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For people who have had a mastectomy or lumpectomy, finding the most comfortable clothes — from mastectomy bras to tops — can take a bit of work. And finding the best mastectomy swimsuits? That’s an even bigger task. Finding articles of clothing that support and cover as needed, offer space for healing areas, hold a breast prosthesis (if that’s desired), and that actually look cute and like clothes you’d want to wear can feel like a hefty wish list.
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But it’s 2024, and more and more brands are rising to the challenge by creating clothes that are comfortable and desirable for people with different bodies. The options for mastectomy swimsuits are likely way better than whatever you might be envisioning, which means people living with breast cancer and survivors can hit the pool, beach, or waterpark feeling confident and comfy.
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“I’ve loved seeing patients of ours and other women who’ve had mastectomies and other breast cancer surgery looking absolutely amazing in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit shoots,” Dr. Anne Peled, M.D. breast cancer surgeon and co-director of the Breast Cancer Center of Excellence at Sutter Health, tells SheKnows. It is such an incredible illustration of how far we’ve come in breast cancer treatment.”
If you don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.
What to Look For in a Mastectomy Swimsuit
According to Dr. Peled, who is a breast cancer survivor herself, there are a couple things to keep in mind while shopping for swimwear. “The top things I’d recommend for getting a swimsuit post-mastectomy are to find something that will ideally stay in place well when moving around, has the option to put padding or prostheses in, and has UPF protection.”
The Lands’ End Tugless One Piece, for instance, is a swimsuit Dr. Peled recommends. “It has UPF protection plus has higher coverage around the neck and arms if people are concerned about covering up scars.”
She also shouted out the Amoena Wire-Free Bikinis, which she says her patients have been really happy with. “Having a wire-free option is great because you can still get good support, but don’t need to worry about discomfort or healing issues from underwire in the months after surgery.”
One she has personally used herself? Athleta’s sleeveless UPF rash guards. “These offered great protection to cover up all of the areas where I’d had radiation and surgery that were sensitive to the sun, but still made me feel confident in how I looked on the beach,” she said.
We’ve scoured the Internet for the best mastectomy swimsuits on the market that will suit people of all body types who have had a mastectomy. Read on for our favorite 10 selections that might be a fit for you or someone you love.
A version of this story was first published in October 2021.
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Amoena Crete One-Piece Swimsuit
Image Credit: Amoena This sophisticated swimsuit from Amoena is as functional as it is fashion-forward. The laser-cut design is backed by a sand-colored inner lining so you don’t have to sacrifice coverage or sun protection — although that tan line would be interesting! The suit also features adjustable back straps, as well as pockets and padded cups for prosthetic support and security.
Amoena Crete One-Piece$55
on Amazon.com
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Amoena Tulum Wire-Free Bikini
Image Credit: Amoena Looking to rock a sportier option? Amoena’s wire-free bikini gives you that classic athletic look with plenty of versatility, as the back straps can be worn straight, crossed, or tied at the neck for a halter style. The top also comes with padded, bilateral pockets for prostheses and an underbust seam for extra support.
Amoena Tulum Wire-Free Bikini$30
on Amazon.com
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Lands’ End Mastectomy SlenderSuit Grecian One Piece Swimsuit
Image Credit: Lands’ End This swimsuit by Lands’ End was made “for the goddess in you.” It’s a best-selling style that’s so popular among shoppers, many rioted when the brand discontinued it. Thankully, they brought it back and it’s just as chic as ever. This all-around smoothing and shaping one-piece was made with LYCRA Xtra Life spandex, which is said to last up to 10 times longer than your average swimsuit. It also offers UPF 50 sun protection and a soft cup bra with prosthesis pockets.
Lands’ End Mastectomy SlenderSuit Grecian One Piece Swimsuit$155
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Women’s Mastectomy Chlorine Resistant Tugless One Piece
Image Credit: Lands’ End A sporty suit that can keep up with you (and even your kids) at any waterfront location, this one piece suit has a soft cup bra with pockets for a prosthesis, is made of a LYCRA Xtra Life spandex that is meant to last even longer than your standard spandex suit and offers UPF 50 sun protection.
Mastectomy Chlorine Resistant Tugless One Piece Swimsuit Soft Cup$25, was $63
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Lands’ End Plus Size Mastectomy Scoop Neck Tugless One Piece Swimsuit
Lands’ End’s popular tugless one-piece (that Dr. Peled recommends!) also comes in plus sizes. It has UPF 50 sun protection, a simple yet classic design, and comes complete with a soft cup bra with prosthesis pockets. According to reviewers, the swimsuit has a great fit. It’s available in three colors.
Lands’ End Plus Size Mastectomy Scoop Neck Tugless One Piece Swimsuit$25, was $63
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Penbrooke Krinkle Chlorine Resistant Mastectomy Swimsuit
Image Credit: Penbrooke This high-neck, low leg line one piece is a great choice for those looking for more coverage. The flattering, crinkly material is a nice touch, and the suit comes with a built-in shelf bra with pockets for prostheses.
Penbrooke Krinkle Chlorine Resistant Mastectomy Swimsuit$65, was $86
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Lands’ End Mastectomy Chlorine Resistant Blouson Tankini Swimsuit Top
Image Credit: Lands’ End If you still prefer a two-piece (easier to pee, we don’t blame you) but also want some more coverage, a tankini is gonna be your friend. This top from Lands’ End features a chlorine-resistant spandex that won’t break down easily. It also has a higher neckline for anyone who wants a little more coverage. Plus, there are two cute patterns to choose from.
Lands’ End Mastectomy Chlorine Resistant Blouson Tankini Swimsuit Top$20, was $50
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Gottex Swimwear African Escape Mastectomy One-Piece Swimsuit
Image Credit: Gottex Swimwear This beautiful swimsuit by Gottex features a subtle textured design that’s sure to turn heads. It was also designed with mastectomy-friendly shaping and a high-neck for extra bit of coverage. It’s available in two gorgeous colors, you can’t go wrong with either.
Gottex Swimwear African Escape Mastectomy One-Piece Swimsuit$128
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Post Mastectomy Square Neck Swimsuit
Image Credit: Kona Sol Embrace your wild side with this snake-printed suit from Kona Sol. The cute square-cut neckline features removable cups for and plenty of coverage for comfort and style.
Post-Mastectomy Square Neck Swimsuit$40
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BIMEI Pocketed Mastectomy Swimsuit
Image Credit: BIMEI A floral suit that really gives “Tropical Island Vacation, Do Not Text,” this suit is a bit higher than previous V-necks to keep breast prosthetics comfortable and in place without sacrificing the look.
BIMEI Pocketed Mastectomy Swimsuit$35
on Amazon.com
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BIMEI Skirted Mastectomy Swimsuit
Image Credit: BIMEI A tropical skirted option (with added shorts underneath for bonus coverage), this BIMEI swimsuit is 100 percent polyester and has solid in-place silicone cups that won’t budge throughout the day.
BIMEI Skirted Mastectomy Swimsuit$40
on Amazon.com
