formal dresses

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sj123
sj123 Member Posts: 1
edited June 2014 in Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy

Hi.  I'm trying to help my sister find a bridesmaid dress.  She is a plus size, and we're having difficulty finding something at David's Bridal that looks good on her and will provide enough support.  (she has 2 prostheses).  Does anybody have any ideas/experience?  (I'm the bride, so all I care about is helping her to find a dress that she likes & feels comfortable wearing.)

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  • BoobsinaBox
    BoobsinaBox Member Posts: 550
    edited August 2008

    sj,

    I really can't help you with finding formal wear for a wedding, but I want to say how much I appreciate your attitude as a bride and a sister!  I've dealt with a lot of brides over the years, and you seem to have one of the best attitudes around!  It warmed my heart for you to say that finding a dress she would like and feel comfortable in was your priority!  Perhaps you could find such a dress in a department store instead of just a bridal store.  And when you find the right dress, come back and tell us where you found it.  I'm sure you aren't the only one with the problem...just one of the nicest ones!

    Dawn

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  • roseg
    roseg Member Posts: 3,133
    edited August 2008

    That sounds stressful.

    I've been watching those dress shows on TLC and they sure like the strapless gowns.  I think those would be difficult for someone with a bilateral.

    I would look for something with a strapless-type top that had a net/lace halter extension up to the neck. The net/lace part would provide more support and cover up the cleavage issue. It seems like many of the dresses are tailored to the woman so minor adjustments shouldn't be that hard to get made.

    That TV show needs to do an episode where someone who'se had breast cancer comes to look for a dress.  One time I saw an episode where someone who was a conservative Jew looked for a dress and they were very accommodating in finding her a nice looking dress that covered up the proper parts. 

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  • Sassa
    Sassa Member Posts: 1,588
    edited August 2008

    I  have had bilateral mastectomies and wear prostheses. 

    What type of prostheses  (silicon, foam or fiberfill) does your sister wear?

    I recently was shopping for a formal dress and found a dress that is a halter neck and low in the back.  I wasn't going to buy the dress because I was worried about a bra.  However, a thunderbolt hit me and I realized that I did not have to worry about a bra.

    I had an appointment with my fitter to buy new foam prostheses.  I discussed the situation with her and found out I could pin the foam prostheses into the dress and also used double stick tape on my chest and prostheses' backs for additional security.

    Perhaps foam prostheses would be a solution for her. 

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  • FLtricia
    FLtricia Member Posts: 140
    edited August 2008

    I had an awful time finding my mother of the groom dress.  Then I went on-line and found a mastectomy bra that could either be strapless or had clear plastic straps.  My gown had a crepe bottom and bust, then had sheer chiffon to form sleeveless top.  Anyway, the bra was perfect. 

    I can't remember website but the bra is ABC (American Breast Care) brand.

    Hope this helps. 

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  • LAphoenix
    LAphoenix Member Posts: 452
    edited August 2008

    I bought the same strapless mastectomy bra as FLtricia.  It worked perfectly with an off-the-shoulder dress.  The top of the dress hit just below my collar bone, so nothing showed near my surgery.  I also tried on a dress similar to the one FLtricia described.  It worked well too as it provided coverage but was still dressy and flattering.  The ABC bras do have weird sizing (at least they did when I bought mine last year).  I'm normally a 36C, but wore a 38B ABC bra.  But once I adjusted for their sizing, the fit was fine and I felt totally supported and comfortable. 

    Have a wonderful wedding!

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  • pinklemon
    pinklemon Member Posts: 26
    edited August 2008

    The Abc bra suggested previously is the 112. With this bra, it is normal to go up a band size, and down a cup size. It is a little tight, but it won't move, it really stays in place!

    If she really wants or need the straps, consider jewelry straps. It can be very fancy.

    Also, for a low back, there is bra extenxer that can be attached to the bra, goes around the body, and attaches very low in the back. I know Fashion essentials makes them (Forever New).

    That might help to give her more options!

    Congratulations for your wedding! When is it?

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  • hezzy
    hezzy Member Posts: 146
    edited August 2008

    When going formal for an evening I was worried sick about hiding not only my prostheses, but my scar.  I didn't have tons of money after buying the gown.   I went to a local store and bought a strapless sports bra a size to small so it would be a bit tighter. 

    It hid the scars, and held the prosthesis the night threw.   I love dancing and having fun.  Many people came up to me and they were shocked that it wasn't at all noticed.

    Hope this helps and Congrads

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