Wouldn’t it be great to find a mastectomy (post-surgical) bra that made you look and feel as comfortable and sexy as you used to?
After a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or reconstructive surgery, bras are probably not one of your biggest concerns.
But once you are on your road to recovery, you will want to find some new undergarments to wear that address your body’s changing needs.
There are many factors to consider when picking the perfect bra.
You may need to watch out for seams that chafe, tight narrow bands and underwires that cut off circulation, fabrics that don’t breathe, and pocket openings too small to insert breast forms.
You may have to work around other issues like:
You may want soft compression for inflammation and tightness that can be an issue after surgery.
Skin sensitivity caused by radiation treatment requires a soft, comfortable, and breathable fabric.
A bra that is seamless, wireless, and supportive is equally important.
If you have a limited range of motion you may want to consider a front closure.
You should feel as confident as you did before your surgery, and the great news is… you can!
There are great options available, no matter what your surgical choice and whether you use a prosthesis or not.
What is a mastectomy bra?
A mastectomy bra is one that features fabric pockets inside the bra cups, which can hold a breast prosthesis in place after mastectomy surgery.
According to breastcancernow.org, in the first year after breast surgery (such as a mastectomy or lumpectomy), it’s best to wear a bra that has:
- Soft seams
- A wide under band (the band that goes under the cups and round your back)
- Deep front and side panels
- Full cups
- Cup separation (the center of the bra between the cups should sit flat on your chest)
- Fully adjustable straps
- Minimal detailing
- No underwires (the wires sewn in under each cup)
It may take up to a year for the area to recover from surgery, the nerves to repair, and any skin changes from radiotherapy to settle down. The type of bra you need may also change because of weight and other treatment-related changes during this time.
This video by BCN.org explains some of the features mentioned that may be important to you when choosing your new bra.
We scoured the internet and researched some of the best options. This is NOT an affiliate post and we are not earning a commission on any purchases made from this post.
We looked at a variety of factors such as best sellers, highest reviewed, most comfortable, and most stylish. We factored in pricing and color variety.
For help with sizing download this free bra sizing guide from breastcancernow.org. You should consider having a professional bra fitter take your measurements for your new garment. Specialty lingerie shops and some department stores may have such experienced and trained bra fitters available.
Let’s take a look at some of the winners.
We have included some actual reviews.
Best Back Closure Mastectomy Bras
Frugue Women’s Post Surgery Mastectomy Bra with Pockets
- 80% cotton material allows your skin to breathe naturally!
- Super soft and comfortable fabric provides excellent compression
- High, smooth underarm fit for improved comfort following augmentation, lift, reduction, and reconstruction procedures
- Bra contains hidden pockets for post-surgical breast forms
| Price | $$ | |
| Rating | 4 | |
| # of Reviews | 323 | |
| Best For | Most Stylish |
- Best found after a long search
- Comfortable to wear
- Soft and pretty
Top Critical Review: It was actually perfectly made, the only problem is that it was big on me
Clasique Mastectomy Seamless Sleek Comfort Cotton Bra
- Hook and Eye closure
- Sleek design entirely hidden seams and stitches
- Your perfect everyday bra!
- Seamless design pockets
- Straps are soft and smooth with full adjustment.
- Adjustable back closure
| Price | $$ | |
| Rating | 4.4 | |
| # of Reviews | 115 | |
| Best For | Highest Rated |
- Perfect fit mastectomy bra
- It’s super comfortable. No scratchy edges. Supportive. Really a great bra for me
- The price is much more reasonable than most mastectomy products
Top Critical Review: Needs more support on top
Amoena Women’s Rita Wire-Free with Coolmaxa Pockets Bra
- 65% Polyester, 30% Nylon, 5% Spandex
- Hook and Eye closure
- Wire-free bra featuring coolmax pockets, average to full fit
- Cut and sewn cups with a smooth look
- Stretch neckline features lace trim for a snug fit
| Price | $$ | |
| Rating | 4 | |
| # of Reviews | 1140 | |
| Best For | Best Selling |
- Awesome! Order your normal band size if using heavy breast forms IMO!
- Awesome product for a great price, don’t miss out on this one!
- Perfect mastectomy bra
Top Critical Review: Bra size not accurate. Some users say this bra runs small
Women Everyday Bra for Mastectomy Silicone Breast Prosthesis
- Hook and Eye closure
- Wire-free bra featuring pockets
- Beautiful lace design
- Soft cotton
- Wide range of sizes
| Price | $ | |
| Rating | 4.2 | |
| # of Reviews | 1014 | |
| Best For | Most Affordable |
- Very feminine
- Absolutely love the fit and comfort!
- Comfortable fit, very pretty
Top Critical Review: A handful of users say this bra runs small and that the fabric can be itchy. So if your skin is very sensitive due to radiation you may want to look at a different fabric with a less lacey design
Best Front Closure Mastectomy Bras
Underworks Mastectomy Bra with Pocket – Breast Form Pads Included
- Hook and Eye closure
- Support and comfort of a sleep bra with the support you need
- High-quality soft stretch Cotton Poly Spandex
- Durable and comfortable and stretches with you as you move
- Wide cushioned shoulder straps prevent shoulder digging
- 3-row front hook and eye allows for adjustability in sizing
- Proudly made by Underworks in the USA
| Price | $$ | |
| Rating | 4.3 | |
| # of Reviews | 155 | |
| Best For | Highest Rated |
- Very Comfortable and Great Fit
- This bra runs true to size
- Great Bra I love ❤ it
Top Critical Review: Some users say this bra runs small
Wanayou Women’s Zip Front Wireless Post-Surgery Bra
- Zipper closure- with cloth cover for comfort
- Soft and High Elasticity
- Front zipper closure- Easy on and Off
- Removable bra pads
- Sexy Racerback Design provides extra support and ventilation
- Wide shoulder straps help relieve shoulder pressure
The Wanayou is by far the best-selling bra with almost 30,000 reviews.
It is very inexpensive, coming in under $30 for a 3 pack, and it is available in many colors.
| Price | $ | |
| Rating | 4.2 | |
| # of Reviews | 29,719 | |
| Best For | Best Selling |
- Comfy, yet provided needed snugness post-surgery!
- Much better than big-box sports bra for after surgery
- Most comfortable bra I’ve ever worn
Top Critical Review: One user says this is not the best for early post-surgery, needing more support and compression
YIANNA Women’s Post-Surgery Front Closure Sports Bra
- Unique RacerBack design to provide support
- Perfect uplift fit that molds to your body to give the ideal cup size
- Adjustable 3 rows of hooks front closure
- Adjustable and removable shoulder straps
- Gentle but firm support with Lycra material
- Wide, comfortable bottom seam
| Price | $ | |
| Rating | 3.9 | |
| # of Reviews | 1651 | |
| Best For | Most Affordable |
- Finally found a comfortable post-surgery bra!
- Great bra for post-breast reduction!
- Cute, comfortable, a lot of compression
Top Critical Review: One user says this is not the best for early post-surgery, needing more support and compression
Best Compression Mastectomy Bras
Brilliant Contours Post Surgical Comfort Compression Sports Bra
- Ideal for Breast Augmentation, Reductions, Reconstructions & Mastectomy
- Great for High Impact Workouts, Running & other activities
- Zipper closure
- Wire-free + Special Design which will not rub on suture/incision areas
- Zip-Up Front lets you get into our bra pain-free
- Features Adjustable Straps that also Separate
- Soft, Durable, High-end fabric for long-lasting comfort
| Price | $$$ | |
| Rating | 4.3 | |
| # of Reviews | 19 | |
| Best For | Highest Rated |
- Just compressive enough
- Most comfortable bra
- Buy this bra! Most comfy post-surgical bra out there!
Top Critical Review: None listed but this product is newer and had less than 20 reviews upon listing
KIMIKAL Women Post-Surgery Front Closure Sports Bra
- Hook and Eye closure
- Buckle-Style Adjustable shoulder straps with no padding
- Semi mold cup
- Easy on and off
- Suitable for mastectomy, augmentation, lift, reduction, and reconstruction procedures
- Racerback design
| Price | $ | |
| Rating | 3.9 | |
| # of Reviews | 2396 | |
| Best For | Best Selling |
- Would highly recommend for post-breast augmentation!
- Zipper Version: Soft and Comforting
- Plastic Surgeon loved the bra
Top Critical Review: Great for 4-6 weeks after surgery due to the low-cut design
- Wide Adjustable Straps to customize the amount of upward support and lift
- Front Closure includes 3 hooks closure
- Easy On and Off
- Spandex with thick soft breathable Lycra material
- Fine stitching and no seams for ultimate comfort
- Criss-cross Back designed to correct posture and reduce back pressure
- Suitable for all surgeries
| Price | $ | |
| Rating | 4 | |
| # of Reviews | 1322 | |
| Best For | Most Affordable |
- 100% recommended, loved
- Good post surgery bra
- Post Surgical Must Have
Top Critical Review: Some users reported “this is not a sports bra” and mentioned sizing issues and lack of support.
Here are our picks for MVP of each category:
Based on the highest-rated, the best value, and most innovative designs.
Our take on the reviews we poured through is that mastectomy bras are very personal and you may need different features than someone else.
It was interesting to read reviews on a product that claimed it was true to size, then others of the same product said it was small and others that it was large. This seems very subjective to body type and your product expectations.
It’s a good idea to look for a product that has a no-hassle return or exchange policy.
If you need assistance, Macmillan Cancer Support provides grants that can be used to purchase surgical and mastectomy bras and swimwear. This is a great resource for information and emotional and financial support.
Regardless of your needs, we are confident that you will find a design to support your journey back to health!
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