Mastectomy Bras-lighter more youthful looking?

I know that Nordstroms will sew pockets in bras when you buy them there.  They might also do it for bras purchased elsewhere.  You can buy pockets from mastectomy bra companies that you can have sewn into your bras as well by a seamstress.  Just call around and see if there's a seamstress that would sew the pockets in for you.  TLC carries a pocket that is very reasonable, and comes in packs of 4.  Many women on this board wear regular bras.  Some don't even put pockets in them, they just put the form in a cover and wear it that way.  I've tried that, but the form always ends up migrating towards the center - not a good look!

I know what you mean about the bras being made for more full breasted women.  I love the T-shirt bras that are made of stretch foam, as they seem to help even my remaining breast out, plus they aren't as bulky in the straps and bands.  You might check out the ABC petite t-shirt bra.  I have one, and it really worked out well until I gained weight.  The Amoena Lara is also quite nice.  I can't stand a bra with seams that show through, but I need some sort of lining so I don't get a one-sided "head-light" look when a cool breeze blows! 

A bra you might like is a Classique bra that doesn't have seams and is very lightweight.  The cups are stretchy, and the band isn't all that bulky - better then most of them.  Quite an adventure finding what works, isn't it?

I'd try it in a couple and see how it goes. If you are small chested it probably will work out.Be sure and look at yourself a few hours after having gotten dressed. Stuff does tend to move around during the day.

Some of the construction in mastectomy bras is helpful in keeping the prosthesis in place. 

I too am a fan of the ABC t-shirt bra. I think it might be worth trying out. I've had reconstruction and have a partial prosthesis to even out what my PS couldn't quite perfect. Over time I have switched to more constructed bras and I do think I look better than I did pre-bc, at least dressed

After a poor fitting at a specialty fitter's shop locally, I turned to the internet. What has become a very good online source for me is www.metromedicalonline.com (No, I don't get paid for putting in this link; I just like the way this company does business!)

Under their Mastectomy Products tab, look for 'Amoena Overstocks' to find mastectomy bras that have been greatly reduced in price--and if you buy 2 or more of the same size, color & style, you get an additional 20% off the additional bra(s). (Among them was the bra I had bought locally--but the price was about half what the fitter was charging.)

Their 'regular' priced mx bras are discounted, too, though not as much. They also have breast forms, both in the overstock section and in their regular mastectomy products. Yes, they have a wide range of bra styles, including t-shirt bras. Some are quite feminine. Product descriptions are more detailed than most.

Read policy on returns carefully. Some items aren't returnable, some have a 10% restocking fee. Currently shipping is free for the mainland US with a $50 purchase or more.

IMHO, this is a good place to check out if you want to try something new, or if you know what works for you and you want to replace bras that you like.

I followed the link and found it detailed, but a little daunting! However, for those of us who are faint at heart, sew-in bra pockets are available through www.tlcdirect.org -- this is the retail arm of the American Cancer Society. They are reasonably priced at 4 for $14. and shipping for any size order is $6. The pockets are sized according to your bra band. Here's their description, which I copied:

"Our sew-in bra pockets are an easy and inexpensive way to convert your bras, evening gowns, backless dresses, swimsuits or nightgowns into mastectomy garments.

Complete sewing instructions are included. Even those who are sewing-challenged should be able to follow these easy instructions.

Imported in hand-washable, soft cotton/spandex. Please specify which you would like:                       ;

The Package of 4 includes 4 Left or 4 Right.

The Double Bilateral Set includes 2 of each.

Thanks!  I'll check out that link.

OK, I'm trying a "Lara" in raspberry!

"bone in the side seam" doesn't sound good.

One of my "issues" with my reconstructred side is that I don't have a lot of tissue to the side and wires etc... sometimes rub.

I hope I made the right choice. I don't like bras that are low cut at the front because if they rub it bothers me. I'm just so picky.....

Here's one of my favorites...very light and stretchy and pretty! It's available at Amazon.com - just type in stretch lace pocket bras.

I've found some of the Anita mastectomy bras to be very feminine and comfortable. I recommend a few on BreastFree.org, but have recently purchased one of their newer bras, the Gloria, no. 5382. (I'll add it to the BreastFree list soon.) It's smooth and great for wearing with tight-fitting tees, and it's very comfortable. Anita also sells non-mastectomy bras and a number of them are the same styles, only without the pockets. So, I feel as if Anita has the right idea--to design bras for those of us who wear breast forms that provide the same look as we would want if we still had both our breasts.

Barbara

My "Lara" came and I like it.

It is nylon. With the pockets and all it's still pretty light.

Whether it'll be my favorite bra come sticky weather is another issue.

Barbara - How funny you should post about the Gloria bra by Anita. I have that written down here on legal pad, as I saw it online yesterday and thought it was attractive and, as you mentioned, would look nice with fitted Tshirts.

Laura - that one you posted is very pretty. I typically like smooth bras, but would like something lacy for special occasions. Do your forms fit nicely in this bra? I wear a size 3 form.

Hi Barbara,

Yes, I recall that you wear size 3 as well. Nice to hear that the Gloria makes a woman look a little bigger. Another bonus to this bra it seems.

To answer your question about the Natura forms: yes, I love them. They are comfortable, cool and I am not even aware that I have them on.

I can't remember if my forms are 3S, but in any event, my Naturas mold nicely to my chest wall. I will check the box tonight and see if my forms are the 3S (I believe they are).

Reconstruction: thinking, but not acting. Afraid of complications and almost ready to let things be the way they are now. I am active and don't want to sacrifice muscle, can't have implants or DIEP, so we'll have to see. Thanks for asking, Barbara.

Thanks! I'm glad the forms are working so well for you. By the way, I love your new avatar!

Raye,

FWIW, I like another Anita bra--the Nastasja, #5362. Here's a link: http://www.metromedicalonline.com/anita5362.html. If you enlarge the image, you can see it really clearly. It does have a seam, so not the best for really tight tee shirts, but it's a pretty bra and extremely comfortable. If you're going to the fitter, you might want to check that one out, too.