Larken X Bra Review: Is It Worth It for Pumping & Nursing?
If you've been looking for a pumping bra that's comfortable enough to sleep in, nurse in, pump in, and honestly just live in, the Larken X Bra is one of my favorites.
But—as I always say when reviewing bras—everybody has different needs, preferences, and body types. What I love may not be what you're looking for in a bra, so here's what you should know before buying the Larken X.
What Is the Larken X Bra?
The Larken X is designed to work as both a nursing and hands-free pumping bra, but I also love it for pregnancy, postpartum, sleeping, and everyday wear.
Unlike a traditional bra, there are no clasps, underwire, adjustable shoulder straps, or back straps. It's essentially one soft, stretchy piece of fabric with overlapping layers that allow you to access your breasts for nursing or hold your pump flanges in place while pumping.
And for me? The simplicity is a HUGE part of the appeal.
I don't have straps digging into me. I don't have elastic pulling in weird places. I can put it on and pretty much forget that I'm wearing a bra.
The Biggest Pro: It's SO Comfortable
This is where the Larken X wins for me.
It is ridiculously comfortable.
When I was nursing and pumping, I wore mine during the day. I wore it to sleep. I wore it around the house. I wore it out.
If you're newly postpartum and constantly nursing or pumping, having a bra that you don't need to completely take off or rearrange every few hours makes a difference.
The overlapping design gives you quick access for nursing and can be crossed into an "X" to securely hold your pump flanges for hands-free pumping.
I personally tended to position mine straight rather than crossing it, but you can use whichever configuration works best for you.
But There's a Trade-Off: This Is NOT a High-Support Bra
Here's probably the most important thing to understand before ordering one:
The Larken X prioritizes comfort and access over support and shaping.
There's no padding, no underwire, and very little structure.
That means you're probably going to get some uniboob.
If you're looking for a bra that lifts, separates, shapes, and makes everything look amazing under a fitted shirt, this probably isn't the bra you're looking for.
Personally, I'm happy to sacrifice some support for the comfort.
For everyday life? Give me my Larken.
If I'm getting dressed up or wearing something more form-fitting, I may choose a more structured bra instead.
I've also heard from some moms with larger busts that they experience a little underboob or don't feel like they get enough support from the Larken X. I didn't personally experience that, but I'm also not particularly busty—so that's something I'd keep in mind if you have a larger chest.
There isn't one perfect pumping bra for everyone. Here's what I recommend looking for when you're deciding which style will work best for you.
Can You Pump Hands-Free With the Larken X?
Yes—and this is one of the reasons I love it.
To pump, you can separate the overlapping layers, position your flange, and use the fabric to hold everything securely in place.
You can also cross the fabric over the flange to create the signature "X" configuration the bra is named for.
Either way, you're not changing into a separate pumping bra every time you need to pump.
And when you're pumping multiple times a day, anything that removes an extra step is a win.
What About Nursing?
It's also very easy to nurse in.
The layers can be moved up and down to expose the breast without dealing with clips or clasps.
And yes, have I occasionally just pulled the entire thing down?
Also yes.
It's not necessarily how you're supposed to use it, but postpartum life is postpartum life.
One Important Larken X Sizing Tip
I recommend sizing down one size in the Larken X.
It runs big.
For reference, I'm normally a 2XL and generally cannot fit into an XL. In the Larken X, however, I wear an XL.
Getting the sizing right is especially important if you plan to use it for hands-free pumping because you need enough tension to keep your flanges securely positioned.
Is the Larken X Bra Worth It?
For me, absolutely.
I'd recommend the Larken X if your priorities are:
- Comfort
- Easy nursing access
- Hands-free pumping
- Sleeping comfortably
- Something you can wear throughout pregnancy and postpartum
- Not having to constantly change bras to pump
I'd probably skip it as your primary everyday bra if you want significant lift, separation, padding, or structure.
But if you're pregnant, newly postpartum, nursing, or pumping multiple times a day and thinking, I just want something comfortable that makes feeding my baby easier...
This is one of my favorite bras I've tried.
I could genuinely have one for every day of the week.
Use code ONEWITHTHEPUMP10 for 10% off.
Watch my full review of the Larken X here
This post contains affiliate links, which means One With The Pump may earn a commission when you purchase through our links at no additional cost to you. As always, recommendations are based on our own experience and opinions.
