There are plenty of bra options dedicated to the needs of those with breast cancer, whether you’ve had reconstructive surgery, a lumpectomy or a mastectomy.
Getting a new bra post-surgery is a huge confidence boost, helping you to feel yourself again and feel more feminine.
But it can be a bit overwhelming - so we've found 10 comfy mastectomy bras that look gorgeous as well as feel great.
What is a mastectomy bra?
Simply put, a mastectomy bra is specifically for anyone who has had surgery on the breast and has had one or both breasts removed. They're designed to be gentle on scar tissue and are more comfortable to wear than a 'normal' bra.
A mastectomy bra features pockets in the cups which are designed to hold a prosthesis in place. Most mastectomy bras will have two pockets, one on each cup, so they can be used by anyone.
Having a womanly figure isn't the only reason that a post-mastectomy bra can be beneficial - they can also help to support your chest and the tissue that remains.
They also tend to be non-wired as a hard underwire can often irritate scar tissue and feel uncomfortable on any sensitive areas.
You may also see brands offering post-surgery bras, which are soft bras designed to for wearing after surgery - but they don't always feature pockets for a prosthesis, so if you plan on wearing a prosthesis make sure in the product's description they specifically mention pockets.
When can I start wearing a bra after a mastectomy?
Most people find they take around 2 to 3 weeks to heal, but it may be several months before your chest and arm area fully recover. The area will be bruised, swollen and stiff at first.
You will normally be able to go home the day after your operation. If you've also had breast reconstruction, you may need to stay in hospital for up to a week depending on how you're recovering.
If you chose a prosthesis, you'll usually be given a temporary lightweight one at the hospital, then be fitted with a longer-term prosthesis and given advice on bra fitting 6 to 8 weeks after the operation.
Talk to your doctor if you're unsure about the timing for your recovery, they will help you to determine if your surgery location has healed enough to wear a bra.
While choice used to be rather limited, lots of lingerie brands are now offering mastectomy bras, so you wouldn't even know it was any different to your regular bras.
Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections. Why trust us?
The best mastectomy bras
1 of 10Royce Maisie Pocketed Soft T-shirt Bra
This Maisie pocketed t-shirt bra by Royce is a smooth-cup, everyday bra for gentle post surgery support. This beautifully comfortably and stylish bra features a pretty satin trim detailing on the edge of the cup. For a smooth silhouette under t-shirts and close-fitting tops, it is designed with moulded cups and pure cotton lined, bilateral pockets for prosthesis. Acting as a cotton liner within the cup, this t-shirt bra can be worn by anyone without a prosthesis, making it a go-to for an attractive, every day, comfortable wear.
2 of 10Royce Olivia Pocketed Contemporary Bra in White
Olivia is simple yet stylish and designed using strong, supportive fabrics with pretty jacquard spot and gorgeous stretch lace trims to ensure a perfect fit. This style comes with lining/pockets as standard.
3 of 10Florence Soft Lace Bra Petrol Blue
A delicate floral lace overlay and scalloped lace underband creates a bra which exudes femininity. The full cup design (with cotton pockets either side) and high centre front provides heightened coverage and a fantastic fit.
4 of 10Flexiwired Post Surgery Bra
This post-surgery bra is made from breathable, lightweight foam for maximum comfort when you need it most. Cotton-lined, longline style that stays in place. Flexi wires and padded panels provide extra comfort against delicate scar tissue. Fitted with an internal pocket for a prosthesis and versatile multiway straps.
5 of 10Eden mastectomy bra
Eden is an organic cotton bra, inspired by best-selling Comfi-bra and the debut style in Royce's sustainable range. The enclosed front-fastening zip is lined; soft against the skin and smooth under clothing. The wide under band is super soft and straps are padded, making it super comfy to wear. Available in grey marl, Eden is wirefree and comes with cotton lining/pockets as standard.
6 of 10Nouveau Non Wired Post Surgery Bra
This Autograph collection post surgery bra features delicate Swiss-designed embroidery complemented with fishnet panels for a stylish and contemporary look. The non-wired, full cup design gently supports your bust, while smooth, breathable fabrics feel extra soft on delicate scar tissue. A special pocket opening in the cups can hold a prosthesis. Features super soft straps and an extended elasticated side wing to cover prosthesis and help you feel comfortable.
7 of 10Pink Post Surgery Comfort Lace Bra
Our cerise pink comfort lace post surgery bra is designed with hidden prosthesis pockets for a natural shape, and is non-wired for maximum comfort and support. With supersoft adjustable shoulder straps, cotton-lined inners for extra comfort, and no padding, it's ideal for everyday wear.
8 of 10Fleur Bra
A pretty floral design all over lace bra with contrasting decorative bow. Available in four colours: anthracite, berry, black and crystal.
9 of 10Floral Print & Pink Post Surgery Smoothing Bra
This two pack of post surgery bras is designed with hidden prosthesis pockets for a natural shape, and are non-wired for maximum comfort and support. With supersoft adjustable shoulder straps, cotton-lined inners for extra comfort, and soft brushed microfibre outer cup with gentle padding.
10 of 10Carrie Non-wired Bra
Beautiful post-mastectomy lingerie design, with decorative front straps in geometrical design perfectly matching to lace and jacquard fabric. Especially recommended for post-lumpectomy and post-reconstruction because of the lower coverage of cups, side and back wings.
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