We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are Mastectomy Clothes?

By Cindy Quarters
Updated: Feb 05, 2024
Views: 7,059
Share

A mastectomy is a procedure that involves the complete removal of one or both breasts. It is usually done when there is breast cancer present, and the purpose is to remove as much of the cancer as possible. Often the lymph glands near the breast are also removed, especially if they are found to have cancer cells in them. Special mastectomy clothes are made for women that contain pockets for holding breast forms, to give the appearance of breasts and to fit comfortably after surgery.

After a mastectomy, a woman’s body is significantly altered. Many women are very self-conscious about the loss of one or both breasts, and mastectomy clothing helps them to feel more confident about appearing in public. A man who has had a breast removed will also be changed, but this is much less common and the change is not nearly as drastic as that of a woman. As a result, mastectomy clothes for men are rarely available commercially.

Undergarments, such as bras and camisoles, are commonly available. These can be worn under regular clothing, permitting women to wear regular clothing. Mastectomy clothes themselves come in many different styles, allowing women a great deal of freedom when choosing among them.

Some mastectomy bras include a built-in breast form, but most have pockets that the forms can be placed in. This allows a woman to choose a form that best resembles her natural look. Pockets also allow women who have had a mastectomy involving either breast to use the same model of bra, as well as women who have lost both breasts.

In addition to undergarments, swimming suits and sleepwear are also popular types of mastectomy clothing. These garments have built in pockets for the breast form, and a woman can transfer the form from her bra to her swimsuit or nightwear when she changes clothes. Bra-like support is built into these garments, so that women who have only had a mastectomy on one side will maintain a symmetrical appearance.

Many other types of mastectomy clothes are available, including T-shirts, tank tops, dresses and blouses. Various specialty shops carry mastectomy clothing, and these can be found in most larger towns and online. The American Cancer Society can provide help with finding mastectomy clothes. Those looking for mastectomy clothing may also contact locally based cancer support groups for store locations and recommendations.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By Lostnfound — On May 13, 2014

When my mom had a mastectomy, she carried a pillow under her arm on the surgery side for about two weeks. A lady from a breast cancer support group said that really helped.

If the woman opts not to have reconstructive surgery, then she will initially need very loose-fitting clothing that doesn't rub against the incision site. Some nightgowns and similar garments have a slit in the side to accommodate a drain, if the woman comes home with a drain or other post-op surgery apparatus.

By Grivusangel — On May 12, 2014

It's really important for a woman recovering from a mastectomy to feel she isn't "less of a woman," and mastectomy clothes do help with this process. I've mostly seen mastectomy underwear and swimwear. I don't think I've seen too many other outer garments specifically meant for mastectomy patients.

For the most part, when a woman has a good mastectomy bra, she can then wear nearly anything else, since the breast form takes care of filling out both sides of a top. Mastectomy swimsuits usually have higher sides and a built in bra with a pocket for a form, or have one side built up.

Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-are-mastectomy-clothes.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.