Review: Bravado Designs

Although my son weaned himself two months ago at 17.5 months, I know the importance of a good nursing bra. I tried to cheap out in the beginning with some off-brand types and was so disappointed when all but one fell apart after just a few washes (in cold water on gentle cycle, mind you!). I had to go invest in more bras and regretted not getting some good ones in the first place. Take it from me: you want something that is going to be supportive, comfortable and high-quality so it will last as long as your nursing relationship. Or beyond.

Enter Bravado Designs.

Bravado is the "it" nursing bra brand and for good reason. They single-handedly transformed breastfeeding apparel from frumpy to fashionable. Nursing may not be glamorous but with their beautiful, feminine yet practical designs, Bravado at least makes you feel pretty while you do it. Even celebrity moms like Julia Roberts, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Garner, Sarah Jessica Parker and Angelina Jolie are Bravado fans.

I was fortunate enough to review Bravado's new Allure Underwire Nursing Bra in Ivory.

I know what you're thinking. Underwire and nursing are two words that don't usually go hand in hand. But this revolutionary bra fuses great style with good breast health for a bra any nursing mom won't want to live without.



Allure's innovative Supple-Fit design includes premium, lightweight fabric that breaths, keeping you cool and dry. The molded, three-dimensional stretch cups accommodate your ever-changing shape, and they are lightly lined to provide discretion from perky nipples or bulky breast pads. The signature B-clips lie flat under clothing and provide easy nursing access, as the cups drop away fully to promote skin-to-skin contact with baby. Its round, wide wire is slightly shorter than the wire channel to avoid the pinching or constriction of breast tissue that is typical with traditional underwire bras.

Allure also features soft, non-irritating lace on the sides and bands with mesh underneath to add further support and strength. This also creates a thin layer between your body and lace for those who have sensitive skin.



The Allure was created with the input and approval of certified Lactation Consultants so you can rest assured that you'll get a healthy fit that will leave you happy. There's also a matching boy short panty so you can get the full effect!

When I was nursing, I mostly wore nursing tanks for coverage or sleep bras. They were comfortable and convenient but they weren't exactly attractive and didn't always give me the support I wanted. I preferred the look and feel of underwire but I was told to stay away from those types of bras or risk getting plugged ducts. For my health and well-being, I heeded the advice but I longed for something that gave me a bit of a boost. The Allure fills the void perfectly.

I thought this bra was simply stunning. It didn't resemble a regular nursing bra at all. The only thing that gave it away was the clips. Otherwise, with the lace and embroidered straps, it looked like high-quality lingerie. I found the material to be soft and comfortable, and I liked that the V-cut front would work with most of my tops. I normally wear a 36 A/B cup and I did find the fit of the Allure (size B/C is the smallest available in their double-cup sizing system) to be a little big. However, if my milk were still intact, it would likely be a perfect fit. It's not the type of bra you'd want to sleep in but it would be a gorgeous addition to your day wardrobe.

Bottom line: I think the Bravado Allure Underwire Nursing Bra is an innovative, stylish bra for all nursing mothers. It may be a little on the pricey side but no more than I'd drop at Victoria's Secret on a bra with half the functionality. And considering how often and how long you'll be using it, I'd say it is totally worth the cost. I can't wait to conceive Baby #2 so I can really give it a test run!

BUY IT: You can purchase the Allure Nursing Bra online at www.bravadodesigns.com (ARV $54.00).

Disclaimer: This review was made possible due to my membership in the Role Mommy community. I was sent the Allure Underwire Nursing Bra from Bonny at Role Mommy on behalf of Bravado Designs in exchange for my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are solely mine. Your experience may differ.