Clothing and swimwear

You may worry about trying on clothes after surgery or feel unsure how they’ll look with your new body shape.

You might be surprised by how many of your clothes still suit you after your surgery. Some small adjustments may help you feel more comfortable in the styles you love.

Or it could be a good time to experiment with new styles and designs.

With time, you’ll get to know what works best for you and makes you feel confident.

Comfort

Your skin may be more sensitive after treatment. It may help to wear natural fabrics that are soft to the touch, such as 100% cotton or linen.

This can also make you more comfortable if you have menopausal symptoms like hot flushes.

Fabrics and details

Lighter, floaty fabrics can add movement to an outfit while textured knits and materials to add depth.

Clothing with pleats, darts or gathering around the chest or neckline can add shape too.

Details like bows, lace or frills and bold colours or patterns can draw focus away from the chest, if that’s what you prefer.

Clothing styles

A-line or trapeze-style dresses can skim over the chest and create shape and movement.

Asymmetrical or off-the-shoulder tops and dresses can help move attention away from the chest.

Halterneck styles can add width to the chest and draw attention to the shoulders and neck.

Accessories

Accessories can create a focal point for your outfit.

You could try statement necklaces, earrings or glasses, or doing your hair and makeup in a new way.

Scarves, open jackets or overshirts can also cover the chest area if that’s what you prefer.

Stylish boots or shoes or patterned tights can draw attention to your legs.

Low necklines

If you want to wear a low neckline but still cover some of your chest, you could try:

• A camisole or vest top underneath a V-neck top

• A camisole-style bra, available from some specialist suppliers, made with lace inserted between the cups that will cover the cleavage area

• A lightweight lacy or semi-transparent top worn over a low-necked top, to disguise the cleavage area while still allowing the clothing beneath to show through

• Using lingerie tape (sometimes called body tape or fashion tape) to attach clothing securely to the skin

• Partially sewing up the seam of a V-neck to make it higher, or using a safety pin

• Adding an extra button to make a V-neck higher

• A tie-in fabric panel that covers the mid-chest, sometimes called a modesty or dignity panel

Strapless clothes

Some strapless tops or dresses have built-in bras or support panels in the chest. These may be enough to securely hold your prosthesis in place and feel comfortable.

If there’s not enough support, you could try:

• Using a safety pin to attach a temporary prosthesis (softie or comfie) directly inside the garment

• Wearing a pocketed strapless bra

• Wearing a strapless bra with your usual prosthesis (provided your usual prosthesis is not too heavy for a strapless bra)

• Wearing a bra with transparent or decorative straps

Tips for low backs

You can buy bra extenders from specialist suppliers and some department stores. They attach to the clasp of your bra, continue round your body and fasten lower down at the front. This can help hide the band of your bra when wearing clothing with a low back.

You can also buy bras with straps that can be crossed at the back, designed not to show under tops with cut-away shoulders.

Or you may want to try going without a bra.

Not wearing a bra

If you prefer not to wear a bra, there are ways you can adjust your clothes to wear them with a prosthesis.

You could try:

• Pinning a softie into a vest top or camisole

• Using a stick-on prosthesis with clothing that has good in-built support

• Wearing pocketed clothing, available online and from some specialist shops (these clothes are usually designed to be worn with a silicone or soft prosthesis)

Sleepwear

If wearing a prosthesis in bed helps you feel more confident or comfortable, you can try:

• A sleep bra or very soft, low-support bra with a softie

• Pocketed nightwear, available online and from some specialist suppliers

• A camisole or nightdress with a softie pinned in place

High street swimwear

If you want to wear a prosthesis when swimming, you can often find suitable swimwear in high street shops.

Look for a top cut high enough over the breast area and under the arms to cover the prosthesis. It also needs to have some structure, which is usually provided by cups.

If you want to wear a bikini top, choose one that comes in bra cup sizes and has a full cup and supportive underband.

You can adapt a high street swimsuit that has cups by making your own pocket to hold a prosthesis in place. If you do this, you’ll probably need to wear a lightweight prosthesis or foam leisure prosthesis so it’s not too heavy.

Asymmetrical or boldly patterned swimsuits can divert the eye and draw attention away from the chest.

Ruffles, patterns or ties can help disguise the difference between the two sides of your chest, if that’s what you prefer.

Adjustable straps can help prevent one side from riding up.

Post-surgery swimwear

You can find pocketed post-surgery swimwear in some high street shops, department stores or from specialist suppliers. They come in a range of different styles.

You can use a regular silicone prosthesis or a swim prosthesis in a post-surgery swimsuit.

You do not need to pay VAT on post-surgery swimwear if you’ve had breast cancer surgery.

Made-to-measure swimwear is available from some companies. This allows you to choose the print, style and design yourself.

Everyone has different feelings about their body and how they look after breast surgery.

We've got more information on adjusting to body changes after breast cancer treatment. And you can call our helpline to speak to one of our nurses about how you're feeling and any questions you have. See the bottom of this page for ways to get in touch.