With Breast Cancer Awareness Month here, I wanted to chat about something super important that doesn’t get nearly enough attention—the process of finding inclusive mastectomy bras and prostheses.

Years ago, I had my first bra fitting at Nordstrom in Minneapolis, and I remember they couldn’t find a bra that fit me. 

The fitter then asked, “Have you ever tried Anita or Amoena?” I hadn’t even heard of those brands—well, they are mastectomy bras.

But these bras weren’t even displayed; they were hidden in the back room. She said they didn’t want to offend anyone or make them uncomfortable. They weren’t discussed, and I remember thinking, “Why are we worried about offending people? We need to make this a positive experience and not intimidating for these women.”

So, for years, the search for comfortable and supportive post-mastectomy wear has felt like a treasure hunt. 

Fortunately, times have changed over the last twenty years, and we now have sizes for all body types. It’s been great to see the inclusivity of prosthesis colors; they come in all shades and sizes.

Supporting breast cancer survivors has always been close to my heart, and I’ve seen firsthand just how much difference the right bra can make after watching close friends and my sister on their journey to healing after breast cancer.

With that said, let’s talk about how we can make sure every woman has access to what she needs to feel good in her own skin after surgery.

The Evolution  of  Mastectomy Bras 

Brands like Anita, Amoena, and Royce, just to name a few, offer extended sizes, making it much easier for plus size women to find bras that fit, feel comfortable, and look good. 

Elizabeth Cluff from Impact One Breast Cancer Foundation was telling me about this shift. She’s worked closely with breast cancer survivors, including many plus-size women, and she’s seen firsthand how much better things have gotten. 

She said, “We’ve seen women trying to make do with ill-fitting bras that don’t offer the comfort or security they need.” Of course, there are still some challenges, especially when it comes to accessibility.

As Elizabeth pointed out, “Brands like Anita and Amoena are great, and newer companies focus on comfort, especially with how sensitive skin is post-surgery. But access is still a challenge. In metro areas, you might find more suitable places and  wider options, but in rural areas, women might only have a dollar store nearby and no idea where to find these products.”

Overall, it’s great to see how far things have come, even if there’s still some work to be done.

Why Inclusivity in Post-Mastectomy Wear Matters

Inclusivity is about so much more than just offering bigger sizes. It’s about truly understanding and addressing the unique needs of women during their recovery.

Elizabeth highlights another common issue: “For instance, I spoke with a woman preparing for reconstruction who realized she had nothing to come home to. So we focused on packing her recovery items, ensuring we have her size, like a 2X tank top.” 

These real-life stories emphasize the importance of ensuring women have the right products waiting for them as they begin their recovery journey.

Mastectomy Bra Tips and Resources for Plus Size Women

If you’re a plus size woman on the hunt for the perfect mastectomy bras, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Adjustable Straps: These are a total game-changer! They help you get the perfect fit, especially as your body changes post-surgery.
• Wider Bands: A wider band offers extra support and spreads the weight, making you more comfortable throughout the day.
• Soft Materials: Look for bras made from soft, breathable fabrics that won’t irritate your skin—because comfort is key!
• Wireless Bras: Underwires in bras can dig into the skin, causing discomfort post-surgery. Ensure bras are wire-free to support your healing body.

Need Support with Breast Cancer Resources or Want to Get Involved?

If you’re struggling to find the right fit, reach out to organizations like Impact One Breast Cancer Foundation. Elizabeth mentioned, “We’ve made strides in educating women about recovery wear, but it’s still tough outside major cities. That’s where Impact One comes in, offering immediate support and resources.” 

For nationwide support, I recommend services like the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Here, you can discover numerous breast cancer support groups.

They can guide you to the products that will help you feel more comfortable and confident.

You can get involved this October by recycling gently used bras or new and unused mastectomy bras/post-surgical bras and prostheses. It’s a small act that can make a huge difference, giving women the resources they need to feel comfortable and confident.

Making Healing and Recovery Inclusive for Everyone

Inclusivity in mastectomy bras and prostheses isn’t just about having more sizes; it’s really about making sure every woman has what she needs to feel supported during her recovery.

As we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s important to think about how we can make this journey more inclusive. Every woman, no matter her size, or background, deserves to feel comfortable and confident in her own skin.

So, if you’re able to recycle a bra and essential resources for survivors or just help spread the word, it can truly make a difference for plus size breast cancer survivors. 

Every woman deserves to feel whole again.