It feels a bit strange to be writing about my intimate wear as I sit at Barnes and Noble sipping my decaf Americano. But I’m happy to do it because this is actually a question I get a lot as a breast cancer survivor. Part of my treatment was a double mastectomy with reconstruction. This is a major surgery that is often necessary for those walking this journey, and it’s one that leaves some lasting changes that I’ve had to get used to over time.
One of the things I found that needed to change after my surgery was the type of bra I wore. The location of the incisions made it difficult for me to wear any type of bra that had an underwire so those with that particular hardware were immediately ditched. Then there were the different stages of post-surgical healing that required different levels of support, so I went on the hunt for the styles and brands that could meet those needs. Here are a few of my favorites and why they worked!
This beautiful brand was founded by a fellow breast cancer survivor, Keira Kotler, who saw a need for intimate wear designed for women on this specific journey. I had the pleasure of “meeting” Keira, thanks to social media, and during our conversations was impressed by her passion for this niche. Each piece is created for comfort and the unique challenges that we as survivors face post-surgery. I think everything she has created is beautiful, but there are two styles that I think are essentials.
After a mastectomy there is a period of time when you are transitioning out of the surgical dressings and bandages and into a more “normal” bra. However, you are still slightly restricted with your arm movement so having a bra that is a front closure is key. This one is beautiful and it offers light compression to help with additional support. It’s one you can wear everyday and also for gentle exercise like yoga or pilates. This one also has no underwire which is essential!
This is a great everyday bra and perfect for post-mastectomy surgery. It was actually voted “Best Bra with a Combination of Beauty and Comfort for all Surgery Types” by Business Insider. It typically fits pretty snuggly to offer support, and it includes pockets with light padding. These pockets are also designed for prosthetic breast forms if needed. It’s great for all chest sizes. I personally love the lace detail and the multiple color choices.
Once I was at a place where I felt completely healed and comfortable wearing regular bras, I spent some quality time in the intimate section at Nordstrom in search of the most comfortable, yet supportive, everyday bra. I landed on the Wacoal Wire Free T-Shirt bra. What I love about this bra is the fact that it not only has no underwire, but it’s also lightly padded with a smooth front. It’s perfect for outfits that need that smooth undergarment look and also for shirts that are a little lower cut. The nice V-shape gives you separation so your chest doesn’t feel like one continuous piece. It also comes in a few different colors to mix it up a bit!
Coobie makes inexpensive seamless bras that I have found very useful for sleeping. I have found that there are nights when I feel like I need a little support, but I don’t want to wear a more structured bra. There are so many styles so I recommend checking out their entire website. Here is one of my favorites…
Coobie Scoopneck Cami Bra 9012
This bra is perfect for lounging or sleeping. It has no underwire and it also has lightweight removable pads if you want a little coverage. This is my go-to when I want a little bit of support but don’t want the fuss of a true bra.
Going through surgery whether it is a lumpectomy or a mastectomy can be daunting, but having the right bras to “support” you along the way will help make the process that much more manageable! And you can still feel feminine and beautiful too!
