Bras For Mastectomy

Your choice of mastectomy bra should offer you comfort and confidence as you get to know your body again. Just as no two bodies are the same, mastectomy bras come in a variety of customisable options, with support for prostheses and breast forms, providing symmetry and support.

What is a mastectomy bra?

A mastectomy bra is designed to support you physically after surgery. While mastectomy bras can look like any other bra you may have worn before your breast surgery, they are designed with a range of hidden features that make these bras unique.

Mastectomy bras and prostheses

For many people who have had a mastectomy, breast prostheses become an integral part of their lives. These prostheses come in various shapes and sizes, to shape the chest area. A mastectomy bra accommodates prostheses and breast forms, with a range of features, including:

Pockets: Mastectomy bras will often include a hidden pocket in one or both of the cups. This pocket is designed to hold a prosthesis or breast form in place, with no movement, providing symmetry, balance and support.

Comfortable straps: The straps on a mastectomy bra are often wider than those on a standard bra, for added comfort. Some also have padded straps to be gentle near stitches and scars.

Soft seams and a wider underband: Mastectomy bras are designed to be secure and supportive. They usually have higher cut seams that are soft and gentle on the skin. The underband on a mastectomy bra is often wider to help the bra to stay securely in place, and offers some scar coverage.

Post surgery bras are often wirefree for added comfort and to lower the risk of irritation and pain.

How to wear a bra after mastectomy

Mastectomy bras are available in various styles and designs, including T-Shirt Bras, Camisole Bras, Front Fastening Bras and Sports Bras.

When recovering from surgery, you should generally make sure to choose a wirefree bra. Bras with underwires can not only be uncomfortable, but can also alter your breast shape or cause scarring.

Ideally, look for a bra that has:

How to wear a mastectomy bra

To fit your mastectomy bra, you can often follow many of the same standard bra fitting tips, starting by slipping on the bra by putting your arms through the straps and making sure it sits comfortably across your back and that your breast tissue and breast forms are held within the cups.

Depending on the style of mastectomy bra, they can be worn as a camisole, a standard T-shirt or Sports bra, or you can choose lacey lingerie for a special occasion.

What is the most comfortable mastectomy bra?

At Triumph, we have some bra styles that our customers have successfully used with their prosthesis.

These bras usually have a fuller cup to support the prosthesis, as some are larger than our standard bra cups. The key to accommodating prostheses lies in finding a bra that offers a fuller cup, ensuring adequate support; and the right fit for you. While our bras do not include a built-in pocket, some of our customers have found success by sewing in their own pocket.

Triumph’s wirefree bra range has several options that could be comfortable following a mastectomy, including our Kiss of Cotton Wirefree Bra and our Lacy Minimiser Wirefree Bra: Many surgeons also recommend a wirefree sports bra, such as our Triaction Wellness Wirefree Bra. 

Other styles that our customers have used after mastectomy surgery include:

Amourette Charm Wired Bra (if advised by a doctor and underwire is allowed): This is a popular choice for those seeking a wire-based mastectomy bra option.

Kiss of Cotton: The Kiss of Cotton Wirefree Bra offers a perfect blend of comfort and style, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer the comfort of a wire-free option.

Endless Comfort Wirefree: The Endless Comfort Wirefree Bra (pictured above) prioritises your comfort above all else, providing exceptional support during your recovery.

Lacy Minimiser: Our Lacy Wirefree Minimiser (pictured) combines beauty with functionality, offering the confidence to embrace your evolving body.

Caring for yourself and your breasts after mastectomy surgery will help promote recovery and make this difficult time less unpleasant. Finding the right mastectomy bras can keep you comfortable as your breasts recover. Your breasts may shift and change over the year ahead, so prepare for the journey and seek expert fitting advice.