5 Tips for Post-mastectomy Swimsuit Shopping

Anita post-mastectomy

We've said it befor - swimsuit shopping is daunting for women - all women, not just you. The basic
principles for finding one that helps you feel fantastic, and as confident as you can be heading to the pool or beach, don't change when you are ready to purchase a new swimsuit in the years after a mastectomy.

1. take your time - expect to try on numerous suits to find the shape and colour that flatters your current shape. Don't worry about the size number, it will change depending on the designer, pay attention to the fit and comfort. If you are not comfortable in the shop, it will not get better after hours of wear.
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2. fit your needs - beyond a pocket for your swim form, does the neckline need to cover scaring? are the sides high enough? if surgery was recent, stay away from underwires or side boning (but we've had 10 year survivors prefer to wear underwire again). Bring your swim form with you to ensure it fits into the pocket. If you prefer not to use a swim form, try on suits that help to balance your shape, select a lining or soft cups that feel natural.

itFigures post-mastectomy onepiece swimsuit

3. balance your shape - this hasn't changed from last years swimsuit shopping. Use colour and pattern to create the overall impression, mix & match styles and sizes to get the best fit. Follow your personal style, meaning if you loved the red polka dot bikini befor, don't buy a simple black one piece and think you will learn to like it. If your style was always classic black, then the bold fuchsia stripes aren't going to help you feel confident.

4. how will you use it? might sound like an obvious question, but someone who plans to swim laps has different needs than a lady planning to sit poolside or a mom chasing an active 4 year old. Move around in the swimsuit to ensure it will be comfortable for your planned activities. Swim skirts and retro styles are very popular, but neither works well for serious swimmers who need more freedom of movement.

5. accent your best features - a low back can show off beautiful shoulders, as does a T back, a bare midriff will bring focus to your waistline, high cut legs will help you look taller. A pleated or twisted bodice helps disguise uneven sizes or makes the most of a small bust, a high neckline not only covers a sun-sensitive décolletage but can minimize a larger bust. To minimize your midriff try ruching or colour blocking.

Lastly, let a swimsuit fitter help you. Let us know what your needs are (it is always difficult to tell when you arrive in a bulky sweater), and we will work with you until you reach that ah-ha moment of I feel fabulous in this one! Don't settle for less.