Just Keep Swimming…In What?
One of the most perplexing (and often disheartening) moments following a mastectomy is when we realize that not only do our bras and and other undergarments that we wore before surgery no longer fit…neither does the swimwear we have! Shopping for tops, bras, and swimwear is not like it was before surgery. Our size and shape have changed; we have incision sites and port scars, swelling, skin sensitivities, and for some, the need for prosthetics or discretion pads.
After chemo and before surgery, I traveled to South Carolina for a break from treatment. Knowing that I needed to protect my skin from the sun, I invested in a suit that had a rash guard as well as a suit with a high neck to cover my port. I felt comfortable as I still had my natural breasts. Little did I know that in a few months, I’d have to start fresh with my collection of suits. Surgery was in August so I had all Fall, Winter and Spring to prepare for the next summer. I started to look at a few swim brands, but honestly wasn’t very motivated as I wasn’t ready to see my new body in a swim suit. One of the reasons I chose to have reconstruction was because of the summer and swimming. Now I had to figure out how to get myself out in the sun and into the pool.
My first new suit was from Albion. It became my go to suit as it was a high neck covering my port scar and the fabric was soft. I then found another suit from Athleta. These suits are great, but they were designed for women with natural breasts. The edge under my arm pit start to rub and I felt like there had to be other options. I began to think about swimwear made for women who have had breast surgery. In 2020 I began to swim around to find the top swimwear brands that were made for women with changes in their breasts and shapes. Let the 2021 fashion show begin:
The first suit I tried on is Melissa Obdabash. Melissa Odabash created a line of swimwear with Amoena for Breast Cancer survivors with the UK charity called Future Dreams: This line is a boutique collection, so only a few higher end retailers carry the line. So for all you who live in Europe check the link out!
Amoena also creates their own collection of post-mastectomy swimwear. I may not have picked these suits out myself, but I’m so glad that I was sent them. The fabric is so soft and the styles are comfortable. You know and feel that the suits are made for those who have had breast surgery.
Stand Outs:
The straps! The back! I was excited to find the Romantic Downtown and Bohemian Chic had two ways to snap the straps.
They all have slots for prosthesis.
They don’t rub under the armpit (this is something I have issues with).
Specifically created for post-mastectomy surgery.
Next in the fashion show, I tried on Andie swimwear. A few years ago I found Andie and liked the simplicity of the styles and colors. I figured that they may not necessarily be made for women who have had breast surgery, but with them all having bust-pockets there is a chance they could be well suited!
When I reached out to the team at Andie I received this note back:
“ I am so so happy that your story reached us here - congrats on being able to call yourself a survivor.
I am also so happy that you found Andie Swim - early in Andie's product development, our CEO knew that having removable cups and that elastic underbust support would be welcomed in a sea of underwire-support suits & we have heard from a lot of women along their breast cancer journey that are suits are great for inserts (post) and previvors alike. “
The blue one piece is the suit i purchased a few years ago. It’s my blue baywatch suit. I feel very comfortable in in. The black one piece with the snaps on the top is so comfortable and I love the option of wearing it open or closed. It covers up my port scars, but also can be sexy. The red two piece doesn’t cover all of the scars, but it fits great and the color is eye popping but classy! It’s a simple suit that i felt good in.
Stand Outs:
The suits all have bust-pockets for prosthesis.
Fit Quiz to determine: Bust Support, Bottom Coverage and Torso Length.
The suits don’t rub under the armpit (this is something I have issues with).
Marysia is a brand that i never thought i’d purchase due to the higher price tag, however a few years ago i treated myself to the leopard print. My double mastectomy Was skin-sparing which means my nipples were removed. As someone who is positive for the brca gene and diagnosed with her2+ and invasive it was discussed that it was best to not keep my nipples. I didn’t love the idea, but anything to keep from having a REOCCURRENCE. I realized that marysia didn’t have pads, but these suits could be great for me.
The style i purchased doesn’t cover my scars, but at the time I was getting to a time where i was ok showing my scars. The fabric of the suit is amazingly soft and that’s really what won me over. I may have been ready to show my scars, but many won’t be yet so I wanted to share a one piece. What I love about the pink style is the high neck and the coverage of the chest and scars. Cool thing about this one is it’s reversible!
Stand Outs:
Italian fabric in a basketweave texture with great stretch and recovery
Quick-drying fabric
Fully lined
Good for those who choose to go FLAT or have their NIPPLES REMOVED
Notice:
The suits DO NOT have bust-pockets for prosthesis.
Not specifically created for post-mastectomy
Higher price tag (but they stay in good shape)
Last year I learned that target started to create post mastecotmy swimwear. I had to check them out. At the time i started getting the swimwear, there weren’t a lot to be found, but if you check out the site now there are other styles and patterns. I purchased the black high neck one piece. It was a little loose on the top, but what was great was the adjustable neck strap to tighten or losen. It has a built in shelf-bra for prosthetics. The few styles are DEFINITELY nice options!
Stand Outs:
Adjustable neck straps
Does a good job of hiding scars.
Shelf-bra for prosthetics.
Specifically designed for post-mastectomy
Notice:
For me personally, the arm holes were too high and rubbed my under arm. This may not be the case for others.
I’ve been a huge fan of summersalt, however didn’t look into making a purchase of their swimwear until this year. I do have some of their lounge! i reached out and i received this response:
“We're so glad to hear about the work that you are doing. We are always working hard behind the scenes to offer more styles, sizes, and features to truly represent women like all of us!
The Sidestroke offers superior compression and the construction of the suit is such that it stays in place while also providing a comfortable fit and moving with you! We have had several customers post-mastectomy say that they love the fit of the Sidestroke. Here is a quote from one of our customers, "The sidestroke is PERFECT for my post-double mastectomy body. I never thought I'd find a suit that I felt good in, but the ruching and absence of bra cups make it comfy and flattering! More styles like this, please!"
Based on this review I had to try for myself. The colors are amazing and I love the style. For me, the shape didn’t work well for me. It was tight getting up over my hips. If i went bigger than it would be too big in the chest. I did however find a suit with the name swan dive that i felt good in. The one thing i like most was the Adjustable straps allowing for that customizable, just-right fit. I did try a two piece (the marina) as well that i was comfortable in. I felt supported with adjustable straps and built-in soft cups (even though i didn’t need them)
Stand Outs:
Beautiful colors and styles
Notice:
Not specifically made for post-mastectomy
Sensi Graves is a professional kiteboarder, entrepreneur, speaker, kiteboarding instructor and women's empowerment coach. In 2012, Sensi launched her eponymous swimwear label, Sensi Graves Swim, to meet the demands of her sport (after losing one too many string bikinis in the surf, she decided to tackle the job herself and design suits that actually stay on in rough conditions). These suits aren’t created specifically for women post-mastectomy, however as a women’s empowerment coach who started her own business to support those in her sport, i had to try the suits!
I tried a one piece and two piece. The one piece (photo here) is a mix of sexy, sassy and serious. The cross-back straps, bra cups and moderate booty coverage provide versatility and wearability. This style is kiteboarder tested and fashionista approved. I took this on my recent vacation and it certainly stays in place. The bootie coverage is a little less than I’m usually comfortable with, however the overall suit is great for moving around with a toddler! The two piece (Alexa top/ Emma bottom) is really comfortable and I love the multi-strap across the back. I could make it as tight or loose as I wanted. The high next and the shape of the chest covers scars well.
Stand outs:
Opening for removable bra cups (one piece).
UPF 50+.
Made in the USA of recycled fabrics.
Multi-strap cross back (Alexa top) disperses support across the entire back and enables all over cinch-ability.
Notice:
Not sure about how prostheses will fit. You’ll have to reach out to customer service.
The straps on the one piece are not adjustable.
Not specifically designed for those who have had breast surgery.
I came across Anita in my research and saw that they had swimwear for post-mastectomy in addition to their other swimwear. I received feedback from the Care Education Manager offering to support Liv & Let by providing product. The swimwear is pre-ordered by retailers a year in advance & then delivered the following year (swim season),so I was sent what they had available. For swimwear for post mastectomy this season, Check out the store locator for retail locations near you.
Stand outs:
Soft Touch
The armpit area felt good and didn’t ride up.
The animal print was fun!
Last but certainly not least, I found family matching suits and purchased them for our first trip on a plane this year. They happened to be from Mott50! One of my favorite things about mott50 is the upf. I have been very sensitive about taking care of my skin especially since cancer because i know people close to me who have had skin cancer removed. Mott50 is different than many swimwear brands. We are the leader in fashionable sun protective swimwear. Every product is certified UPF50+ sun protection, which means the fabric blocks 98% or UVA and UBV rays and keeps our customers protected from the health impacts (skin cancer, melanoma, etc) and aging effects of sun exposure. Being fashionable and stylish is important to our customer as well, so we stay on top of the trends and introduce new silhouettes and prints frequently. All of our prints are exclusive to Mott50 and are limited-edition.
Chief Brand Officer Of Mott 50 was so kind to support my reviews and shared that The vast majority of their newly released styles have built-in shelf bras with removable cups and shared a couple of styles that she would suggest.
I tried the Mila-Long Sleeve and the Clara – V-Neck Cropped. Ever since I had chemo I have been drawn to swimwear that has long sleeves. I also love being in the ocean. Having long sleeves or a rash guard on reminds me of the surfing class I took! The V-Neck Cropped is great too! It has great coverage of shoulders and back. It also has a shelf-bra with removable cups. The bottoms I was sent were the Joana – High Rise Moderate Coverage. I still like to have my low rise, but even with my jeans I have my days when a nice high rise is just more comfortable! Not only are the suits UPF50 which is my favorite, but I love the patterns they have to offer!
Stand outs:
Mila – Long Sleeve One Piece Swimsuit is great for a full day in the sun (UPF50)
Quick Dry
Very soft fabric
Covers scars well
Hope you find a suit you love for this summer! Any questions let me know or reach out to the brand’s customer service!
Just keep swimming in all of the waters you may encounter (literally and figuratively)! xo