Bathing Suit Shopping was "a bust"

mason204

I'm really feeling discouraged.

I went shopping for a bathing suit and came home empty handed.  The one major store in Toronto that I visited and came highly recommended (the boutique at Mt. Sinai hospital) had about 20 suits but they all started at size 14.  I'm roughly a size 10 but am tall.  I tried on the size 14 one-piece but it was still too short!!!!!  They didn't have any bikinis and the tankinis they had were HUGE.

They said if I order a suit from the catalogue, I have to pay in advance and if it doesn't fit, too bad.  They tried to convince me to buy what they had when it obviously didn't fit me.  I refused to pay almost $200 for a bathing suit that was not my style and didn't fit.  The brand I tried on was Amoena.  Does this tend to fit large?  Also the area in the top of all the suits seemed to fit a DD cup.  I was "B" cup size and I think if I fit my prosthesis inside the suits they would "float around"..?

I walked out of the store in tears.  What to do?

Cheryl in Toronto

mason204

Thanks, Shrink.

I just bought a suit online from Lands End for $20 a few minutes ago.  Probably the same suit as the one's you've bought.  They had "long" sizes available which is more than I'd hoped for.  If the suit fits, I'll certainly go back to the web site and buy more of them.  Now I'm beginning to wonder if I should have bought more than one at that price....

Amers:  There are no Nordstrom stores in Toronto but when I visit the U.S., I'll keep that in mind.

Erica3681

mason,

So sorry you had that depressing experience. I don't understand why they don't carry some smaller sizes in the boutique you visited. But I just wanted to say that Lands End is really good about exchanges or returns, should that be necessary. And I've also found that different suits they make fit differently. I've found one I really like, but had to return another one as it didn't fit my physique. So, if the one you ordered doesn't fit quite right, it might be worth trying a different one or a different size, even though some extra shipping costs may be involved. Their prices are quite good and they sometimes have sales.

Good luck!

Barbara

suemed8749

Hi mason -

I'm another happy Lands End shopper. I've bought their regular suits for years, and this summer I got the high neck mast suit and I love it. Good luck to you.

Sue

purplemb

Mason...ok I had a bilateral and I hated buying a suit also...check out what i make with poofy's..and I just sew it into a regular suit... I even have a bikini DH says its pretty good...

I tried the Lands end one too, fitted ok, but very high neck.. so I went to a regular suit, very nice lady helped me get fitted, good luck

MB.. PM if you want... I have a BC clsoet and a few suits ...

roseg

It seems like a lot of mastectomy swim suits are geared towards older women who are often heavier.

I ordered a Land End suit but felt like it was awfully big in the chest. However, as many have noted, they are very nice about returns.

One regular suit I have had removable push-up pads. That was almost perfect as I could take them out and put my own shaper in. Swim suits aren't something I like to shop for, but this time of year when they're on sale I give them a quick look-over in case one with the characteristics I like is included.

I hope your suit works out!

Raye99

My new style of suit is a cute sports bra worn flat as a pancake and matching bikini bottoms. I got so tired of my "padding" slipping around, falling out, being uneven, etc., I said forget it and now just go flat. No one gives me a second glance, honestly (not that I know if anyway). BUT, now that I've heard that Nordstrom's will sew a pocket into any suit and if I could make one of Purple MB's poofys - well, I'd be all set! This year; however, I'll go flat.

 Raye

caaclark

There is a new mast. suit from Lands End that I got this year.  At least I think it is new because I had never seen it previously.  Anyway, it is not high in the neck at all.  Actually it is more like a v-neck and has straps that cross in the back.  I ordered a size 8 and I am a 34 A/B.  It is also very comfortable.

Anita suits are nice too but more expensive than Lands End.

mthomp2020

I'm not tall, but I'm a bit long torsoed.  I've been trying to find a regular suit with a high enough neckline that also has a soft-cup bra in it.  I'm finding that the one-pieces end up being too short and the bra cups are almost at my waist!  I had a unilateral, and my breast is actually a bit high on my chest, which is making it hard to find something in a 1-piece.  Glad the tankinis are popular right now!  I did buy a tankini from Lands End, and it's really quite cute.  Still need a 1 piece for real swimming, though.

I have an old Miraclesuit from before my surgery that I'd hoped would work, but it's now too short because of the bra position.  I love the way the suit smooths out my lumps and bumps, and it's very sporty looking - not old ladyish.  Fortunately, they still carry it, and it's available in a long torso.  You might want to check out Cyberswim on line and see if there's anything in a long torso in a regular suit that could be adapted with a pocket.   

It seems the manufacturers of mastectomy bras and bathing suits assume everyone who buys them is 60+ years old and at least a size 14 or larger.  Plus at least a C cup.  I'm a large A/small B, and a size 10, so I know where you're coming from.  I'm 55, and I still like to wear something that isn't matronly/grandmotherly, but not what a 20 year old would wear. 

Erica3681

I just heard that Gottex is coming out with a line of mastectomy suits. I'm like you, mthomp. I don't want to look matronly, but also don't want anything too 20-something (I'm 59). Before my surgery, I loved the Gottex suits. They're pricey, but I usually bought at most one a year--comfortable and good-looking one-pieces. I hope I like their mastectomy versions. Apparently, they'll be higher in the front, but I hope not too high. This won't help this summer, though--I think the line is being introduced around September.

Erica3681

Raye,

I wish I had the guts to go flat. I'm quite small (5' 41/2", 106 pounds), yet I still don't feel in proportion without breast forms. Can you tell us the name of the sports bra you use?

A little story--one day this winter, I was in Miami and swimming in a pool there. No one else was in the water or by the pool (my DH was in the jacuzzi). I'd been swimming laps and my suit started to irritate me where my chest meets my underarm (I find the mastectomy suits come up awfully high under my arm). I finally said, "the heck with this" and just pulled the suit down to my waist and swam 10 more laps. It was heavenly!! 

Barbara

Texgirl

Although I did the Lands End and Nordstroms thing, I also sewed in my own pockets with a stretchy type material. It didn't look so neat from the inside but it looked fine from outside ! I looked for suits with a halter type neck or one that went straight across...I needed several suits as we live just off the gulf and I hate to wear the same'ol same 'ol every day. Good luck.

otter

For those of you who don't want to swim "flat"--

Have you been watching any of the Olympic Trials stuff?  Anybody notice how flat-chested most of those female swimmers are?  A lot of the other female athletes who wear "skins"-type outfits are noticeably flat, too, especially in the track-and-field events.  Comes with all that training and the loss of body fat, I guess.

So, just imagine you're an athlete.   (I can't do it, 'cause I still have my original size A/B boob on one side; but some of you can!)

otter 

syren3340

I had the same experience 5 yrs ago w/ buying a suit.  I came out of the store crying b/c of poor choice & matronly looking.  I found something in Nordstroms & a swim form to.  They expidited to me so I could go on my vacation w/ it.  Land's End is also cool.  If I had the mind & will to, I'd go into biz w/ a designer & design suits for young women. 

mason204

I did get my Lands End $20 suit in the mail.  Boy is that sucker "thick" and "heavy".  It's probably because it's fully lined (I ordered the bright red suit).  Matronly - you bet!  It served it's purpose when I needed a suit in a hurry.

I wore it to a waterpark and found that it rides high under my arms bothering my mastectomy site on both arms (even the mastectomy side I had done 4 years ago).  It's too bad because it's a very practical suit, and probably bullet-proof it's so sturdy.

I have a port in my chest that is so large that it sticks out like a large lump.  This suit rides high in the front and is one of the first suits I've had that covers my port.

I have to say that while I was going down several waterslides, that sucker didn't "ride up" once.  A bonus, I suppose. 

Anonymous

Cheryl

I couldn't find a mastectomy bathing suit I liked either. The women from the mastectomy boutique I went to for my prothestic told me to just go out and buy a regular bathing suit that I liked and they would then sew in a pocket for a small fee. I did find 2 suits I liked and ended up taking them to the tailors in town to have pockets sewn in. They work beautifully and the falsie stays in place! If you sew at all or know someone who does, this is the way to go!

Viv in Port Perry

Caya

Cheryl -  I live in Toronto, and the best store to go to here in the city for bathing suits is Melmira on Yonge Street (I think between York Mills and Lawrence).  I bought 2 lovely bathing suits there last year.  They are a specialty bra/bathing suit store.  You go into a private change room with a fitter, she will ask you alot of questions about the type of suit you want - tankini, one piece, etc., colours you like, price range etc.  She will then bring you many suits for you to try on.  The selection of the mastectomy suits is very good, and they will also sew pockets in any of the regular suits.  The suits range in price from $80 + - but I have to tell you they are the nicest suits I've had in a long time - and I mean even when before my MRM. 

I bought a special prosthesis for swimming, it cost $100 - but I feel it's worth it because it will last forever.  The swimming "foobs" have a concave middle that works better in the water.  I have worn mine many times with my new bathing suits and you could never tell.

Texgirl

A good Swimsuit is really hard to find (after a mastectomy )..so says the article I just saw in the 6/08 OPRAH magazine I found in the gym...just a one page article really but it suggested going to a web site started by a former oncology nurse www.womanspersonalhealth.com  all sorts of things are listed not just swim suits...another site was also referred from that one..www.smartshopforwomen.com   perhaps u ladies will see something you like !

paige-allyson

Bumping this up. I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking about swimsuits in the middle of winter.

I think I'm going to stick with the "flat as a pancake" look that you mention Raye. The whole finding the right breast substitute then getting it to stay put and be quiet is too much of a pain. 

I have a 2-piece I got at TJ Maxx that has just a little bit of padding in the cups. It works pretty well and no one seems to stare or notice.

OLBinNJ

I am very concave on my mast side, up to about an inch below my collar bone.  I have found the Lands End high neck tankinis work the best.  I sew a pocket in them if they're not mast suits, and use the Amoena 126 Leisure form.  The form soaks up water, so when I get out of the water, I wrap a towel around myself and squeeze my arms across my chest to get most of the water out.

kerry32

I too bought the high neck mast suit from Land's End.  I also bought the Tankini but i love the other one better.  I can't use my regular forms in suits as they sag so I bought the Amoena 126 soft forms and they work perfectly - Thanks to Erica for the tip!

CAACLARK - I know the suit you talking about - I think Land's End had a couple cute ones this year.  I might order that one with the cute back too!

dreamwriter

I have to tell you my bathing suit story.  But be prepared to laugh.  I bought a cheap black suit at Zellers to wear in my friends pool.  It was private... I could wear a t-shirt over it.  Well stupid me put my regular prosthesis in it, and put the tshirt over.  As soon as I got in the pool, the damn thing floated up under the shirt, threatening to strangle me.  It ended up poolside with a towel over it and I just swam lobsided.  But I could see the funny side of it.

PraiseTheLord

I found the best company for swimsuit and swim wear and prosthesis for swim and sports and other styles of life is: http://www.amoena.com/us/

Club Amoena has great swim forms- great color catalog too!

Love it

AMOENA® BRINGS MORE "COMFORT" TO THEIR COMFORT+ BREAST FORM COLLECTION Even more comfortable to wear: Breast forms with Comfort+Take a fresh look at TheBreastCareSite.com

Amoena swimwear gives women the confidence to show off their figures and be active again,whether on the beach or in the pool. Clever tailoring translates into high quality swimsuits that are both stylish and comfortable to wear. Each suit features pockets that hold a breast form securely in place.The Amoena collection includes a wide selection of styles, organized into three lifestyle segments: Feel, Style and Move.

Move
Be sure with every move you make
For women who enjoy swimming as exercise, the Move collection offers the most advanced fabrics together with great colors and designs, for the ultimate in function, fit and visual appeal

Raye99

Dreamwriter - LOL. Too funny. Is that someones' flotation device??

This is why I go flat chested, although this year I might live on the edge and put my forms under my very form fitting sports bra.

Barbara - I am sorry that I never answered your question about the sports bra. I wear Champion brand; the sports bras are the "cami" style - they have a bit more style than the regular sports bras. I have a black one, white one and then a multi colored one - black, white and hot pink, which I wear with either hot pink or black bikini bottoms. I've found them at TJ Maxx for as little as $9.00. They also have them at Target.

Erica3681

Raye,

Thanks for the info about the sports bra.

BTW, you look so pretty in your avatar. Is that a new one?

Barbara

Erica3681

oops, Raye, now it's a dog!!! I meant the prior one . . . (LOL)

Raye99

LOL Barbara! Too funny. Thank you!

barbe1958

I am going to do the flat route, too, but I have to say: for you ladies able to wear a 2-piece, hat's off to you!

I will be 51 at my daughters's wedding in the Dominican this May and have't worn a 2 piece since I had my first child (he'll be 28 in March).

I think the expanse of tummy would nicely distract from the chest. With me, all I'll have is this great expanse of fabric and probably a skirt too! Mind you, I kept my suit from a couple years ago (gave away all my other pretty tops) and it is just a black skirted piece (so what). Now all I need are pretty, distractingly patterned tops to wear with it.

I am anxious about finding a pretty dress to wear to the wedding. My son is getting married in August so a lot of people will see the same dress (so what). I need a pretty, backless dress with a founcy front in a size 2 (I am a 16 or so, so what).

Wish me luck... 

Sossy

Don't know if this will help, but thought I'd post just in case.  I'm a 34B (still have one side) and did not want to buy a mastectomy style when I was shopping for swimsuits.  After trying on absolutely everything, I was amazed to find that a simple bandeau style top with the straps that come from the center to go around neck (found mine at Target cheap!) ended up working the best!  The one I found actually had pockets sewn in with a very thin shaper style pad.  My regular prosthesis wasn't the right shape, so I just used one of those shaper cutlet things shaped like a half moon that you can buy everywhere (Macys, even Target).  Was lightweight, stayed in place (even when a huge wave hit me in Hawaii!!) and looked cute!!  Good luck with your search!

Joanna1

I took my bathing suit in to the mastectomy shop. Someone there sewed in a "pocket" for $10. So....I had my regular bathing suit that I already liked (that fit my hips! ((ha)). Certainly was a savings because mastectomy bathing suits were rather costly!

Joanna1

I took my bathing suit in to the mastectomy shop. Someone there sewed in a "pocket" for $10. So....I had my regular bathing suit that I already liked (that fit my hips! ((ha)). Certainly was a savings because mastectomy bathing suits were rather costly!