The conversation around breast cancer and mastectomy has always been quiet. It’s an uncomfortable topic to confront, but it is the start of a new beginning. Breast cancer surgery is no walk in the park, and post surgery recovery can be difficult.
While you are healing from breast cancer and mastectomy surgery, it’s best to have a bra that will help you recover comfortably. Post surgery, it’s common to feel some discomfort. Your best next step is to find a suitable bra that will support your recovery while not adding any pain or discomfort. Keep reading for our tips on finding the best post surgery bras that will make your recovery as painless as possible.
Here are the best bras after a mastectomy.
- Front-Closure Cotton T-Back Comfort Bra: Front-Closure Cotton T-Back Comfort Bra
- MagicLift Front-Closure Posture Back Bra: MagicLift Front-Closure Posture Back Bra
- MagicLift Natural Shape Front-Closure Bra: MagicLift Natural Shape Front-Closure Bra
- Zip Up Front-Closure Sports Bra: Zip Up Front-Closure Sports Bra
Why Choosing a Bra Matters?
Things will be a bit different after your breast surgery. You’ll likely experience more sensitivity in several areas, and implants don’t work the same way breasts do. Implants tend to be colder and heavier than breast tissue, and you may not have as much feeling in your breasts as you did previously. Plus, implants behave differently, too, which is why it’s important to find a bra that will work after the surgery and beyond. If you’re looking for a place to start, here are seven of the best mastectomy bras for after breast surgery.
1. Say No to Underwire Bras
Since you cannot feel implants like you do breasts, you might not notice if a wire is jabbing into one of them. They don’t take shape like breast tissue does, so your wire can poke incision scars and your implants. It would be a shame to go through the surgery to have a complication because of a bra. A general rule of thumb is to avoid underwires altogether.
2. Post Surgery Bra
The best bra to pick up after breast cancer surgery is a post-surgical bra. These bras are specially designed to maximize your healing time with the proper comfort and compression. The right bra can help massage the incision area and help prevent excessive swelling from the surgery. The goal is to help hold everything in place with the proper amount of pressure while encouraging blood flow and recovery. It is worth having one.
3. Bralettes for Days
Once you’re able to wear a “normal” bra, you can experience the joy of the bralette. Since your implants don’t move like natural breasts, there’s no need to wear a bra that offers a high level of support — that is, unless you find that more comfortable. Bras can be fun, and the best option that tosses the underwire to the curb and comes in plenty of options is the bralette.
Not only do bralettes come in several creative and fun designs, but the fabrics are usually soft and comfortable. No need to worry about sensitivity; you can find an option that will work for you. Bralettes provide a little extra comfort and support while keeping things cute, too.
4. Front Closure
If you are recovering from breast surgery or you just don’t want to deal with spinning your bra around your body, consider grabbing a bra with a front closure. A front closure bra can take the struggle out of getting your bra situated and can stop you from overextending yourself. Plenty of front-closure bras offer Velcro or zipper closures, or you can pick up a clasp or hook-and-eye option. Front-closure bras are easy to wear, comfortable, and supportive, which makes them one of the best options for after reconstructive surgeries.
5. A Sleep or Leisure Bra
Of course, you want to give the girls a break from the confines of their daily prison, but if you are recovering from breast surgery, it may not be a good idea to let it all hang loose. Picking up a sleep bra or a leisure bra can offer you a little extra support and comfort without going overboard. It’s the perfect option for lounging about or resting at night. It will not only protect your breasts, but it will offer a little extra warmth.
6. Seamless Bras
Sensitivity in the chest is quite common after breast cancer surgeries, so it’s a good idea to avoid bras with many seams and layers. There’s no need for it! Soft, seamless bras won’t irritate sensitive skin, and they can offer a little extra comfort and support after breast surgery.
7. Sports Bras
Sports bras are meant to offer higher-impact support during exercise, but they aren’t just for working out! Sports bras are often constructed of lightweight, breathable material, and they offer plenty of comfortable support.
This is especially important if you start exercising after your surgery. You need a bra that will hold everything in place, or you may risk injury. Thankfully, there is a variety of sports bras that fit the bill and follow all the tips above. A sports bra is a great option if you’re recovering from breast cancer surgery — especially if it’s a front-closure style!
The 4 Best Bras After Mastectomy
If you’ve recently recovered from breast cancer or undergone breast surgery, you’re going to need a comfortable bra that provides some support to help you recover. As we mentioned, the best mastectomy bra is a front-closure, wireless style. Check out our list below of the best post mastectomy bras we recommend for recovering breast cancer patients.
Front-Closure Cotton T-Back Comfort Bra
Price: $40
Review: 4.3/5 Stars
With comfort in its name, this soft cup leisure bra is a great option for those recovering from breast cancer or a mastectomy surgery. This wireless style has easy-to-reach front hook-and-eyes, soft cotton cups that stretch to your fit, and a breathable lace T-back design. This is one of the best mastectomy bras as it provides all-day comfort and support, and is even comfortable enough to wear overnight.
MagicLift Front-Closure Posture Back Bra
Price: $55
Review: 4.3/5 Stars
This front-closure bra combines the comfort of wireless cups with added back support. If you’re recovering from breast cancer surgery, this style is a great choice. With front hook-and-eyes that fasten with ease and adjustable straps for a custom fit, this wireless bra will keep you comfortably supported every day while you recover.
MagicLift Natural Shape Front-Closure Bra
Price: $53
Review: 4.1/5 Stars
When it comes to comfortable support, it doesn’t get much better than this front-closure bra. With a soft wireless design, each bra cup comfortably supports each breast, and the super-soft fabrics feel great on skin and won’t cause irritation. Plus, the adjustable straps and front hook-and-eye closure make for a custom feeling fit for all-day comfort while you recover.
Zip Up Front-Closure Sports Bra
Price: $63
Review: 4.3/5 Stars
This wireless front-closure sports bra will make recovery after breast cancer surgery as easy as possible. This style features a zipper front-closure for easy wear, criss-crossed straps that won’t strain your shoulders, and soft moisture-wicking fabrics that keep you comfortably dry. Wear it all day, every day post surgery.
Concluding Thoughts
When it comes to picking the best mastectomy bras, a soft, wireless front-closure bra that won’t give you any added discomfort is the only bra style you should wear. As breast cancer survivors, your recovery comes first, and having a comfortable bra will help you recover from surgery quickly and painlessly.
Remember to avoid underwires, back closures, and any irritating fabrics. Comfort comes first after surgery, and your bra should be the first place you start. Take care of yourself and your girls and you’ll recover before you know it.
About the Author
Maeve Gesualdi is a Fordham University alumna where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Fashion Studies. Based in New York City, Maeve is part of the marketing team at Glamorise. Maeve regularly interacts with customers via social media and product reviews, as well as with influencers and models. She is constantly getting feedback on our products as well as gaining a better understanding of what women in our category struggle with and/or look for when searching for a bra. Aside from writing, she is passionate about all things travel and fashion.
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