How to Choose Post Mastectomy Swimwear

Recovery after breast cancer treatment is often more than just a physical recovery, there's a psychological element as well. Things as simple as going swimming at a public pool become more complicated. Some women find it challenging to wear swimwear again, but post mastectomy swimwear is designed to make you more comfortable.

Common Design Features

Swimming is a fantastic form of exercise and should be an option for every woman. Listed below are some of the common features of post mastectomy swimwear that are designed to make you feel comfortable.

Breast pockets work to keep prosthetic breasts in place.
Removable soft cups are designed to smooth natural breasts. These can be removed and breast forms can be inserted in their place.
Adjustable straps allow you to balance the inserts and keep breasts symmetrical.
Swimsuits that fit snugly help to keep your natural breast and the prosthesis firmly in place against the chest.
High arm openings, wide straps, and a high neckline hide potential scarring.
Choose between more or less coverage depending on your scarring and preference.
Tummy control features firm and flatten the belly.

Types of Inserts

Most women who have undergone mastectomy surgery feel more comfortable wearing a prosthetic breast insert. The inserts are generally inserted into the attached breast pockets on the inside of the bathing suit. There are several types of inserts to choose from:

Silicone prosthesis: These are the most popular swim insert pad for post mastectomy women.
Foam breast pads: Some women prefer these lightweight non-silicone inserts.

Choose the breast pad that is most comfortable for you. Keep in mind that in water, the inserts may absorb some water and become slightly enlarged.

Insert Sizing

When purchasing a post-mastectomy form pad, make sure to check the size of the insert. Some inserts are measured by cup size and others by small, medium, and large — it depends on the brand. Consult a size chart before purchasing an insert.

Swimwear Styles

Post mastectomy swimwear has a wide assortment of styles to choose from. One-piece suits and tankini sets are the most popular styles. The advantages to each of these are:

One-piece bathing suits provide full coverage and support.
Tankini sets allow more freedom than a one-piece and are more concealing than a bikini.

Most post mastectomy suits feature removable cups, tummy control, and adjustable straps; regardless of their style.

Live Your Life

There are numerous options to choose from in post mastectomy swimwear. As with many things in life, you should put a premium on comfort when choosing a swimsuit. So find the right swimsuit for you and let the healing begin.

Shop all Post Mastectomy Swimwear

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T
3 months ago.

I can't wear the prothesis breasts. They are very heavy and do not dry out. I've wore a Speedo suit for the last 8 years but it finally disintegrated.

Mrs C
6 months ago.

After lumpectomy on one side and mastectomy on the other, I have pretty much no chest (34AA at best), but I have wide hips (42") and a thick waist (31"). I can't fill out the bra cups in swimsuits in my size. What do you recommend for women in this situation? I can't stand using a prosthesis - please don't suggest that.

Joyce
11 months ago.

I had a bilateral mastectomy about 14 years ago and never bought any prothesis’ as the years have gone on I have felt very selfconscious about buying a swimsuit, not knowing how to go about it. I am a bit bottom heavy so am not sure how to order a suit that would fit my shape! This is intimidating.

2 Replies

Swimoutlet
11 months ago.

Hi Joyce!

We completely understand where you're coming from. We have all kinds of mastectomy swimsuits from smaller to larger sizes. It's best to get your measurements and compare it to the sizing chart on each product description.

Plain Jane
8 months ago.

Joyce, I am sorry to say no one makes a suit for us. I am 15 years post mastectomy. I don't wear prosthesis, so mastectomy suits with pockets are of no interest to me (they bag out where I am flat). The recommendation by Swimoutlet to wear a unitard is ridiculous. They aren't flattering for those of us who aren't competitive swimmers with fit physiques. We need a lined tankini top, no pockets, no soft cups in fabric patterns that distract from our flat chests, that we can pair with our choice of solid color bottoms. They make them for prepubescent little girls, I don't know why they can't make them for adult cancer survivors. Maybe someday some manufacturer somewhere will hear our cries for help.

1 Reply

Michele L. Therien
5 months ago.

I don't know if Plain Jane will receive my response, but I 100% agree with her. I had a bilateral mastectomy and have absolutely no interest in reconstructive surgery. Frankly, I'm thrilled not to have to wear bras anymore, but finding a swim top for someone with no boobs is basically impossible. Women such as us need that option.

Jenny
1 year ago.

Almost half of all women who get a double mastectomy do not get reconstruction. And many of us do not use protheses. So why can I not find an unpocketed swimsuit for a flat-chested woman? Please offer some selection.

3 Replies

SwimOutlet
1 year ago.

Hi Jenny!

You can get a unitard like the EQ Swimwear Seville Rose Glide Unitard.

Robin G Bonner
1 year ago.

Jenny, I am looking for the same. I have tried a few racing style suits that are only lined; no cups. They haven't been very flattering, though. I would like to find a nice patterned suit. Have you found anything yet?
Robin

Sara Ross
10 months ago.

Agree! I am looking for the same. Something patterned and attractive for a flat chest post double mastectomy.

1 Reply

AnninCLE
5 months ago.

I too am searching, and have found anaono for flat chested bras (I've had my implants removed due to complications) and they do have a swim wear line - but everything is out of stock right now. Sign up for their newsletter to get updates.

Geri keefe
1 year ago.

I am looking for a tanking swim top without a bra in it. I have chosen not to have reconstructive surgery I am post bolt mastectomy and I am unable to find a suit without a bra. I have been cutting the bra out of old suits but I am tired of doing that not to mention it looks pretty messy! Anyone know who sells such a swimsuit top? Thanks

1 Reply

SwimOutlet
1 year ago.

Hi Geri!

We recommend the swim top with shelf bra and have removable cups.

Sylvia
1 year ago.

Looking for a swimsuit with good control ie compression of breasts (partial mastectomy with lymphedema) D cup

1 Reply

swimoutlet.com
1 year ago.

Hi Sylvia! I would suggest taking a look at the Matectomy Swimwear.

To see the entire selection, please copy and paste the link below on your internet browser.

https://www.swimoutlet.com/post-mastectomy-swimwear-c9371/

Barbara
2 years ago.

I am a plus size woman who just had partial masectomy and have gone from a DD to an A cup. I love to swim but need a new swimsuit for my large hips and want to use inserts so that I have about a C cup. I am concerned about putting silicon inserts in chlorine water. Will the chlorine affect the prosthesis? If I use foam cups, will the become heavy due to the absorption of water? I am interested in any, and all, suggestions. Thank you.

1 Reply

SwimOutlet
2 years ago.

Hi Barbara,

Yes you can swim wearing your prosthesis. However, if you are a regular swimmer it may be advisable to buy a swimming prosthesis as chlorine may cause damage. Treat the prosthesis like your own skin. Wash it with warm soapy water and dry with a towel.

Vicky
3 years ago.

Do you have to have foam pads or can it be worn without them?

1 Reply

Swimoutlet.com
3 years ago.

Hi Vicky!
You don't have to, that is totally up to you :)

Kathryn Jefferis
4 years ago.

Why do the models wearing the protesis suits have breast?? My none breast doesn't look like that!! Any woman that has had a mastectomy and didn't do implants does not look like the models that you use to model these bathing suits. I have one breast and I know for a fact that more than half of your suits wouldn't work on me, and I sure many other women. Very disappointed.

2 Replies

Kay
3 years ago.

You are so right. Why not show models who have mastectomies. How insensitive.

3 Replies

Carla
2 years ago.

I totally agreee.

Carla
2 years ago.

Do I measure with my prosthesis in for a bathing suit?

SwimOutlet
2 years ago.

Hi Katheryn,

Mastectomy suits are classified into two - shelf bra with sewn-in mastectomy pockets for prosthesis and a constructed suit with soft cups. These models wear either of the two. We would highly suggest to check the product description for more details.

Kathy
1 year ago.

I have not gotten reconstruction, love the beach , need a flat chested suit , no pockets reminding me of what I don't have . Please !!!!

Pat
4 years ago.

Don't want to wear prosthetics, is there a swim suit for no breasts?

2 Replies

swimoutlet.com
4 years ago.

Hi Pat, Unfortunately we are not offering any at the moment. I suggest purchasing a swimsuit made from Polyester material. Polyester holds its shape the best and does not stretch very much making it the best option. When browsing for swimsuits, you are able to filter by material on the left hand side. I hope this helps!

1 Reply

Karalee shields
1 year ago.

I am trying to patent my designs. I had radical double mastectomy no reconstruction. Im designing bathing suits shirts dressess and lingere for women who stayed flat and r beautiful

3 Replies

Michelle
1 year ago.

Thanks! I have had a double mastectomy no reconstruction I like swimming and water activities and don't want to worry with prosthetics. I look forward to seeing your products!

Jenny
1 year ago.

I look forward to seeing your products too. Shameful that it's so difficult to find swimsuits for women who stay flat after a double mastectomy and don't want to other with prosthetics. Are women required to pretend to have breasts?

Kathy
1 year ago.

Awesome , please keep me posted ravenwoodrealestate@gmail.com

Nan
3 years ago.

I'm with Pat. There needs to be something for those of us who do not wear prosthetics. I have finally started buying swim shirts that zip up the front, but all I really need is a suit with no bra. I hope you offer something again.

its_a_girl_oct07@yahoo.com
4 years ago.

I was not fortunate to get reconstruction and I cannot wear the prosthetics because my arms are still so bad I need a bathing suit that will be just straight across no brawl it it just to relax

2 Replies

SwimOutlet.com
4 years ago.

Hello!
I would suggest taking a look at the Bandeau one piece swimsuits, for example the Beach Diva Swimwear New Paisley Queen Bandeau One Piece Swimsuit (Product Code 8143226). It's a great option if your looking for something easier to get in to and to relax in. If you'd like to see the entire selection, please copy and paste the following link on your browser:

https://www.swimoutlet.com/womens-bandeau-swimsuits-c15630#cat=15630&page=1&sortby=Popularity&viewall=no

I hope this helps!

Susan Everett Breton
6 months ago.

I fully agree. I had a radical double mastectomy, NO RECONSTRUCTION, and did not get prosthetics. I feel just fine without them, thank you. WHY aren’t there swimsuits for the 50%+ of us who did NOT get reconstruction and who DO NOT WEAR PROSTHETICS?

Sandra
4 years ago.

Desperately unsuccessfully trying to find a one piece suit where my insert can go in.

1 Reply

swimoutlet.com
4 years ago.

Hi Sandra,
Here are some options for a one piece swimsuit where you are able to add your insert:

Penbrooke Krinkle Mastectomy High Neck Mio One Piece Swimsuit and the Tuffy Active Tank Mastectomy One Piece Swimsuit.

If you have further questions, feel free to reach us anytime!

Anne
5 years ago.

I purchased a longitude post mastectomy swim suit and was going to use my regular prostheses and insert them into the suit. I can't find a place to insert them in this suit.rm23341. I was a swimmer growing up and I'm looking for a normal lap swim suit (cross straps) and higher on the legs that allows inserts also. I also swam in a triathlon and I found that my suit with no inserts did not work at all. Any ideas?

Jo
5 years ago.

I would like either a mastectomy swim suit with a bra into which I can insert my protheses OR a mastectomy swim suit with falsies built into the suit. Anyone know of their?

2 Replies

Swimoutlet.com
5 years ago.

Hi Jo,
Mostly all of our post mastectomy suits have shelf bras with sewn-in mastectomy pockets to accommodate prostheses. Please see the link below. I hope you find a suit that works for you. Please let us know if you have any questions. Have a great day!

https://www.swimoutlet.com/searchresults.asp?Search=post+mastectomy&checkRealSearchInput=Y#cat=&page=2&search=post_mastectomy&sortby=Popularity&viewall=yes

cheryl pruitt
3 years ago.

i had a mastectomy in 2003,and I'm sure you know that you can get one that is for using in bathing suits. they are firmer and not filled with the jelly like stuff. the lady that fitted me for my bras and prostheses told me that you can sew, by hand, the cover that comes with the prostheses in any bathing suit, then put your prostheses into it. it works good. hope this helps you.

Lauren MacArthur
5 years ago.

I am an older woman, and need a new post-mastectomy bathing suit. I prefer either a one- or two-piece suit that has leg openings in the shorts style. I am having great difficulty finding this........help!

1 Reply

Swimoutlet.com
5 years ago.

Hi Lauren,
I am sorry to hear that you have been having a hard time finding a post mastectomy suit. Unfortunately, we do not have any that fit your description. You can purchase one of the post mastectomy bikini tops and pair it with a different bottom. Below you can find the links to our post mastectomy section as well as the link for the desired bottoms. I hope you find a suit that you like. Let us know if you have any other questions. Have a wonderful day!

https://www.swimoutlet.com/post-mastectomy-swimwear-c9371/?rd=N&Search=mastectomy#cat=9371&page=2&sortby=Popularity&viewall=yes

https://www.swimoutlet.com/womens-swimwear-c9326/#cat=9326&search=BOY_SHORTS&sortby=Popularity

Mary Fosgard
5 years ago.

Actually, not all women want to wear a prosthesis. There are a good number of us who think flat is fabulous, and are comfortable with our new bodies. Yet I have not been able to find even one suit that accommodates that choice, one suit that simply has a liner, no bra, no pockets!

4 Replies

Swimoutlet.com
5 years ago.

Hi Mary,
Our suits in the competition section are just lined with no bra or pockets. You can view those suits in the link below. I hope you find one that works for you.
https://www.swimoutlet.com/womens-competition-swimwear-c12144/

Carole
5 years ago.

Mary, I feel exactly the same as you - I don't wear prosthesis and love being flat. I have found one piece suits in the "competitive" areas of stores, but would love a tankini instead of a once piece.

1 Reply

Cathy
5 years ago.

Thanks to both of you!! I cannot have reconstruction and do not want to wear prosthetic inserts -- I prefer au natural!! A bathing suit for my birthday suit!!

Anne
4 years ago.

Thank you Mary. I have been looking for a top to falter my new shape. I don't want to be bothered with inserts.

Dana Manas
4 years ago.

Like everyone else, thank you Mary. I am 5 years out and have been looking for a suit since my surgery. I do have scarring issues in addition to a long body so I do prefer a tankini. I will check out the competition suits though. Thanks for your input.

Susan Landess-Towne
5 years ago.

I continuously look for a competitive swim suit for post mastectomy. It is nearly impossible to find. I have worn Lands End in the past but they seem to have discontinued their offering. I compete in triathlons as well as regular endurance swimming training and have been unable to find competitive style swimwear for my needs. For a triathlon I have to wear an extra bra as I have never found a tri suit with a pocket for my prosthesis. HELP!!!

1 Reply

SwimOutlet.com
5 years ago.

Hi Susan,
I am sorry to hear that you have been having a hard time finding a competitive post mastectomy suit. Below is a link to our post mastectomy section. Unfortunately we do not have tri suits specifically in this section but I found the Amoena Rhodes Mastectomy One Piece that looks like it may fit your needs. I hope you find a suit that you like. Let us know if you have any other questions. Have a wonderful day!
https://www.swimoutlet.com/post-mastectomy-swimwear-c9371/

Pat
6 years ago.

Has any one found a one piece swim suit size 18 that does not need prothesis or padding and will not leave a gap where my breasts used to be?

Janet weaver
6 years ago.

Bathing suits with a side opening insert are so much better than a top opening. The inserts work their way out of the top opening and it is very embarrassing . Also annoying trying to keep them in place. I wish manufacturers would take note and make as many styles as possible with side opening insert. Also note in info whether it is top or side opening.

Janet weaver
6 years ago.

Laura F.
6 years ago.

how long shld i wear a suit with breast inserts if i plan to have a reconstruction without causing diifficulty and affecting my future sugery and i have purchased silicone inserts

1 Reply

SwimOutlet.com
6 years ago.

Hi Laura,

I would think that you should be able to wear your inserts until you have your surgery. They should last you a long time and should not affect your future surgery in any way. I would recommend that you double check with your doctor as well. Please let us know if you have any other questions. Have a wonderful day!

1 Reply

Laura F
6 years ago.

I have read a lot of info and i'm still unsure what size suit I should get my silicone breast form is a size 12. I am a plus size was a size 20 and had gotten to a size 16 from excercise then I had my surgery. I think I should purchase a size 18 but if a start back my exercise i know i will lose weight. I purchased breast forms from TLC and I'am looking at their swim suits.

Joe
6 years ago.

I am trying to buy new bikinis for my wife as a surprise. She had a double mastectomy and had reconstruction at the same time. Her cup size has increased but it is the support style I would like advice on. Any help is greatly appreciated.

1 Reply

Swimoutlet.com
6 years ago.

Hi Joe,

If you're looking for a suit that gives good bust support, then you would want to get one that has a soft cup bra. Below is a link to those suits. I hope you find one that you or your wife likes. Let us know if you have any other questions. Have a wonderful day!

https://www.swimoutlet.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=soft cups &Search.x=0&Search.y=0&UserSearch=Yes&checkRealSearchInput=Y

Cher Southwell Wise
7 years ago.

can regular prosthesis be used in pools with chlorine? or does it have to be made of a different material?
confused... thanks

1 Reply

SwimOutlet.com
7 years ago.

Hi Cher,

Some manufacturers do advise that you would be able to use a prosthesis in a chlorinated pool depending on the material and how well you take care of it. But they do recommend getting a swimming specific one. I believe a fiber-filled form or silicone one would be okay to use as long as you make sure to take care of it well after each use. I would suggest speaking with your doctor though on this. I hope this information is helpful. Let us know if you have any further questions. Have a wonderful day!

marjorie bednarek
7 years ago.

Can the post mastectomy swimsuits be worn in the water WITHOUT a breast insert? Is there any padding already sewn into the swimwear to form the breast area or does padding have to be inserted? I would prefer not to wear something that will absorb water while taking water exercise. Any help appreciated. Thanks.

1 Reply

SwimOutlet.com
7 years ago.

Hi Majorie,

Yes, you can wear it without an insert but it may not be even. Most of the post mastectomy suits have a shelf bra and/or soft cups as well. I hope this information is helpful. Let us know if you have any further questions. Have a wonderful day!

Elaine Terrien
7 years ago.

where can I purchase the insert for the bathing suit

2 Replies

SwimOutlet.com
7 years ago.

Hey Elanie -

We have various silicone inserts on our website, but here is one option: https://www.swimoutlet.com/product_p/29823.htm?color=27223

Hope this helps!

Thanks,
SwimOutlet.com