The Best Post-Mastectomy Bras for 2022

When you have surgery for breast cancer, you need a bra that can accommodate your unique and evolving needs. Whether you've had reconstructive surgery, a lumpectomy (a procedure to remove a lump), a mastectomy (the removal of one or both breasts, partially or completely), have opted to go flat or use prosthesis, or have sensitivities from radiation or chemotherapy, finding a bra can be an overwhelming and emotional process.

When you open your intimates drawer or walk the isles of your go-to bra shops and find that your favorite style is no longer an option during your breast cancer journey due to surgery, lack of support, irritating fabrics, chafing cuts, a change in breast shape, or weight fluctuations, you may start to feel disheartened.

The good news is there are a few steps you can take to make the process easier. First, you'll want to speak with your doctor. Depending on your procedure or treatment, they might steer you to a specific style for ultimate comfort and proper healing. You’ll want to consider factors such as the stage of healing, adjustability, cooling and breathable fabric, pockets for breast forms, and details like front closures, hooks, and zippers.

Brands know that women want to feel as normal as possible, so they have worked hard to create bras that look just as good as they feel—from lacy bralettes to stylish sports bras to neutral, everyday picks. With the help of medical experts, breast cancer warriors and survivors, and data from research, we have created a shopping guide for the best post-surgery bras.

An emergency medicine physician on our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy surrounding what to look for in
a post-mastectomy bra, whether you need one, and how it should fit.

Our Top Picks

Best Double Mastectomy Bra:

AnaOno Rora Front Closure Bra at Thirdlove.com

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Best Affordable:

WANAYOU Zip Front Sports Bra at Amazon

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Most Comfortable:

Amoena Front-Close Postsurgical Bra at Amazon

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Best with Pockets:

Marena Drain Bulb Management Bra at Marena.com

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Best for Flat Chest Wall After Mastectomy:

Athleta Empower Bra at Gap.com

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Best Single Mastectomy (Unilateral) Bra:

Oysho Post Surgery Bra at Oysho.com

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Best Compression:

WANAYOU Zip Front Sports Bra at Amazon

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Best Racerback:

True & Co V Neck Racerback Bra at Amazon

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Best for Working Out:

SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra at Amazon

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Most Stylish:

AnaOno Soft Lace Bralette at Anaono.com

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AnaOno

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Why We Like It

The bra has pockets that can accommodate expanders, prostheses, or breast forms but also lays smoothly when nothing is in the pockets.

It’s Worth Noting

Make sure to size based on the smallest front hook to loosen and tighten based on post-surgery swelling.

Sarah P. Cate, MD, FACS, Assistant Professor of Breast Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, is a fan of AnaOno. This intimates brand celebrates all boob shapes and sizes but also designs post-surgery undergarments for breast cancer patients and survivors. We selected the Rora Pocketed Front Closure bra as the best post-mastectomy bra because it’s designed to accommodate varying needs throughout the recovery process and beyond.

Made of buttery soft modal fabric (feels even better than cotton), this recovery bra features comfortable compression, hook openings at the front, and a wide back bridge for added support. The smooth, irritation-free construction is perfect for those going through radiation since it won't bother sensitive skin and incisions or cause pain after treatment.

Price at time of publication: $59

Product Details:

Sizes: XS/30, S/32, M/34, L/36, XL/38, XXL/40, 3X/42
Closure Type: Adjustable front hook closure
Additional Features: Includes pockets; eligible for insurance coverage

Amazon

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Why We Like It

This bra is cost-effective, has an easy on-off design with a front self-locking zipper, and comes in various colors and sizes.

It’s Worth Noting

The zipper feature does not allow adjustments in sizing to accommodate swelling post-procedure.

Dr. Carpenter recommends this bra to almost all of her patients for post-mastectomy healing because it is cost-effective, has an easy on-off front zipper closure, and comes in various colors and sizes. There is a protective layer of cloth covering the zipper on the inside to prevent scratching your skin, and the elastic is breathable and machine washable. This product also has higher coverage for concealing post-surgical scarring.

Price at time of publication: $29

Product Details:

Sizes: M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL
Closure Type: Front self-locking zipper
Additional Features: Appropriate post-mastectomy recovery; contains removable bra pads

Amoena Esther Front-Close Postsurgical Bra

Amazon

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Why We Like It

This bra contains bilateral pockets to hold breast forms and has adjustable front hooks to accommodate swelling post-surgery.

It’s Worth Noting

The material is thin, and nipples may show under a thin t-shirt.

Finding the most comfortable bra during each phase of healing post-surgery can be a daunting task. We rated the Amoena Esther bra as the best and most comfortable post-surgical bra because the adjustable hook and eye front-closure design make it easy to accommodate changes in swelling, and it is easy to put on and take off when mobility is limited. This bra is designed to offer compression and stability to expedite healing and contains bilateral pockets to hold a breast form(s).

Price at time of publication: $53

Product Details:

Sizes: Range from 34A to 44D
Closure Type: Adjustable hook and eye front-closure
Additional Features: Seamless under clothing; moisture wicking mesh on side and back for cooling; contains pockets

Marena

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Why We Like It

Designed with drain management and comfort in mind, and cups are adjustable to accommodate varying breast volume due to swelling.

It’s Worth Noting

Some surgeons recommend binding in the initial days following surgery, and this bra is not binding.

This drain bulb management bra is designed to support and manage drain bulbs and tubes following partial and full mastectomy and breast reconstruction procedures. It’s engineered with flexible cups to accommodate variations in swelling, and the fabric is flexible and moisture-wicking. The bra contains two modesty pouches and four repositionable rings to support the drain bulb, and it’s also machine washable, which gives peace of mind when maintaining drainage and bandaging incisions.

Price at time of publication: $119

Product Details:

Sizes: Range from 30AA to 46DE
Closure Type: Hook and eye, zipper front closure
Additional Features: Two pouches and four rings for bulb and tube management; added hook and eye shoulder closure; stretchy adjustable fabric; bilateral, left-side, right-side cups

Athleta

View On Gap.com

Why We Like It

Designed with those who go flat in mind, this bra is designed with adjustable straps, a front zipper for easy on/off design, breathable fabric, and pad pockets.

It’s Worth Noting

The zipper does not have a self-locking mechanism.

Many women who go flat after mastectomy face the same challenges finding bras, swimsuits, and tops that are supportive and fit correctly. Expert community members at BreastCancer.org rate the Empower Bra by Athleta as the best bra for a flat chest wall after a mastectomy. This bra is super cute and comfortable, and its medium-to-high impact design can help give you the confidence you need to get back to the gym. This bra has adjustable straps, a front zipper for easy on/off design, breathable fabric, and pad pockets.

Price at time of publication: $30

Product Details:

Sizes: XXS, S, M, L, XL
Closure Type: Front zipper
Additional Features: Pad pockets included; front zipper for easy on/off design; designed for go-flat after mastectomy; good for workouts

Oysho

View On Oysho.com

Why We Like It

This beautiful and comfortable uni-cup bra is designed to support one side and lay comfortably against the other.

It’s Worth Noting

Bras only come in B-C cup sizing (80-100 French or 30-38 UK).

After a unilateral mastectomy, you might be looking for a beautiful bra designed to support one side and lay comfortably against the other. The Lola bra by Oysho (the sister brand of Zara) is the top-rated single/unilateral mastectomy bra due to its elegance, comfort, and practicality. Both right and left-side breast forms are available, and Lola is made from a buttery-soft and durable microfiber fabric. We also love that it contains five-position front and rear fastening so that you can make all the custom adjustments to get the perfect fit.

Price at time of publication: $39

Product Details:

Sizes: B-C cup sizing (80-100 French or 30-38 UK).
Closure Type: Five-position front and rear fastening
Additional Features: Single cup bra; both right and left-side breast forms are available

Amazon

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Why We Like It

Rated as the most comfortable bra that offers adequate compression to help hold the healing tissues properly and reduce swelling.

It’s Worth Noting

The zip closure is not adjustable, and some surgeons recommend hook-and-eye front closure so that you do not need to purchase additional bras as swelling changes.

When looking for a post-breast op bra, you will want a wide under band for support and stability, pockets to hold a breast form or shaper in place, soft fabric, an easy on/off design, and according to many surgeons: compression.

Dr. Shruti C. Tannan is a board-certified plastic surgeon who recommends the Women’s Zip Front Wireless Post-Surgery Bra by WanaYou as the best post-surgery compression bra. If you struggle with small hook-and-eye closures, a bra with a front zipper is the perfect alternative. This bra strikes a perfect balance of being easy to take on and off while providing enough compression and comfort.

Price at time of publication: $29

Product Details:

Sizes: Medium, large, XL, XXL, XXXL
Closure Type: Hook and loop
Additional Features: Easy on/off front zipper design; front zipper has a self-locking mechanism; cups contain removable pads

True & Co Body Lift V Neck Racerback Bra

Amazon

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Why We Like It

Offers maximum breast support for daily wear or while disappearing beneath certain tops and dresses in your wardrobe.

It’s Worth Noting

This pullover bra may be difficult to put on and take off with a post-surgery range of motion limitations.

A racerback bra is a bra that has straps that crisscross in the back to form an "X" shape. A bra with a racerback design is a great choice for many people, especially those needing extra support. The True Body Lift Racerback is the best racerback bra because it has a soft material that is also a heavier weight, making it supportive enough to aid your healing post-mastectomy and comfortable enough to wear all day.

Price at time of publication: $58

Product Details:

Sizes: Available in XS - 2X / up to 42DDD (Standard and Full Cup)
Closure Type: Pull-on
Additional Features: Racerback style with V-Neck silhouette; wire-free

4.8

SheFit

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Why We Like It

This bra is sturdy enough to control bounce and sway during high-intensity and high-impact workouts and activities.

It’s Worth Noting

Some users report that the design of this bra is bulky.

As soon as your doctor gives you the green light after surgery to get back to the gym, you’re going to need a bra that offers the highest level of support, keeping bounce and sway under control.

Our recommendation for working out post-breast surgery is the Ultimate Sports bra by SheFit. You can wear this bra for all high-impact activities, such as HIIT workouts, and sports like soccer and volleyball. This bra has removable padded cups and padded 1-1.25-inch wide adjustable hook-and-loop straps and can convert from an X-back to an H-back to suit your preference. Users love that this bra has a removable breast cup for modesty and a self-locking front closure zip, so they’re not tugging at their zipper throughout the workout.

Price at time of publication: $45

Product Details:

Sizes: X-small, small medium, luxe, 1luxe, 2luxe, 3luxe, 4luxe, 5luxe, 6luxe
Closure Type: Self-locking front closure zip
Additional Features: Removable cups and pads

AnaOno

View On Anaono.com

Why We Like It

You can feel flirty, sexy, and comfortable all day long with this versatile bra that is designed with chest inclusivity in mind.

It’s Worth Noting

Some users find lace irritating to healing skin post-mastectomy.

The Gloria Soft Lace Bralette is our favorite bra for beauty and style. This bra features beautiful lace that is designed with a mastectomy in mind. The lace has stretch and gives so that it is comfortable, but it is also durable and supportive, making it appropriate for daily use. This bralette contains built-in pockets to accommodate prostheses, has no underwire, and features adjustable straps to allow for fit customization. This bra is also eligible for insurance coverage, so you might want to buy two!

Price at time of publication: $59

Product Details:

Sizes: S/32, M/34, L/36, XL/38, XXL/40
Closure Type: Hook-and-eye closure
Additional Features: Pocketed to accommodate breast forms or prosthesis

AnaOno

View On Anaono.com

Why We Like It

Comfortable for sleeping and daily use and contains built-in pockets to accommodate prostheses.

It’s Worth Noting

This bra tends to ride up if you do not have the right fit.

If you are looking for the perfect post-surgery bra/bralette for sleeping in, we recommend the Leslie Leisure by AnaOno. Made of “softer-than-cotton modal material,” this bra is gentle enough to wear as incision scars heal and can shield your incisions while you sleep. The material has plenty of stretch, allowing you to put the bra on by pulling it over your head or stepping into it, and the high-neck style is a popular pick for covering scarring.

Price at time of publication: $39

Product Details:

Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL,3X
Closure Type: Put on by stepping in or pulling it over your head
Additional Features: Pocketed to accommodate breast forms or prosthesis

Amazon

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Why We Like It

Easily customizable with adjustable straps that can be worn in three different ways.

It’s Worth Noting

Thin straps may be uncomfortable if you need extra support.

You need a fully customizable bra to accommodate your body’s needs, and our pick for the best adjustable bra is its namesake Adjustable Bra by Handful. Handful has placed versatility at the top of its priority list, with straps that can orient in three ways: straight up, X-back, or halter. The bra contains pockets with removable pads designed to enhance, contour, or conceal your shape. The material is soft and moisture-wicking, making it a go-to for everyday leisure, yoga, and medium-impact workouts.

Price at time of publication: $60

Product Details:

Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL (A, B, C and D+ cup)
Closure Type: Wear straps three ways: straight-up, X-back, or halter
Additional Features: Can be worn as a swim-top; removable padding

Anaono

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Why We Like It

A full-coverage bra with high sides, wide armholes, and a back designed to cover the entire breast and provide extra support.

It’s Worth Noting

This bra has a back clasp which may be difficult to put on or take off if you have a limited range of motion post-surgery.

If scar-friendly, full coverage is what you’re after, you need the Monica by AnaOno. This bra is unrivaled in its category of luxurious full-coverage chest-inclusive bras. The Monica has just a bit of padding for modesty but without a true molded cup, a modest neckline that acts as a soft barrier to protect scars, high sides, and wide armholes and back that support and cover breasts. All the seams are hidden, so there are no abrasive elastics touching skin that may be itchy, painful, burning, or dry.

Price at time of publication: $59

Product Details:

Sizes: S/32, M/34, L/36, XL/38, XXL/40, 3X/42
Closure Type: Back clasp
Additional Features: Friendly to sensitive skin from radiation therapy; accommodates breast prosthetics

AnaOno

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Why We Like It

Seamless post-mastectomy bra that is comfortable, supportive, and made from a material designed to disappear under clothing.

It’s Worth Noting

A racerback bra that is not well-fit can cause pressure and discomfort in the neck and shoulders.

One of the best feelings is coming home after a long day and taking off your bra. But what if there was a post-mastectomy seamless bra that gave you that blissful comfort all day? We've found it: Niya Pullover Lounge Bra.

The Niya post-mastectomy bra design disappears beneath your clothing while accommodating built-in pockets that can fit lightweight breast forms, prostheses, and modesty pads. This seamless bra is made from a slight-stretch material and seamless cups that give a smooth look under clothes, whether the pockets are filled or not. It’s great for wearing with your favorite low-cut tops and dresses, thanks to its plunging neckline.

Price at time of publication: $39

Product Details:

Sizes: S/32, M/34, L/36, XL/38, XXL/40
Closure Type: Pullover
Additional Features: Cross-back design; friendly to sensitive skin from radiation therapy

How We Selected the Best Post-Mastectomy Bras

To determine the best post-mastectomy bras, we reviewed relevant research and consulted with the following experts:

Michele Carpenter, MD, a breast surgeon and director of the breast program at the Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment at Providence St Joseph Hospital in Orange County, California, shared tips for choosing the best products based on post-operative recovery.
Sarah P. Cate. MD, FACS, Assistant Professor of Breast Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, told us what factors are the most important from a physical and medical perspective.
Kim Williams, a licensed fitter at Hope's Boutique in the Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center, added insight into fitting for different breast types.

Equipped with the best advice from top experts, we scoured the post-mastectomy bra marketplace, reviewed product descriptions, specifications, and user reviews, and stacked that information against what the experts recommend to identify the best post-mastectomy bras.

What to Know About Post-Mastectomy Bras

When shopping for post-mastectomy bras, there are several important features to remember. What are your unique bra needs? Are you going flat? Are you getting a single or double mastectomy, and on which side? Will you be getting reconstruction and using a prosthesis? You also need to determine sizing, flexibility, and fit of bra material as you go through each of the phases of the healing process.

Bras designed for breast prosthesis

When shopping for your post-mastectomy bra, the first step is identifying whether you need a bra that accommodates a prosthesis. A prosthesis is an artificial replacement of a body part (in this case, the breast) that has been removed or changed. Breast prostheses replace part of a breast or a whole breast and may or may not include a nipple.

Any bra style can be used with a breast prosthesis if the bra is the right fit and keeps the prosthesis in place. However, a bra designed with the prosthesis in mind may get you a more desirable look and feel.

There are many types of breast prostheses available. Breast prostheses may be made from foam, external silicone gel, non-silicone, or fiber-fill foams. Breast prostheses may be worn on top of your skin or in a bra with a pocket designed to hold the prosthesis, called a “mastectomy bra.” You can have a prosthesis specially made for you or purchase a ready-made or prefabricated prosthesis from the store.

Breast prosthesis bras can be purchased from many locations, such as a pharmacy, surgical supply store, custom lingerie shop, or through a private service.

Post-mastectomy bra sizing

Determining sizing is done in three steps: First, calculating your bra band size; second, determining your cup size; third, measuring your breast form size.

Step 1: To calculate your bra band size, wrap a soft tape measure snugly around your rib cage just below your bust where the bra band sits. Note the circumference in inches. If you get an even number, add 4 inches, e.g., 34 inches + 4 inches = 38 inches. If you get an odd number, add 5, e.g., 33 inches + 5 inches = 38 inches. If you get a number between a whole number and it is 0.5 or greater, round up. If it is less than 0.5, round down. For example, 33.3 should round down to the nearest whole number of 33.

Step 2: Next, you are going to measure the unoperated breast. Place the tape measure at the sternum and bring it to the middle of your back. You may also place the start of the tape measure at the center of your back and wrap it towards the front, ending at the fullest part of the breast, typically the nipple. You will then round up or down with the same guide as the bra band sizing. Once you have a number in inches, multiply this by two, e.g., 20.6 inches rounds up to 21 inches x 2 = 42 inches.

Step 3: The final step is the calculation of breast form size, which is done by subtracting the measurement from Step One from the measurement of Step Two, e.g., 42 inches - 38 inches = 4 inches difference.

Most mastectomy shops accommodate bra sizes including AA (difference of 0 inches), A (difference of 1 inch), B (difference of 2 inches), C (difference of 3 inches), D (difference of 4 inches), DD (difference of 5 inches), DDD (or F) (difference of 6 inches), G (difference of 7 inches) and H (difference of 8 inches).

Kim Williams is a board-certified mastectomy fitter. She explains that one of the advantages of seeing a certified mastectomy fitter is that they can assist with custom-matching silicone breast forms to your unique shape and skin tone.

Post-mastectomy bra features

Features to look for in post-mastectomy bras include soft seams, breathable cotton, no underwire, fully adjustable shoulder straps, and designs that make you feel beautiful. You’ll also want to make sure the bra is easy to put on and take off.

Your Questions, Answered

Do you need a special bra after a mastectomy?

After surgery, some patients go home in post-surgical bras, others in bandages, and some in nothing. “I always tell my patients that every surgeon is going to have their preference in terms of post-operative procedures. There are many ways to get something done,” says Dr. Michele Carpenter, a breast surgeon and director of the breast program at the Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment at Providence St Joseph Hospital in Orange County, California.

Recovery needs and healing duration vary depending on several variables, including the type of procedure. For example, for individuals who opt to go flat (meaning they do not want reconstruction or prosthesis), Carpenter reports that the pain tends to be minimal, and recovery is fairly fast.

“The breast is an appendage on top of the muscle,” she explains. “We barely touch the muscle with a mastectomy, and so the majority of the discomfort is under the arm where we sampled the lymph nodes,” Carpenter says, estimating that in 98% of her go-flat recoveries, her patients experience around 72 hours of tightness and soreness and maybe a tight stab at the incision point.

Lumpectomy recovery typically involves two weeks with minimal swelling and soreness, with the right garment holding the breasts into place, and another two weeks before you can do heavy lifting or swing your arms freely.

What are mastectomy pockets?

Mastectomy pockets are hidden pockets that are integrated into one or both of the cups of your bra or camisole. They may even be attached to a belt that ties around your waist.

Do you need to wear a bra at night after mastectomy?

This depends on your unique needs and your surgeon’s preferences. While many doctors recommend compression and binding post-surgery to manage swelling and expedite healing, some women are advised not to wear a bra. Consult with your surgeon regarding their recommendations, given your specific procedure and needs.

How much does a quality post-mastectomy bra cost?

The cost of post-mastectomy bras varies by quality, material, and insurance reimbursement. Thanks to the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, it is federally mandated that insurance companies cover breast reconstruction and prosthetics. This means your insurance cannot legally deny coverage for mastectomy bras, prosthetics, and other accessories that you may need after surgery.

Dr. Carpenter is passionate about ensuring women are informed about their options. “It is a clinician’s duty to inform our patients of their rights. Women need to know that they are entitled by United States law to be offered reconstruction and the necessary garments and support if they receive a mastectomy.” According to Medicare guidelines, Medicare Part B covers post-surgical bras and surgery that takes place in an outpatient setting. Part A covers surgically implanted breast prostheses after mastectomy, as long as the surgery takes place in an inpatient setting.

It is worth noting that your insurance coverage for post-mastectomy prosthetics and bras will vary based on your deductible, as well as how much your doctor charges, whether or not your doctor accepts insurance, the type of facility that does your procedure, and the locations of testing, services, and garment items.

Who We Are

Nicole Cain, ND, MA, is an Arizona-based integrative physician. She is the founder of the Holistic Wellness Collective, which focuses on teaching you how to be your own health expert. In addition to physical holistic wellness, Dr. Cain has a particular passion for mental health and is the author of the forthcoming book PANIC PROOF. She can be found at DrNicoleCain.com.