if you want to avoid nip-slips, SUIEK is an excellent choice. If you’re someone with large breasts and built-in paddings are giving you discomfort and poor support, check out this top. However, if you want more sizes to choose from, Kindred Bravely has a wide range of choices targeted for busty women.

Best Nursing Bras and Shirts Reviews

As we have promised, we also reviewed three nursing bras. Each of them has its own advantage of catering every mom’s needs. You can use a nursing bra along with a tank top for added support and ease of access. And other than tank tops and bras, we included one nursing shirt in case you need that option.

BRAVADO! DESIGNS Nursing Bra – Best Nursing Bra for Large Breasts

If you remember, we also reviewed the Dream nursing tank from Bravado! Designs. That tank already has a built-in nursing bra, although you can remove the foam inserts. This time, we’re checking out the Body Silk nursing bra from the same manufacturer.

One-Hand Unclipping and Removable Inserts

Body Silk offers 9 sizes, as well as 13 colors to choose from. It has a lot of similarities to the Dream tank, and it’s almost like the bra version of it. Accessing the breasts with this bra is also via unclipping, and you can also remove its foam inserts.

You can unclip the bra with one hand. And the removable foam inserts are always a plus because you can wash them quickly in case of leaks. However, their drawbacks would be the shuffling they do every time you unclip the bra when nursing.

Non-Constricting Band

The bra itself is soft and stretchy, and we like how supportive its elastic band is. The back band, the part where the hook and eye closure is, is also wide. This means, you’d get a full 360-degree support, especially when you have big breasts. Overall, wearing the bra doesn’t give off a constricting feeling.

A drawback we have with this bra would be the cup design. Some women might need an added lift, and the shapes of the cups might not provide that.

Cake Maternity Nursing Bra – Best Nursing Bra for Active Moms

Slip-Free

Another bra worth noting in this review is from Cake Maternity. It is also a clip-down like the previous Body Silk. However, it has a racerback design. Racerbacks give better support as you have read in the tank tops that have them. This style also prevents the straps from slipping down. If you need something that will remove your fear of nip-slips doing activities such as yoga, this bra is a worthy consideration.

Adjustable Hooks and Eyes

Cake Maternity comes in 7 colors and 4 sizes. And to get a better fit, you can adjust the hooks and eyes themselves. This way, the elastic band wouldn’t dig into the skin when wearing. However, note that the cups of the bra have no padding. They are meant to hold breast pads, although they are still pretty thick to cover the breast.

The fabric of the bra is soft and stretchy. And if you’re looking for a bra for sleeping, this will make an excellent option. Sadly, it also has a similar drawback with the previous Body Silk. It doesn’t give a lift-up appearance on the breasts and is prone to giving that awkward uni-boob look.

Kindred Bravely French Terry Racerback – Best Nursing Bra

We have earlier reviewed a Kindred Bravely tank top. And we like that it offers busty sizes and easy one-hand unclipping. But what we have here now is the French Terry from the same manufacturer. Similar to the tank top, this bra also offers multiple busty sizes. But instead of unclipping, all you have to do is pull down the fabric aside to access your breasts.

Good Support and Lifted Effect

Again, if you have large breasts, or you need a convenient lounging bra, pull-downs are amazing. But what we love most about French Terry is that it also has a racerback style. Combine this with the thick band under the best and you’d get good support, and even a lifted look.

If we could change or add a feature, we wish the bra comes with inserts and adjustable straps. Some adjustments would have solved the digging feeling of the straps onto the shoulder.

Bearsland Women’s Maternity Nursing Tops

As promised, we also reviewed a nursing shirt. And it comes from the same manufacturer as our favorite tank, which is Bearsland. This long-sleeved shirt comes in 8 colors and patterns, and you could also buy it in a set of three.

Modest Style

Similar to the Bearsland tank, it uses two layers of fabric to create a nursing access. However, instead of a ruffled style, this shirt looks like a crop top layering over a longer shirt. Lifting this front layer will give you access to your chest area. What’s great with this shirt is it covers your lower torso as well as your upper torso, which is usable for public use.

Do remember that this shirt only works as an easy access on your breasts. It doesn’t have a built-in bra if you need support and a lifted look. Nonetheless, if you’re at home, this style allows you to have quick access for nursing.

A common comment we noticed with this shirt is that most moms find the length too short. Therefore, we advise you to get a size up.

Read Also: Best Manual Breast Pump

Best Nursing Tanks Buyer’s Guide

Nursing Access Styles

There are no types of nursing tanks per se, but we can differentiate them into different styles. These styles also equate on how you can access your breast for nursing. Do note that other nursing clothing items such as bras, sleepwears, and shirts also use these for nursing access.

• Clip-Down/Drop-Cup Style

Clip-down nursing tanks are probably the most common type of nursing tanks. Think of this type as the tank version of a nursing bra with clips on the straps. The clips are there to fasten the part of the tank top that you fold down. You can also use clip-down tank tops underneath your clothes if they have a built-in bra.

• Pull-Down/Neckline Style

From the name itself, pull-down nursing tops are very simple to use. Some brands can also refer to this as the neckline style. Why? Because what you’ll be doing is basically pull down the neckline of the tank top.

They are mostly in V-neck designs, meaning the upper parts cross each other. This way, you’ll just pull down one side for your baby to access the breast. Because of their straightforward usage, mothers typically opt for pull-down tank tops when they’re at home.

And depending on the design, some tops also have an inner chest lining to cover your top while breastfeeding.

• Layered/Empire/Hem-Lift Style

You can also refer to this style as the empire access, and it uses two layers of fabric. The top layer is the part that you pull up, and the bottom layer is the one that you pull down to access the nursing openings. This is the most discreet out of the three styles because it shows the most less amount of skin. But although the front layer provides additional coverage during nursing, this design can also be fiddly to use due to the layering.

There are also nursing clothes that have a center panel that you’ll just pull to one side to access the nursing openings. And some pieces even have a zipper in exchange for this panel. After unzipping, you’ll just pull the fabric to the side to have a nursing opening.

What to Consider When Choosing a Nursing Tank

When it comes to choosing the best nursing bras and tanks to add to your wardrobe, there is a lot to consider:

Practicality

The first factor that you must look for in your nursing clothes is practicality. In particular, we are talking about how easy it is to access the nursing openings. However, this can vary depending on each mother.

As you have previously read on the different nursing openings, they have one thing in common, and that is having a flap of fabric. Depending on the style of the clothing, you can pull this flap to the side, upward, or downward and then secure it with clips (optional as well.)

When choosing the style, it all comes down to your personal preference. Choose the nursing access that is convenient for you and your baby. For us, it would be best if you can close and open the flap with one hand.

Flexibility and Style

Both flexibility and style can fall in the tank’s practicality as well. What we mean by flexibility is that you should choose the tank top with a style that is appropriate to your lifestyle. For example, if you’re going to use it to the gym as well, make sure it wouldn’t let the “girls” out on its own. If you’re going to be moving a lot, a nursing top with hooks can give you more security.

In the timeline from giving birth to weaning, you should also consider if you can use your tank top throughout this time. Perhaps something that can adjust and adapt to your changing breasts so that your comfort isn’t compromised. Not to mention, this makes a week’s worth of tank tops a worthy investment throughout motherhood. Look for tops that stretches well and has adjustable straps or clasps.

Again, your lifestyle will also indicate the design of tank top that you should go for. If you’ll be staying at home, the number of color selections is not going to be a significant factor. But if you’ll be planning to eventually use the nursing clothing pieces in your other outfits, various designs are a must. This way, you can match the tank top or shirt with virtually any bottoms, whether it’s jeans, leggings, or shorts.

You can also find tank tops that are flattering to your body. The added boost of confidence that you’ll get when you like what you see in the mirror is never going to be unwelcomed.

Comfort

The tank top’s design also plays a role in its comfort. Not only should it be discreet and easy to access (for the nursing openings), but it should also be a joy to wear. A significant factor that affects the nursing clothing’s comfort is the size. Some tank tops require you to get a size up or down. And because of this, we recommend you to find other moms who have a similar body size to yours in the feedback section.

Other than the sizes, the fabric of the bra can also make you love the piece or hate it that it goes unnoticed in your closet. For example, cotton and nylon are excellent materials for clothing. Anything soft and allows your skin to breathe is always appreciated whether it’s a sweltering weather or not. The material of the clothing can also sometimes affect its shrinkage and longevity after each wash and use.

Lastly, considering which part of the tank that compresses also affects its comfort. Compression bands help for a more snug fit and as a bonus, a more flattering, tucked-in look. Speaking of which, your breasts also need support too. Tank tops with built-in bras offer various cup sizes so that you can choose which can support and complement your bust.

Read Also: Best Diaper Pail

Conclusion

Expanding your wardrobe as a mother is not as complicated as it seems. In fact, it can be enjoyable, especially when you found a practical yet stylish piece of clothing. Choosing between a nursing bra, tank, or shirt will depend on which is the most convenient and usable for you. For us, tanks are excellent nursing clothes because you can use them on their own or as an undergarment.

Our favorite is the Bearsland Women’s Maternity Nursing Tank Top. It is layered, which means you’ll only pull the two layers apart to access the nursing opening. The tank itself also comes in different designs, and for us, you can still wear it even if you’re no longer breastfeeding. It is that cute!

However, we also have other styles from clip-downs to pull-downs if you think you’ll enjoy wearing them more. And in case you wanted a bra or a shirt, our selections from different brands such as Kindred Bravely are also worthy considerations. But at the end of the day, choose the nursing clothes that will make you feel good and look good.

What about you? What is your favorite nursing clothing?