Bras!

I'm so pleased you have asked this question. I'm in a similar position..... used to underwire bras and need to buy a couple of non wire ones for the moment. I'm a 34D/E - I did find a nice supportive one made by Royce in John Lewis but it has bumpy embroidery on that seems to show through my tops, although it's very comfortable and looks pretty. I haven't looked anywhere else yet. Recommendations greatly also appreciated. XXXXxxx

Hi ladies, Im the same always worn underwired bras however I then went for the crop tops after op. I would advice to pop along to your local M&S. They have a whole section for post surgery bras and some are very pretty. I have bought a couple without underwire and are very comfortable and still give a noce cleavage and support . I am a 38D (maybe C now!!).

M&S also do not charge the VAT on them either. Dont know if this is standard practice with all shops.

Good luck!!

Thanks Moresleep and taralou 

ill have a go in M&S then head up to John Lewis. I've seen the Royce ones too but like you am not keen on embroidery, maybe they have a plainer one.

Jac x

Why not take the wires out of underwired bras? 

Hey Misty:  I was in the same boat.  Only underwires since my teens.  I have some lovely (and pricey) underwire bras that I bought shortly before diagnosis and I was loathe to toss them, so I took out the underwire.  Hah.  Not a good idea on these anyhow, but perhaps some other brands might work better.  These were from Macies on Fifth Ave., in NYC.  I found a lovely mastectomy shop and am now in compression bras exclusively.  Once my lymphedema gets a bit more settled, I'll be getting my "pretty" bras from them.  xxoo  Mira

Hi i was looking for some last week. Found some in matalan and there comfortable. Got 2for £7. They had different designs as well. 

I am pleased you've asked this, I was going to post similar, firstly, I am a larger lady and I'm having great trouble finding bras to fit at the moment, I've tried virtually everywhere.  I have taken underwires out of my 'favourite' bras and I'm making to with them.  

I have found a few good online sites, namely, Curvissa, Asda - George, Marks & Spencer and Debenhams - they have all been brilliant with the returns service too.

Can I add to this question - after my operation (lumpectomy) I was told to sleep in my bra for a few weeks to help support my breast and to avoid pulling on my wound area whilst everything heals.  Now then, paranoia set in, I'll be honest, I'm still sleeping in my bra, I just wonder, due to all the 'inner stitches, healing etc' thats going on - how long should I continue to sleep in my bra? (I've even wondered if this will help avoid any type of problems).  

Hope you don't mind me adding this xxx  

I’m still sleeping in my post surgery bras now 7 weeks post op but I had a deip and new boob still swollen. The bra gives me a bit of support.

Hi Jac. I am a 36FF lady so crop top bras etc were out for me! I ordered some cheap underwired bras from the internet in a size or two bigger than normal (38G/GG). I found enough support to make me comfortable but they were big enough to not rub or chafe on scars (or to cause more pain with a seroma that I subsequently got). The M&S post surgery bra was probably the best one. None of them gave the support/shape if the ‘industrial’ bras I usually wear! But they did the job when I wanted ‘just enough’ comfortable support. You could also try Bravissimo and Rigby & Peller (depending on your budget).  Good luck with your search. 

Hi all

This question comes up all the time so I thought I would add what I've learned from everyone over time.

Firstly - you shouldn't have to pay VAT on post-surgery bras. Companies handle this differently - you have to sign something once, every time you buy or not at all depending on where you shop.

The specialist companies do some very supportive post surgery bras. I know they are aimed at those with a mastectomy and come with a pocket, but they have channels of stitching that aren't quite as supportive as an underwire but do a pretty good job. (I'm a 34F)

Some bras work without the wire - I have done this with a couple of bras - it may be because I use a knitted knocker which is much lighter than a breast, but it means I can have a wire in the other cup.

Going for a bra fitting may be a good idea - Debenhams have staff trained in post surgery measuring as do John Lewis. Not sure about M+S but I suppose so. I think Bravissimo may too. The woman who fitted my prosthesis advised me to go to them to get bras - she thought they were best for my size and shape.

It's hard - I ordered about 20 bras from Amoena then sent back all but 3. There is something to be said for trying them on at home - I have been close to tears in changing rooms a couple of times.

Let's hope we can all find the perfect bra at some point!

R