WHY YOUR BRA NEEDS TO CHANGE WHEN YOUR BODY DOES
- 13 minutes ago
- 13 min read
Caroline Warren of Supporting Eve on pregnancy, postpartum, support, and why comfort should never mean compromise
There are some parts of pregnancy and postpartum that everyone expects to talk about. Birth plans. Baby gear. Feeding. Sleep. Pelvic floors. Recovery. But for many women, one of the earliest, most noticeable and most uncomfortable changes happens somewhere much closer to the surface.
Their breasts change.
Often before a pregnancy is even confirmed, breasts may feel tender, heavier, more sensitive or simply different. The NHS lists sore or tender breasts as one of the early signs of pregnancy, alongside changes such as more visible veins and darker nipples.[1] For Caroline Warren, founder of Supporting Eve in Cluny Court, this is exactly why bras should not be treated as an afterthought during pregnancy and postpartum.
Because when the body changes, the bra does not magically change with it.
Supporting Eve is known in Singapore for expert bra fittings, hard-to-find sizes, and a wide lingerie size range. The boutique describes itself as offering bands 28–48 and cups A–K, with fit-by-sight bra fittings and options including everyday bras, sports bras, nursing bras, strapless bras and specialist solutions.[2] But behind the product range is something more thoughtful than simply selling lingerie.
Caroline’s work is about helping women understand their bodies at each stage of life, especially during the seasons when those bodies are changing quickly.
“Support” is the word that keeps coming up in conversation with her. Not just support in the obvious sense of lifting the bust, but support as care, reassurance, education and dignity. A bra fitting, in Caroline’s hands, is not about numbers on a tape measure or squeezing someone into whatever size happens to be available. It is about reading the body, listening to the woman, and understanding what she is actually living through.
That matters at every age, but it becomes especially important during pregnancy and postpartum.
Pregnancy changes the bust, but also the body beneath it
One of the most useful things Caroline explains is that pregnancy does not only change breast size. It can also change the ribcage, the way the body holds weight, how sensitive the skin feels, and what level of structure a woman can comfortably tolerate.
Many women know their breasts may grow during pregnancy. Fewer realise their back size may change too. The NCT notes that it is common to go up a cup size or two during pregnancy, and that many women also become broader across the back as the rib cage expands to make room for the baby.[3]
This is where Caroline believes many women get caught out. They may assume that if their old bra still fastens, it is still doing its job. Or they may buy a soft, stretchy maternity or nursing bra in a small, medium or large, thinking comfort alone is enough.
Caroline gently challenges that idea.
Comfort matters enormously, especially when breasts are tender. But comfort without structure can leave the shoulders, neck and upper back taking strain that should have been managed by the bra’s foundation. In Caroline’s words, the support should come from the band, not the straps.
That is one of her biggest educational points. Many women respond to a heavy or unsupported feeling by tightening the shoulder straps. But if the band is too loose, the straps are being asked to do too much. The result can be digging, slipping, pulling, tension and poor posture.
The research around bra fit supports the wider point that many women are wearing bras that do not fit well. A study published in Chiropractic & Osteopathy found that 80% of the women in its sample wore incorrectly sized bras.[4] Another cross-sectional study looking at breast support in clinical practice found that 85% of participants were wearing ill-fitting bras when assessed against professional bra-fitting criteria.[5] Caroline’s own in-store observation is even higher: she estimates that the vast majority of women who walk into Supporting Eve are wearing the wrong size.
That statistic is powerful, but the deeper issue is not blame. Caroline is clear that women have not failed at bra buying. They have often never been properly taught.
The problem with “small, medium, large”
Pregnancy and nursing bras often promise ease. But Caroline believes one of the biggest mistakes is assuming that a simple small, medium or large system can properly support the range of bodies that pregnancy creates.
A woman may be small around the ribcage but much fuller in the bust. Another may need a larger band but a smaller cup. Two women can both describe themselves as “medium” and have completely different support needs.
This is why Caroline prefers maternity and nursing bras that acknowledge both the band and the cup. She looks for pieces that have enough adjustability through the back, flexible cup accommodation, and a supportive base beneath the bust. In pregnancy, this adjustability has to work differently from a regular bra.
For a standard bra, Caroline explains that women are usually fitted on the loosest hook so the bra can be tightened over time as the elastic naturally stretches. In pregnancy, however, the logic often reverses. If a maternity bra is designed with extra rows of hooks, fitting it on a tighter setting can allow the ribcage to expand as pregnancy progresses, then move back in again postpartum as the body changes.
That small detail can be the difference between a bra that lasts a few uncomfortable weeks and one that supports a woman through multiple stages.
And this is really the heart of Caroline’s expertise. She is not just looking at the size someone is today. She is thinking about where their body is heading next.
Underwire is not always the enemy
One of the points Caroline feels strongly about is underwire. Many women have been told, or have come to believe through painful experience, that underwire is uncomfortable, unsuitable, or something to avoid entirely during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Caroline’s position is more nuanced. Underwire itself is not necessarily the enemy. Poor fit is.
The NCT states that underwired bras in pregnancy and breastfeeding should be acceptable if they are well fitted and size checked regularly, but they should not dig into breast tissue.[6] This distinction is important. The issue is not simply whether a bra has wire. It is where that wire sits.
Caroline explains that the wire should sit around the breast tissue, not on it. It should sit in the crease where the breast meets the body, come around to the side without pressing into breast tissue, and sit flat at the centre where the bra is designed to do so. When a wire digs, pokes, floats away, presses into the breast, or shifts when arms are lifted, the problem is usually fit.
This becomes especially important for breastfeeding mothers. The NHS notes that blocked milk ducts can be caused by something putting pressure on the breast, such as a tight bra, bag strap or tight clothing.[7] The NHS also advises avoiding tight-fitting bras or clothing when dealing with mastitis symptoms.[8]
So the message is not “wear underwire” or “never wear underwire”. The message is: pressure matters. Fit matters. Regular checking matters.
For a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, a bra should support without compressing, digging or creating localised pressure on breast tissue.
The emotional side of bra fitting after babies
What makes Caroline’s work especially thoughtful is that she understands a bra fitting is not only technical.
It can be vulnerable.
Many postpartum women come into Supporting Eve after months or years of wearing bras that no longer fit. They may still be wearing maternity bras long after breastfeeding has ended. They may have had multiple pregnancies. They may feel disconnected from their body, disappointed by the way it has changed, or embarrassed by what they are wearing.
Caroline sees this often. Women apologise for their bodies. They apologise for their bras. They say they feel uncomfortable, unattractive or unlike themselves.
Her response is not to correct the emotion. It is to create a space where the woman does not feel judged for having it.
This is where the name Supporting Eve feels so fitting. Caroline chose it because bras are a base layer, something close to the body, something foundational. The name also holds the idea of supporting women from the beginning, in a way that is both physical and emotional.
In store, that means asking before touching. It means noticing body language. It means allowing someone to be fitted in the way they are comfortable with. Some women are happy for hands-on adjustment. Some prefer to be talked through the fit. Some may not want anyone in the changing room at all.
Caroline’s view is simple: whatever helps the woman feel safe and respected is the starting point.
For pregnant and postpartum women, this matters even more. Their bodies may already have been examined, touched, medicalised and commented on many times. A bra fitting should not become another moment where they feel exposed or judged. Done well, it can become the opposite: a moment of relief.
Sports bras after pregnancy deserve more attention
For many women, the next bra challenge comes when they begin returning to movement.
After pregnancy and birth, a woman may want to walk, exercise, rebuild strength, return to running, or simply feel more secure in her body. But a standard everyday bra is not designed for impact, and a poorly fitted sports bra can make movement feel uncomfortable or unsupported.
This is another area where Caroline’s expertise becomes practical. Sports bras are not just “tighter bras”. They are designed to reduce breast movement during exercise, and research has shown that different bra features can affect how much support a sports bra provides. A 2021 study investigated breast movement reduction across 98 sports bras, looking at support levels and the bra characteristics that contributed to performance.[9]
For postpartum women, this is not about rushing back to exercise or trying to “get a body back”. Caroline’s framing is much healthier than that. It is about being supported for the body you have now.
That may mean a different size from before pregnancy. It may mean a different structure. It may mean reassessing after breastfeeding, after weight change, after hormonal shifts, or after the return of a menstrual cycle.
The point is not to force the body into an old bra. The point is to fit the bra to the current body.
Watch the conversation
In the accompanying video, Caroline Warren sits down with Pregnant and Popped to talk through the moments of body change that so many women experience but rarely receive practical guidance for. From pregnancy and nursing bras to sports bras, underwire myths, fit mistakes and the emotional side of finding support after babies, the conversation is a warm, honest look at why the right bra can change how a woman feels in her body.
A better bra fitting is an education
Caroline trained in the UK with lingerie experts and has continued to build specialist knowledge across maternity, sports, post-surgery and everyday fittings. Supporting Eve’s website also notes that all staff are “Fit By Sight Trained” and that expert bra fittings are available daily.[2]
That “fit by sight” approach is central to her work. Rather than relying only on a tape measure, Caroline looks at how the bra is actually interacting with the body. Is the band parallel? Is it firm enough without digging? Are the cups containing the breast tissue? Is the wire sitting in the right place? Are the straps doing too much? Does the bra move when the arms lift? Does the wearer feel better in it?
This kind of fitting is part technical, part educational, and part relational.
It also explains why Caroline is frustrated by the way many women are sold bras. If a shop only carries a limited size range, the customer may be fitted into the closest available size rather than the best size. Caroline is careful to point out that bra sizing is complicated. A D cup is not one fixed volume across every band size. A 28D and a 36D are not the same body, the same breast volume or the same support requirement.
This is why size range matters. It is also why expert fitting matters.
Supporting Eve’s own site describes the boutique as a destination for sizes often difficult to find in Singapore, with a focus on helping women find what works best for their body.[2] That focus is not just a retail promise. It is the foundation of Caroline’s thought leadership.
She is helping women unlearn the idea that discomfort is normal.
Comfort is not a luxury
One of the strongest messages from Caroline’s work is that comfort should not be treated as indulgent, especially during pregnancy and postpartum.
A bra is worn close to the body for hours. During pregnancy, that body may be tender, growing, expanding and sensitive. During breastfeeding, it may be full, fluctuating and vulnerable to pressure. During postpartum recovery, it may be healing, tired and unfamiliar. During exercise, it may be moving differently from before.
In each of those seasons, a bra can either help or hinder.
A well-fitted bra cannot solve every discomfort of pregnancy, breastfeeding or postpartum recovery. It is not medical treatment. It is not a guarantee against pain. But it can reduce unnecessary strain, remove avoidable pressure, and help a woman feel more held in her body.
And sometimes, that is a very big thing.
Caroline’s work reminds women that they do not need to wait until they “get back” to a previous size, previous shape or previous version of themselves before they deserve support. They deserve it now, in the body they are living in today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Pregnancy, postpartum and bra fitting
When should I get fitted for a maternity bra?
You should consider a fitting when your current bra starts to feel uncomfortable, tight, unsupportive, or begins digging into your breast tissue or ribcage. For some women this happens early in pregnancy; for others, it becomes more noticeable in the second trimester. Because breast and ribcage size can continue changing, it can help to be checked again later in pregnancy and postpartum.
Do I need a different bra during pregnancy?
Often, yes. Pregnancy can change both cup size and band size, and many women become broader across the back as the ribcage expands.[3] A maternity bra should support the bust while allowing room for change, rather than simply stretching without structure.
Are underwired bras safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
A well-fitted underwired bra may be suitable for some women, but it must not dig into breast tissue or create pressure points.[6] If a wire feels painful, presses into the breast, or shifts out of place, the fit should be checked. During breastfeeding, avoid tight bras or clothing that put pressure on the breast, especially if there are signs of blocked ducts or mastitis.[7][8]
What is the biggest bra fitting mistake women make?
According to Caroline, the most common mistake is wearing a band that is too big and a cup that is too small. This can make the straps work harder than they should, cause digging or slipping, and reduce support from underneath the bust.
Why are small, medium and large nursing bras not always enough?
Small, medium and large sizing does not always account for the difference between ribcage size and breast volume. A woman may need a smaller band and a much fuller cup, or a larger band with less cup volume. Cup-aware sizing can offer a more precise fit, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Do I need a sports bra after pregnancy?
If you are returning to walking, exercise, running, gym work or higher-impact movement, a properly fitted sports bra can make movement feel more comfortable and supported. Research into sports bra performance has shown that design features can affect breast movement reduction during running.[9] Your pre-pregnancy sports bra may no longer fit in the same way, especially after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight change.
When should I replace my bras postpartum?
A good time to reassess is when breastfeeding changes, when you stop lactating, when your weight or body shape changes, or when your bras begin to feel loose, unsupportive, tight, painful or misshapen. Caroline’s wider message is that your bra should fit the body you have now, not the body you used to have.
About Caroline Warren
Caroline Warren is the founder of Supporting Eve, an expert lingerie boutique based at Cluny Court in Singapore. Known by many as Singapore’s “bra lady”, Caroline helps women find bras that fit, support and feel good through every stage of life, including pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding, sports, body changes, menopause and post-surgery needs.
Supporting Eve offers expert bra fittings, a wide size range, and a carefully selected collection of everyday bras, maternity and nursing bras, sports bras, strapless bras, non-wired bras and specialist solutions. The boutique has been recognised as an Expat Living Readers’ Choice Award winner in both 2025 and 2026, and is known for its warm, knowledgeable and non-judgemental approach.[2]
Website: https://supportingeve.sg/
Pregnant and Popped provider profile: https://www.pregnantandpopped.com/provider/supporting-eve
References
[1] NHS. “Signs and symptoms of pregnancy.” The NHS states that breasts may become larger and feel tender, may tingle, veins may be more visible, and nipples may darken and stand out. URL: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/trying-for-a-baby/signs-and-symptoms-of-pregnancy/
[2] Supporting Eve. “Bra Fitting | Supporting Eve.” Supporting Eve describes its bra-fitting service, fit-by-sight approach, product range and size range. URL: https://supportingeve.sg/
[3] NCT. “Maternity bras and nursing bras: what you need to know.” The NCT notes that women commonly go up a cup size or two during pregnancy and may become broader across the back as the rib cage expands. URL: https://www.nct.org.uk/information/pregnancy/wellbeing-and-lifestyle-pregnancy/maternity-bras-and-nursing-bras-what-you-need-know
[4] Wood, K., Cameron, M., & Fitzgerald, K. “Breast size, bra fit and thoracic pain in young women: a correlational study.” Chiropractic & Osteopathy, 2008. The paper reports that 80% of participants were wearing incorrectly sized bras. URL: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2275741/
[5] McGhee, D. E., & Steele, J. R. “Optimising breast support in female patients through correct bra fit. A cross-sectional study.” Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 2010. The study found that 85% of participants were wearing ill-fitting bras when assessed against professional bra-fitting criteria. URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1440244010000745
[6] NCT. “Maternity bras and nursing bras: what you need to know.” The NCT states that underwired bras should be acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding if well fitted and size checked regularly, but should not be worn if they dig into breast tissue. URL: https://www.nct.org.uk/information/pregnancy/wellbeing-and-lifestyle-pregnancy/maternity-bras-and-nursing-bras-what-you-need-know
[7] NHS. “Common breastfeeding problems.” The NHS notes that blocked milk ducts can be caused by pressure on the breast, including a tight bra, bag strap or tight clothing. URL: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding-problems/common-problems/
[8] NHS. “Mastitis.” The NHS advises against wearing tight-fitting clothing or bras until symptoms improve. URL: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mastitis/
[9] Norris, M., Blackmore, T., Horler, B., & Wakefield-Scurr, J. “How the characteristics of sports bras affect their performance.” Ergonomics, 2021. The study investigated breast movement reduction achieved by 98 sports bras and the bra characteristics that contribute to performance. URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32981459/
[10] Pregnant and Popped. “Supporting Eve provider profile.” URL: https://www.pregnantandpopped.com/provider/supporting-eve
About this article
This article was created from Caroline Warren’s recorded conversations with Pregnant and Popped, supported by her original voice notes and a follow-up editorial discussion. It has been shaped for clarity and readability while preserving Caroline Warren’s ideas, experiences and intended meaning.
Disclaimer
Thought Leadership articles on Pregnant and Popped are created from interviews, recordings and conversations with professionals, business owners and other contributors. They are intended to share experience, professional perspectives and general information, and may be created in collaboration with the featured provider as part of a paid thought leadership service.
The views expressed belong to the featured contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Pregnant and Popped or Empowa. Publication does not constitute verification of every statement, endorsement of a particular provider, product, service or method, or a guarantee of results.
Pregnancy, birth, postnatal recovery, infant care and parenting experiences vary. Content is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be treated as medical, legal, financial or other professional advice. Readers should seek personalised guidance from their healthcare provider or another suitably qualified professional before making decisions based on the information provided.
While we take reasonable care when preparing and publishing articles, information may become outdated, and we cannot guarantee that all content is complete, accurate or suitable for every person or situation. Pregnant and Popped and Empowa accept no responsibility for decisions made or actions taken solely in reliance on the information provided.
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