Here’s a list of bras you may find helpful after surgery and throughout the lifespan of those tissue expanders. I borrowed heavily from this blog post (it’s from A Road Les Travelled blog and she has great pictures), which would be a good place for anyone to start.
Bras:
Bras for just living your life:
Amoena Women’s Mona Molded Wire-Free Bra
Style: Great for under t-shirts and button downs; this is your average, everyday comfortable bra. It has pockets for cup inserts, but does not come with any. If you don’t have nipples, this is a non-issue but if you do you may want to put some cups in there to prevent nipping out (unless that’s your thing and in that case you go for it girl).
Sizing: The band runs small and the cups run big; I’m a usual 32B and I found the 34A fit best.
Price: $70
Amoena Women’s Lara Satin Padded Wire-Free Bra
Style: Looks the most like a straight up normal bra; would work well for dressier tops, v-necks, more delicate fabrics like silk, work wear.
Sizing: Band runs small and cups run big; order one size up in the band and one size down on the cups.
Price: $51 on Amazon
Warner’s Women’s Easy Does It No Dig Wire-Free Bra
Style: This is like if a sports bra was built for sleeping in; very comfortable, soft, casual.
Sizing: XSmall would probably fit anyone between 32A to 34C.
Price: $20 on Amazon.
Free People Galloon Lace Racerback Bra
Style: Full lace bra, no built-in cups but with a surprising amount of support for all that. Very pretty and works really well in the hot summertime with those racerback tanks. Looks pretty peeking out from under tops and dresses as well. Makes you feel almost like a normal human woman again.
Sizing: At 32B, an XSmall fits me best. It will stretch slightly over time, so if you’re on the fence go with the smaller size.
Price: $20 from Free People (they also have many more bra styles to check out).
Bras for recovery after surgery (if you’re allowed):
YIANNA Women’s Post-Surgical Front Closure Sports Bra
Style: This is strictly for comfort after surgery and maybe for wear under bulkier tops like sweaters as the straps are very “functional” looking, but man is this thing nice. It has molded cups only underneath and alongside the breasts, leaving the rest of the cups soft and breathable. The fabric has a very silky feel and it clasps in the front.
Sizing: Small is going to cover you all the way up to 34C; any bigger than that and maybe go to medium.
Price: $20 on Amazon.
Lululemon Enlite Bra Zip Front
Style: High impact sports bra, but on a whole other level. The front is seamlessly molded and built specifically so that your boobs are not smushed together. If shock absorption is a thing for bras, then this one has it. So comfortable and can transition from recovery to reliable workout bra. Front zip, of course.
Sizing: Taking your usual size, you’re going to get something pretty tight since this bra is designed for big boobs to go running and jumping in. I wanted to buy the size I was going to be so that I could use it for a while, so I went with a 34C (also because that size was on sale at the store; my current size is about 32B, so my ideal size would have been 32C, but 34C was worth the half off price). The ladies at Lululemon will also float you some bra cups if you ask, to pad the inside if you need (this also works well if you have uneven breasts due to a unilateral mastectomy and a tissue expander aiming for a bigger size than your baseline).
Price: $108 from Lululemon. I know. Is expensive. But, you’re really getting two bra functions in one, which is how I justified it. Also, go to a physical store if possible and see if you can nab one on sale.
Bras to workout in:
Under Armour Women’s Armour Eclipse High Impact Sports Bra
Style: High impact sports bra with a back closure and adjustable straps. Really breathable and comfortable.
Sizing: Take your usual size for adequate support.
Price: $40 (about) on Amazon.
Jockey Women’s Bras Zip Front Sports Bra
Style: Soft and comfortable sports bra with front zip and removable cups. Good for lower impact sports like yoga. A few people have noted that the zipper will occasionally migrate down a tiny bit, but I haven’t noticed this just wearing it around the house.
Sizing: Take a Small up to 34C.
Price: $36 (or 2 for $50) on Jockey website.
Have a bra you loved after surgery? Leave a comment and tell us all about it.