Elle Macpherson Intimates Women's Maternity Soft

I can't comment yet on how I'll like this bra as a nursing bra, as I'm still just at the start of my 7th month of pregnancy. But as far as a maternity bra, it's worked out quite well so far. One of my personal challenges has been finding a bra that is supportive, comfortable and shapes nicely, as I've gone up two cup sizes so far during my pregnancy (pre-pregnancy I was 34C, but have determined I must now be a 34DD).I'm sort of an odd size to fit, though, because as an athletic swimmer, I have a muscular back, not much on the top part of my chest, and the bulk of my size in the bottom part of my chest (pre-pregnancy, I never had cleavage, for instance, and needed demi-bras because full-coverage bras were usually a bit too roomy). After trying out various bras -- mostly all by purchasing online, since I've found it very hard to find a wide selection of high-quality bra options (whether maternity or not) locally -- and purchasing some bras that do the job, but have flaws, I read lots of positive reviews of the Elle Macpherson Intimates bra and decided to try it.One of the things I really like about it, at least for maternity, is that it has an extended set of snaps in the back, beyond what most bras have -- something like 6 or 8 columns for a more precise adjustment as your breasts grow or shrink. The stretchy material is comfortable to wear for all day at work -- and it also shapes my fuller chest surprisingly well. The straps are comfortable with a bit of "springiness" to them, and the lace is a nice touch.I can tell I'll have a little room to grow into this bra, as it's slightly roomy in the upper part of the bra (I can see some wrinkling from the extra fabric) -- but I was pleased that the bra is still supportive even given that, as the cup size itself feels right for me, and makes me feel a little more assurance that I'll have a little room to grow into it once the baby arrives and my chest likely gets bigger once my milk comes in (since this is my first, I have no idea what to expect).I tried snapping and unsnapping the one-handed clip for breast access, and it seems easy yet secure at the same time. I'll have to see how that bears out once there's a baby to deal with too. My only qualms with this bra are that 1). it feels a bit higher-cut under the arms, and when I tightened the straps to where I felt I needed, I could feel the lace brushing the edge of chest, near the start of the underarm... This is a minor aggravation, since that is perhaps a sensation I personally dislike in a bra, or maybe a more sensitive too -- but I also surmise that this might change as I get a bit bigger and need to loosen things up a bit. 2). The other qualm is that I'm already 5 columns in on the snaps, and wish the band were a wee bit tighter for the 34 size. I worry I might stretch it out somewhat before I need to use it for nursing.In any case, overall, I've been pleased with this bra for maternity, and am cautiously optimistic that it will work for nursing too. I'm not sure how nursing pads will work in this bra -- but it seems a good choice for women looking for a comfy and supportive bra during the maternity and post-natal nursing phases of their pregnancies.

If i was to keep this bra id be settling. It is pretty def too small, i from my measurements need a 32D however this bra is on the last hook and a bit too snug(and i like them to fit snug) the adjustable straps do not adjust enough i need to be able to adjust them...tighter you might say so the straps are a bt lose and falling off my shoulders. I can tell if my boobs get any bigger i will have side boob going on cause its cut too low on the sides under your arm and the fabric just sits loosely there instead of taunt pulling in from the side...on my bra one side is worse about this then the other noticeably on or off.Im left wondering if i should move up a cup size or just get it in a 34....thats annoying i mean i was a 32b/c b4 pregnancy so to move up past a D seems to be too much and my breast really arent that big.What I do like...it is supportive, similar to how a sports bra is, but it is nice and smooth on the outside similar to a shaper(the fabric) the lace looks nice and if it peaks through it doesn't look tacky. I LOVE the A frame it makes the bra more supportive in giver more privacy while nursing and keeps them held up more instead of just spilling out when you let down the cup to nurse.The main reason i hope i can just get this one in a better fit is cause its so hard to find a good nursing bra in the smaller sizes with the a-frame drop cup.It says "molded" cups on most of the websites, when i hear molded im thinking it is lined/lightly padded....it is NOT. So again the dilemma to try for a better size in this or just move on down the search path...Cause im not a fan of wearing a non lined/padded bra out in public this is why..1 the lining is back up if you leak2 the lining is there if you forgot your breast pad3 you get a shapelier look4 smoother look under you clothingBut this sort of bra is what i wear around the house and to bed...yet this is pricey to function only as a house bra and need to get another kind to wear out. However there is 2 fabrics making up the cup and the outside fabric is a tightly woven fabric like you get in a supportive shaper so the "headlights" thing really isnt much of a problem i even checked it out to be sure and it is barely noticeable at the 'ice cutting' level and the just barely there headlights wont be seen cause the bra pulls you in so tight and forming.All in all if i can get a better fit it would be 4 stars because it has the most important things to me; but id be hesitant to wear it out on anything less then short errands. And the $ when it is not 'i dont have to think about it cause its all in 1 perfect.'

What I like: Nice material. Really good fit. I'm a 32E & it fits true to size with a snug band. I find that very important since the most support of a bra comes from the band. I like the shape & the lace details over the top. It could look like a lacy cami if a top happens to be just a bit low. The clasps are sturdy & don't come loose when I move around. It hides thin nursing pads very well.What doesn't work well for me: It has an all-around inner support fabric with a large oval area to expose nipples & part of the breasts. I know some women like this but I actually prefer my breasts to fully be exposed during nursing & pumping. It's especially important for pumping at work as I massage every time to get most of the milk. Also, when I nurse my super wiggly baby, it's difficult to one-handedly re-clasp the cup since the cup is very soft & has to be adjusted to cover my breast.Overall though, I really like this bra. After searching locally & online & trying on several bad ones for weeks, this gamble worked out very well. It's supportive without underwires & makes me feel professional when dressed for work. Would recommend!