Looking for a bra that's not "binding"

mason204

Hi everyone:

After 4 years, I've finally been fitted for breasts and 3 bras! 

It's been about 2 weeks and I'm noticing that my bras seem to "dig in" under the arm area, just a little to the front.  Just on the side where I had surgery about 2.5 months ago.  There's a bit of swelling left over from surgery which is causing the problem.  It feels like someone's rubbing sandpaper over my skin "over and over".  By the end of the day I'm quite uncomfortable.  I have no doubt that in a few months the area will heal but I need something comfortable to wear now.

My insurance will allow me 1 more bra under $58.  Can anyone recommend a bra that's less "binding"?  I have a slim build and am quite tall.  I now wear a 34A or B depending upon the bra.  I currently have an Amoena 2118 and two ABC #105 bras.

Thanks.

Cheryl in Toronto

BoobsinaBox

Hi, Cheryl.

I've had the same problem of bras causing discomfort and pain under my arms, so I just wear camisoles or lightweight sports bras.  The Pals I use are about a 36-A, so this option (camisoles) might work for you.  I got Amoena's Mona bra with my silicone prostheses, and I gave up trying to wear them after 4 months of discomfort.  I tried the silicone in a camisole, but they were too heavy and too big.  (They were supposed to be a small 36-B.)  In regard to the Mona style, it was the only bra I tried on (of 8-10) that I could even stand to have on, so I'm guessing it was about as comfortable as a bra was going to be on me.  Good luck in your search. 

Dawn

Erica3681

Cheryl,

I can really relate to your problem. I'm almost two years out from surgery and I still have chafing in exactly that area if I wear the wrong kind of bra. It's also a problem for me in most mastectomy swim suits, although I've found one Anita suit that works well. The mastectomy bra I've found that works best for this problem is a Classique Bra #769 seamless lace mastectomy bra. It has a lacey look over microfiber, but it doesn't show through even under fitted tees. It doesn't impinge my underarms and I can wear it all day long without discomfort. The band is nice and thick to give support, but the bra is still very feminine and pretty. Here's a link so you can see some good photos of it: http://www.classique1.com/post_mastectomy_fashion_bra_style769.php . You can order the bra from Park Mastectomy Supply. Here's a link: http://www.parkmastectomy.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=Classique_769

As you can see, the price is really good. But Park Mastectomy doesn't accept insurance. Perhaps your fitter can order the bra for you to try.

That's my best suggestion. I also agree with Dawn that camisoles are great. I use the Still You camisole and it's so gentle on my chest and underarms, but you need a very lightweight form with it. If you're very small, your silicone form might work.

Good luck.

Barbara 

nagem

On the rare occasions when I wear a bra, I use a Gap bralette that I've slit open (it has two layers, and I slit open the inside layer to make a pocket and hand stitch around the slit) and insert Amoena 126 foam prostheses. It's lightly elasticized, so it holds the very light prostheses against my chest without binding. Both the bralettes and the 126s are (relatively) cheap, so you might try the combo as an experiment. I like this better than my way-more-expensive silicon-and-fancy-bra combinations. Good luck ...