Hello girls! How are you? Welcome to the Mastectomy Swimsuit Edition!
What to look for in a swimsuit to get a great fit if you've had a mastectomy and wear bust prostheses and the best selling styles - they tick all the fit tip boxes!
Mastectomy swimwear options used to be quite unremarkable and usually in black. Not any more. Thanks to labels like Australia's Genevieve swimwear, not only are there different styles that are shape savvy, they're colourful too. Nice to bring back a bit of fun to a swim and a water workout.
Here are my top tips for what to look for in swimwear that makes it 'Mastectomy Friendly'. To get the best fit for you.
#1: Pockets for Bust Prostheses - with Generous Openings - Just because a swimsuit has bust pockets, doesn't mean it they are easy to get your prostheses in and out of. We will let you know in the description and in our videos if they are. All in the Genevieve range have generous pocket openings.
#2: Great Bust Support - to support your weighty prostheses, it's important that you have that close contact support to feel comfortable. Good support will also help to stop them moving about. Look for:
- Wide, strong under-bust elastic in the shelf bra - that fits snugly under your bust
- A high back - which means the cossie will sit higher under arms for good side bust coverage and with that, added support
- Adjustable straps - that you can bring in to create a firmer, close to body fit.
Swimsuit Myth: Contrary to popular belief, good bust support doesn't come from an underwire. it comes from those 3 elements above working together to give maximum support.
#3: Higher Necklines - to cover sensitive skin and scaring. They may help to feel more supported as well, with the added coverage.
#4: Wider straps - particularly where the strap meets the bust area. This is often a zone where you may have scaring or sensitive skin. Keep it covered for comfort. If you have a fuller bust size, then the wider straps will help spread the load. Again, a comfort thing.
#5: Pool Tough or Chlorine Resistant (CRES) as we say in the trade. Many of you will be in the pool for post surgical and treatment recovery. Water is supportive and soothing. If you are in the pool often then it makes sense to look for CRES swimmers for less cost per wear. All in the Genevieve range are made from CRES fabric. It's soft and gentle too with a good amount of stretch to move with you for added comfort.
Best Selling Mastectomy Friendly Swimsuit Styles
- Raglan High Neck One Piece in Paisley Pop - for its simplicity, coverage and comfort.
- Zip Up One Piece in Foliage and Whitehaven - both for their easy on and off. The Foliage option is from Genevieve Swimwear and is pool tough too.
- Scoop Neck Tankini Top - offering a firmer fit with comfort and coverage from a B cup it's also pool tough. There are a few print options available; Japanese Blossom, Paisley Pop and Shadow Palm with a Black option too.
- Blouson Tankini Top - a less supportive style if you are active. Best for a B-DD cup. Those who are tummy conscious love it. There are a few prints. The Black version is below.
- Wide Strap Swimdress is the most popular with its generous fit about the belly and hips and deep bust cups. Wide adjustable straps means no digging in if you have a larger bust. Up to a G cup. Comes in Black (below).
- Short Sleeve Zip Up Rash Vest - This rashie top in the from Genevieve Swimwear has bust pockets! A popular option for those wanting more coverage without necessarily wearing a swimsuit under. It's in the Foliage print below.
See these Swimsuits (and a few more) from the inside too! That's what I do in my regular Friday Lunchtime Lives. Watch the recording from last Friday's Mastectomy Swimwear review here on Facebook and here on YouTube. Thank you for all your wonderful feedback on how helpful these videos are.
Most of our Mastectomy friendly Swimsuits are in the Swimwear/Mastectomy Swimwear area of www.SequinsandSand.com.au. Find ALL of our Mastectomy bathers by typing in the word Mastectomy in the Search space at the top of www.SequinsandSand.com.au
Get the Right Fit for your Shape & Needs:
Not sure where to start to get the right fit? The Shape and Size Calculator is a great DIY tool to use. Grab your measuring tape and head here. Once you have your Shape sorted you can Shop Mastectomy swimsuits from there too.
I hope that helps. If you need further assistance then please don't hesitate to reach out. Here is where you can Contact me.
To your swimsuit confidence.
Anita (The Cossie Whisperer)
xx
