Best mastectomy bras for post-surgery
Following a mastectomy, you might be surprised to learn that there are actually tons of different post-surgery bras to choose from.
While not all major high street brands do them (yes, we're not sure why not, either), there's still a good selection available in both Marks & Spencer and ASDA.
Having a well-fitted bra is essential, but post-surgery it's even more important to help recovery. Breast Cancer Now suggests a bra checklist for those of you looking for the perfect mastectomy bra. It includes:
soft seams and no underwires
a wide underband (the band that goes under the cups and around your back)
full cups with deep front and side panels
fully adjustable straps
That might seem a lot to remember, but thankfully the brands responsible for our top eight mastectomy bras have thought of this and created top-rated options giving you one less thing to think about at a difficult time.
Each of our top options are gentle on scar tissue and feature pockets in the cups to hold a prosthesis in place if you're wearing one.
It can take up to a year for the area to recover fully from surgery, explains Breast Cancer Now, so it's worth constantly monitoring how you're feeling and considering changing up your bra options dependent on your needs.
These eight bra options for post-surgery all have glowing reviews and are from Breast Cancer Now's list of recommended bra suppliers.
8 best post-surgery bras
Post Surgery Comfort Bras 2 Pack | £16 from George at ASDA
ASDA might not be the first place you think to go when on the hunt for post-surgery bras, but this two-pack of comfort bras comes highly recommended. With cotton lined cups, soft elastics and a wider underband, they come in two different colours, feature a racer back and extra adjustments on the underband hook and eye for a more flexible fit.
The reviews speak for themselves. "An excellent product! Having a lumpectomy on 1/8/22 I researched post op bras. I was amazed at the prices I found online... I came across reviews for Asda bras and they were very good so I ordered 2 sizes. They are perfect, comfortable, lovely colours, feminine and a great price. I’ve kept the two sizes as the small size will be perfect for when the swelling goes down while the larger size is great for now. It’s so difficult going through breast surgery as it is, Asda has made it so much easier for me. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Thank you Asda."
Cotton Non-Wired Post Surgery Cami Bra A-H | £18 from Marks & Spencer
Designed to give you total comfort and flexibility, this Cotton Non-Wired Post Surgery Cami Bra is non-wired with a padded full-cup with hook-and-eye fastening. Again, featuring the common racer back for a more supportive fit. It also has the openings fitted inside if needed.
"I have to say I only ordered this as advised a comfy non wired bra after breast surgery, I had been wearing an M&S sports bra which was ok but the post surgery bra was a game changer for me. VERY comfortable as I had to wear it day and night for 3 weeks. I was just sorry I only ordered one. Would recommend and also has openings for prosthetic breast form," one reviewer said.
Post Surgery Sumptuously Soft™ Padded Full Cup Bra A-E | £20 from Marks & Spencer
Marks and Spencer have a great range of post-operation bras to choose from and they're always our go-to place for inclusive fashion options. This highly-rated Post Surgery Sumptuously Soft™ Padded Full Cup Bra is no exception. It has dual cotton pockets to discreetly hold a prosthesis and is made from Sumptuously Soft™ fabric for a cosy feel.
One review says: "Great product, really comfy. Tried sports bras prior to trying these and found it was very painful whilst recovering. I've got the cream and black soft bras went a cup size smaller than prior to surgery. [sic]"
Reviewers are desperate for a wider range of colours though, so Marks & Spencer, do your thing.
Zebra Print Non Wired Post Surgery Bra A-E | £16 from Marks & Spencer
If you're looking for something a little more – dare we say – exciting, this Zebra Print Non Wired Post Surgery Bra might provide you with a good option. With a lace trim and bold zebra print, it offers an alternative to the colour-block options without scrimping on support. It's made from lightweight foam for an extra gentle feel on scar tissue while still offering discreet pockets to hold a prosthesis.
"Post surgery bras are usually a bit frumpy but this is a lovely little number," one customer commented.
Royce Front Fastening 1010 Cotton Comfi-Bra | £32 from John Lewis
Available in white and black, the Royce Front Fastening 1010 Cotton Comfi-Bra is created from a rich pima cotton fabric, which is designed to have a bit of stretch in it. The cut-and sew cups are lined with super-soft pockets that are perfect for prostheses or breast pads and there's a front fastening to offer ease to women who are struggling with reduced shoulder movement.
A reviewer said: "So comfortable, easy to wear and most important easy to put on – now I am more limited in arm movement." It definitely seems that this is the option for people finding arm and shoulder movement a challenge right now.
Royce Silver Post Surgery 1008 Bra | £40 from John Lewis
This Royce Silver Post Surgery 1008 Bra is a great option to take into hospital to wear immediately post-surgery. The breathable stretch fabric is made with X-STATIC silver fibre that has been proven to be anti-bacterial, anti-odour, thermo-regulating – hence why it's appropriate to use straight after surgery.
And the reviews are just as glowing: "This is such a comfortable and easy to wear bra, fab that it does up at the front – very easy to click the poppers together. It hold everything up at the correct level, so when clothed, it looks really good, yet natural."
Post Surgery Lace Non Padded Bras 2 Pack | £8 (Was £14) from ASDA
Similar to ASDA's other options, these Post Surgery Lace Non Padded Bras are highly-recommended and come in a slightly more exciting shade of blue and yellow. With pockets for prosthesis and cotton-lined cups, these are extremely good value for the comfort and the highly-rated reviews.
One said: "Bought as a gift for my sister after her breast cancer surgery. So comfortable and nice cotton lining doesn’t irritate the wound. Stylish and in her words made her feel normal again."
Ruby Lace Bra | £27 from Nicola Jane
As one of Breast Cancer Now's recommended bra suppliers, Nicola Jane has created a range of feminine yet practical post-surgery options. They cover every stage of your changing breasts post-surgery, and this Ruby Lace Bra has been designed especially for mastectomies and lumpectomies.
"This bra was a perfect fit. Holds my prosthesis well. Will buy from this company again," one satisfied customer said.
