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After a breast cancer survivor has had a mastectomy or a lumpectomy, she usually has new needs in a bra — that’s where mastectomy bras come in.
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For the uninitiated, mastectomy bras have special built-in pockets where you can opt to insert a breast prosthesis (a form shaped like a breast) on one or both sides. This can allow you to have a more symmetrical appearance or to look and feel like “yourself” again, without having to have breast reconstruction surgery, if that’s what you want. Thankfully, lingerie brands are catching on and creating mastectomy bras that offer all the comfort and convenience breast cancer survivors need, but also aren’t absolutely hideous.
In fact, we’ve got a mix here — comfy bras for relaxing at home, stylish bras for when you want to get dressed up and even sports bras for when you feel like moving. There are bras with padding and bras without. Many even have front closures, so they’re easy to put on and take off, if you have any challenges with your range of motion. There are post-surgery bras to wear while you’re still recovering — and more stylish mastectomy bras you can switch to afterwards. While there’s plenty of variety, there’s one thing these mastectomy bras have in common: no wire.
So, check out our picks for the best mastectomy bras to see if there’s one (or a couple) that might be a good fit for you.
A version of this story was published in October 2019.
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Wacoal B Smooth Front Closure Bralette
Image Credit: Nordstrom This wire-free bra from Wacoal is perfect for post-surgery recovery. It has smooth cups with soft pockets for a breast form or prosthesis, and it also offers support thanks to its compression fit. Did we mention there’s a seamless, no-stitch band that won’t irritate your skin?
Wacoal B Smooth Front Closure Bralette$40
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Coobie Comfort Bra
Image Credit: Amazon For an affordable option, shoppers reach for this bra while healing from mastectomies. Coobie’s Comfort Bra comes in 16 colors ranging from bright neons to more muted tones. It has the perfect combination of comfort and support — no wires or uncomfortable snaps and hooks. “We’re proud to be recommended by thousands of breast cancer survivors,” the brand says.
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Never Say Never Valeria Post Surgical Bralette
Image Credit: Cosabella If you feel like dressing up post-op, Cosabella’s racerback bralette will put a smile on your face. The bra “is designed for post-surgical reconstruction, mastectomy, and augmentation.” The design features scalloped lace throughout the bra and a front closure with soft breast form pockets that also allow for a drainage opening.
Never Say Never Valeria Post-Surgical Bralette$34 (Originally $85)
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Invincible Bra
Image Credit: Athleta We’re loving the super soft fabric of this modern sports bra. It offers major versatility, since cups can be completely removed and straps are adjustable. It comes in black and bright white.
Invincible Bra$48 (Originally $69)
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TomboyX Scoop Soft Bra in Pine Heather
Image Credit: TomboyX For people recovering from mastectomy, in transition or who just want nipple coverage, this sports bra comes with removable inserts that can be replaced with pads or breast forms.
TomboyX Scoop Soft Bra in Pine Heather$34
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Cacique No-Wire Mastectomy Bra
Image Credit: Lane Bryant The soft, wireless design of this bra has been deemed, by doctors and survivors, as comfy enough to wear post-surgery.
Cacique No-Wire Mastectomy Bra$35 (Originally $51)
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Amoena Nancy Wire-Free Pocketed Mastectomy Bra
Image Credit: Amazon Lovely lace and comfy wide straps make this wire-free bra feel both elegant and easy to wear. It comes with fiberfill inserts and bilateral pockets for adding a breast form or shaper.
Amoena Nancy Wire-Free Pocketed Mastectomy Bra$35 (Originally $43)
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Body by Victoria Seamless Mastectomy Bra
Image Credit: Victoria’s Secret With a front-zipper closure, incredibly soft fabric, and spacious pockets for inserts, this seamless bra is another great option to reach for. The fabric sits nice and comfy on the chest and gives for a smooth finish under your clothes.
Body by Victoria Seamless Mastectomy Bra$50
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SheFit Ultimate High Impact Ultimate Sports Bra
Image Credit: SheFit Although it might take some time before you work out again, this sports bra will ensure you’re comfortable once you return to the gym. Even if you’re not a gym lover, the bra zippers in front and have an additional layer to protect your skin against chafing. It also has two-way stretch fabric for plenty of room and flexibility.
SheFit Ultimate High Impact Ultimate Sports Bra$69
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TomboyX Holster Bra
Image Credit: TomboyX Designed specifically for people recovering from a unilateral mastectomy, the Holster Bra gives unilateral support in the non-surgery side while letting the side that is recovering breathe a bit. Adjustable hooks make it easy to take off and put on with minimal overhead struggling.
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AnaOno Monica Full-Coverage Mastectomy Bra
Image Credit: AnaOno We love the simplicity of this full-coverage, medium support bra. Wear it with expanders, breast forms or prostheses — or without. Either way, you’ll have a smooth look, since its pockets lay flat. Straps can also be converted from a wide back to a cross-back position.
AnaOno Monica Full-Coverage Mastectomy Bra$59
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Chantelle Merci Custom Fit Wireless Bra With Pockets
Image Credit: Chantelle This breathable and lightweight pick is another basic. Its memory foam cups allow you to add a prosthesis or enhancer for a seamless look.
Chantelle Merci Custom Fit Wireless Bra With Pockets$74
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Empower Mastectomy Bra Insert
Image Credit: Athleta If you’re looking for inserts that would pair with your favorite bra, these ones from Athleta are totally comfortable options. Discreet, sturdy and able to stay put in a natural shape they can be worn day-to-day or while working out.
Athleta Empower Mastectomy Bra Insert$10
