Navigating your wardrobe after a mastectomy is an important step toward regaining comfort and confidence. Whether you are considering the use of breast forms or discovering new clothing styles, these tips will help you make informed choices and feel your best.
Selecting the Right Breast Forms
Breast forms can play a vital role in restoring balance to your silhouette and ensuring a natural fit in your clothing. Consider the following:
Variety of Options: Breast forms come in a range of materials, including silicone, foam or fleece, and weighted options. Choose what feels most comfortable and natural for your needs. You can get full breast forms and partial ones for varying types of surgery. There are also different skin tones available.
Achieving a Perfect Fit: Ensure that your breast forms match your shape and size for a snug, secure fit that enhances your natural look. You may find it helpful to get professional advice from a specialist fitter on this aspect. It’s a good idea to bring a horizontal striped top to your fitting so that you can check your bust looks symmetrical once your breast form is in place.
Supportive Bras: Invest in post-surgical bras with built-in pockets for breast forms. These provide additional security and allow for ease of movement throughout the day. Eloise can help you choose the right bra for your needs and offer either telephone advice (call 01908 340 094) or a one-to-one fitting for those who can travel to our Milton Keynes Fitting suite.
Differing Necklines for Comfort and Style
Higher necklines offer both coverage and style post-surgery. Here are a few ways to incorporate them into your wardrobe:
Stylish Options: Consider crew necks, polo necks, or boat necks, which provide additional coverage while maintaining a stylish appearance. A camisole can be a great solution if the neckline IS a little lower to cleverly conceal any scar tissue. You can also buy camisoles that clip onto your bra straps like this Bandeau top from Anita care.
Layering: Scarves, shawls, and lightweight jackets are excellent accessories, offering style while providing additional comfort and flexibility. You can strategically position a scarf wherever you want some additional coverage.
Comfortable Fabrics: Choose soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or modal, which are gentle on sensitive skin and comfortable for all-day wear. Drape-able fabrics will offer style without being restrictively tight.
Pocketed Vests: If you do decide to wear a lower neckline you can buy vest tops that are already pocketed for a breast form so you won’t need to wear a bra. This is a great help in warmer months when you don’t want to wear layers. They are also ideal for under jackets and tops in Autumn as a comfy base layer.
Adapting Your Wardrobe
Updating your wardrobe after a mastectomy doesn’t mean sacrificing style. The following options can help you maintain a flattering and comfortable look:
Flowy and Flattering: Opt for relaxed, loose-fitting clothing like A-line dresses and blouses that flatter your shape without clinging.
Adjustable Garments: Look for clothing with elastic waistbands or adjustable features, allowing for comfort and flexibility as your body changes. Adjustable straps on bras and swimwear are very important for balance.
Personal Expression: Incorporate colours, patterns, and accessories that reflect your personal style, allowing you to feel both fashionable and confident. Resist the temptation to hide away in neutral colours or black, instead raise your mood with some cheerful pops of colour even if you only do this with accessories like scarves and jewellery.
Shopping Smart for Your New Wardrobe
When shopping for post-mastectomy clothing, consider these helpful tips:
In-Person Fittings: Take advantage of fitting rooms to try on different styles and ensure they work with your breast forms. Leave yourself plenty of time so that you don’t feel rushed and can try a range of outfits.
Online Options: Retailers like Eloise specialise in post-mastectomy bras and clothing, offering a variety of styles and advice designed to meet your specific needs. It’s worth tapping into the expert knowledge of the fitters who are specially trained to put you at ease and find solutions perfectly tailored to you.
Embracing Self-Confidence
Ultimately, dressing after a mastectomy is about embracing your body and your new shape to find clothing that makes you feel confident. Starting with a well fitting bra and breast form, there is no reason that you can’t wear almost everything you wore before your breast surgery.
Conclusion: Embrace the changes, and feel free to call the Eloise fitters on 01908 340 094 to get the basics sorted! Get the right bra and breast form sorted and the rest will follow naturally!
