New Bra
This may be old news but I just discovered the coobie bra, and wanted to share - one size fits all, has an opening in the side for the pad that comes with it, but I'm using it with the TLC bead forms and it is the most comfortable bra I've had, plus it has thin straps and comes in pretty colors so doesn't look so "old and clunky" like so many mast bras. If you google it, you can find where it is sold.
Jennifer
Comments
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Jennifer,
Thanks for that tip! It's not old news on this forum - I think yours is the first post about it. It looks like a really cute, comfortable bra, and with ready-made pockets, even though not designed as a mastectomy bra.
I assume it doesn't ride up with your TLC micro-bead form. Do you think it could support a lightweight silicone form? I'm very tempted to order one and find out!
Barbara
p.s. Here's a link to the Coobie Bra website: http://www.shopcoobie.com/
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Jennifer, since you have one of these would you mind answering a few questions I have that aren't addressed on their website?
* Do the vertical seams on both sides of the bra (between the cups and underarms) go through to the inside -- in other words is the bra lined on the inside, so that it's smooth where it touches your skin?
* How tight/snug is the lower elastic band?
* Are the straps fully adjustable, or are the only adjustable in one section which is in the back? I'm assuming there is adjustability in the back, since the photos don't show any sliding thingies in the front.
* What fabric is it made of? The website doesn't say, but it must be either on the bra tag or printed on the fabric itself.
And lastly, I assume that since it's "one size fits all", it must be very tight; very stretchy, but very very snug. Yes?
I doubt this is something I could wear, because I hate anything that fits snugly across my chest, but the answers to these questions would help others I'm sure.
Thanks! -
Barbara,
I'll try it with a light wt silicone form tomorrow and let you know.
lovemygarden -
* the vertical seams do go through to the inside. The bra is only lined in the cup section, where you would put a prosthesis. The seam is small and it does not bother me
* the elastic is snug enough to hold everything in place but not as snug as a sports bra or most other bras on me.. the band is about an inch wide
* The adjustment for the straps is in the front. In the back and front there is a small hook, so that you could remove the strap
* There is no fabric content label. I would guess its sort of a polyester/micro fiber sort of thing,
kind of like many of the sports fabrics available.
* It is stretchy, and just snug enough, on me. Not too tight at all. One of the more comfortable
bras I've found. You can almost forget you are wearing it. I am a 36A so it might not fit
every size the same, I can only comment on how it feels to me. I wonder if it will stretch out of
shape over time?
Another good thing is the price. They seem to be $18-$20
Jennifer
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Thanks Jennifer! I am a 36 band also (to be comfortable) and use either a size 4 (A cup) or 5 (B cup) microbead form depending on what kind of top I would want to wear; a clingy top will get the size 4/A form but under a bulkier/heavier top I'd choose the 5/B form.
I wouldn't even try the Coobie until I no longer have my port though. I can tell from the photos that the straps would hit it. The only bra I found that is at all wearable with the port is the Anita Nastaja (because the straps are not only narrow but set more to the outside) and even then sometimes if I move my arm in certain ways the edge of the strap will contact my port, which makes me crazy.
Soft fabric touching the port is okay but I hate the feeling of anything more solid (like a seam, bra strap, etc) touching it. One of the many reasons I much prefer going flat whenever possible, which is most of the time. 
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Sounds great! I just got my mastectomy bras and prosthesis and the bras are sooooo tight I just about can't stand it. The Coobie bras look similar to a type of bra I use to wear before BC. I'm anxious to hear how they work with a breast form. I'm new to this whole thing so am still trying to figure it all out.
Thanks! Kim
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Hi Kim,
Having had almost four years to figure this out, I can confirm that it does take some trial and error to figure out what works for you. In my opinion, this can be complicated by the fact that many fitters say that bras need to fit very snugly to hold your prostheses (breast forms) in place. WRONG. I wear my bras at a comfortable fitting, not tight at all, and have no problem whatsoever with breast forms migrating in any way.
Trust your own intuition about what works best for you. The Coobie bras sound like they might be really comfortable. I just ordered one to try.
Barbara
p.s. My non-profit website, BreastFree.org, has many suggestions for bras and breast forms that I and other women (many of whom I met here at bc.org) find comfortable.
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A little off topic but wanted to make everyone aware that a lot of insurance companies will cover post mastectomy and lumpectomy bras. Some bra shops, including the lingerie department at Nordstrom's, will even bill a few insurance companies directly. Always call your insurance company and find out exactly what expenses are covered.
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Hi Barbara,
Thanks for the info. I am going to try and find bra extenders and see if that helps. I got 4 bras and 2 aren't too bad but one of them is awful - I wish I had refused it now. It is so tight and my skin in the back hangs over (I'm not heavy either). What is funny about this particular bra is that it is supposed to be good for under tight clothes (it has a smooth cup) but with all of the skin hanging over the band it looks bad! I am glad to know that I don't have to wear my bras that tight. Before my mx, my bra size was a 36B but the fitter instisted I was a 34B. I should have insisted that she let me try some 36's. Oh well, I guess this too will be a learning process. Thanks for the info and for your website link - looks great!
Kim
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I'm used to reading, not posting (I know, shame on me!) but I just wanted to say that I ordered a coobie and will post a review when it arrives. I was encouraged that two of you are 36A like me, since so many bras that seem to work for everyone else just don't seem to fit right when I try them. I'm happy with my everyday bras (ABC petite tshirt bra), but have been looking forever for a bra that has hooks to accommodate clear straps. I like to wear camis but without clear straps you really can't remove the shirt/jacket/whatever that's over the cami. The detachable strap bra that I'm currently using with camis has an underwire, which is definitely not comfortable! This coosie looks promising. Thanks for posting this, Jennifer!
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Here is another great thread on here with bra recommendations-
http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/753120?page=16#idx_463
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Kate, I'm getting a message that says this web page cannot be found.
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Anne it is a glitch on BC.org that you can't link back to another post on the forum. Instead of clicking on the link just do a Copy/Paste into your URL address window and it will take you right to the thread Kate33 is talking about.
http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/753120?page=16#idx_463
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Sorry! I didn't know about the glitch! The name of the thread is "Bras 101: The Great Post-Exchange Debate". The women on that thread are like bra whisperers or something! They find the best bras for post mastectomy and make recommendations.
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That looks like a bra I bought at Lucy. It had pockets for inserts so I got it. It has that same look in the front.
But the coobie site doesn't show the back of the bra. My complaint with the Lucy bra is that the straps are really skimpy and the way they cross do in the back gives me an awkward fit.
I think Erica is right that the band doesn't need to be as tight as a lot of fitters want them to be, but for me the straps need to be adjustable and more than a spaghetti as they need to hold up my real side and accomidate my reconstruction and insert on the other side.
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does anyone sell them in Canada Ontario
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Thanks for the help with the link. I didn't have a clue! But unless I missing something, that thread is about bras after reconstruction. I've been a uni-boober for almost 10 years now (and don't intend to change). Still looking forward to the arrival of my coobie.
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COOBIE BRA UPDATE:
I am always a little hesitant about "one size fits all" clothing but thought I would give the Coobie bra a try. My black Coobie bra just arrived today and I have been wearing it for about 4 hours. I inserted my TLC lightweight microbead forms (sz 8 on my right, sz 7 on my left) and so far it is pretty comfortable.
Here is my general impression along with some pics. (I'm a visual kind of person!
)1. The bra is of a very soft and stretchy 88% Nylon 12% Spandex knit.
2. There are no rigid seams or bands
3. There are no back clasps or hooks. It is designed like a Sports bra that you have to pull on over your head and or step into like a swimsuit.
4. It comes with small pads in the bra pockets that could be used as "enhancers" for someone with a lumpectomy or as additional padding with a prosthesis, or just removed completely. I removed the pads in order to get my microbead forms to fit. Being one size fits all, the bra cups are on the small side but are very stretchy. I had to enlarge the opening into the bra pocket to insert my Sz 8 and Sz 7 forms more easily but once seated properly, the bra holds them firmly in place, no shifting around.
5. The straps are very skinny, but soft and stretchy with adjustments in the front. They can be completely removed and the bra comes with a set of clear transparent straps also.
6. The band at the bottom of the bra is about 1 inch wide, soft, stretchy but fits snug enough that the bra does not ride up even with the lightweight forms. I used to wear a 38C bra and this is not too tight on me, snug but not binding.
7. The sides and back of the bra are all one piece of fabric, smooth and high cut so it fits high under the arms and also on the back.
8. The neckline actually fits pretty snug to the chest and does not do much gapping to reveal scars or prosthesis. Black colored bras tend to make gaps less noticeable though since it looks like a shadow instead of fabric showing under clothes.
I was initially concerned that the bra pockets were too small for my forms but after getting them properly seated, the forms provide a decent projection in the profile view.
My feelings are that this is certainly a bra worth trying. It is NOT an expensive heavily constructed bra but that is why it is light, stretchy and comfortable. If someone needs full support for an existing breast or heavy silicone forms I would be less enthusiastic that this is the bra for you. This bra really provides no support as such. It is more like going without a bra and just wearing a light stretchy tube top or sports bra without the added support. BUT, for someone who is small busted or has had bilateral mx and wants to wear lightweight forms I think it is definitely worth looking into it.
There will be some persons for whom the "one size fits all" just won't work, but within the size range the bra is advertised at I think most people will find it comfortable. I plan on wearing mine for a few days and see if my opinion changes. For now, I am more favorably impressed than I was expecting to be. I still feel that this bra may not hold up as well as the heavier ones but it also is not as expensive as standard mastectomy bras. It definitely has the comfort factor working for it over a heavy duty mastectomy bra.
Here are some pics:
Front of the Coobie Bra with the small cup pads removed:
Coobie Bra Back turned Inside Out:
Coobie Bra Cup Pocket:
Coobie Bra Profile and Neckline:
Coobie Bra Profile in Clothes:
Coobie Bra Front in Clothes:
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Once again, LindaLou, you have provided wonderful, detailed information and great photos! Thanks! I may decide to try this bra also.
Dawn
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Linda,
I second what Dawn said -- your information and photos are really helpful. I actually also ordered a Coobie bra and received it a couple of days ago. I found the pocket opening very small, so wasn't surprised to learn you had to enlarge it to insert your micro bead forms. I haven't tried my micro bead forms yet (since I haven't enlarge the opening), but tried the bra with my Amoena 126 Leisure forms, which worked just fine.
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I've had my Coobie for a few days now, but I waited to post until I had time to sort out my feelings about it. First of all, it's really, really comfortable. I wear a 36A, and the band feels perfect - not sure how this works out if you are larger, though. I was able to fit a prosthesis in the cup without enlarging the opening, probably because I wear such a small prosthesis. Now for the problem. I have a single mastectomy, and in this bra my foobie and real breast don't match! Not from the front view or the side. I've never had this problem in the molded cup ABC petite tshirt bra that I normally wear or any of the molded cup regular bras that I sewed pockets into. At that point I was thinking that I should probably stick to molded cup bras. After a while I remembered the Amoena Classic Contact self-adhesive foobie that I only wear in cooler weather because my chest sweats under it. It can be worn as a regular prosthesis also, so I got it out and put it in the Coobie. This worked much better because the Amoena keeps its shape better than the ABC prosthesis. I still wasn't crazy about the way the Coobie smooshed both my foobie & my real breast. Being an A cup every little bit counts, LOL. All in all, I decided to keep the Coobie for times when comfort is my main concern. But I do feel that it's a much better bra for double mast. ladies, who wouldn't have the mismatch problem.
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Thanks, Anne! That's all helpful info too.
Dawn
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ANOTHER COOBIE UPDATE:
I agree with Anne that the Coobie bra is best suited for someone with bilateral mastectomy. Because the fabric is so stretchy and non-supportive of any significant weight they probably won't work well with heavy prosthesis or mismatched real breast + prosthesis.
Bearing that in mind, I have to say that I have been wearing the coobie bra for a week now and find them very comfortable, non-binding, non-riding up and surprisingly light with the microbead forms. I suspect one reason my microbeads project well in this bra is because the cups are small and force the larger microbead forms to push out more and not flatten as much because there is more density in the larger forms but without added weight.
I just wanted to mention in case anyone else is considering these bras, that I found an Ebay seller who sells the Coobie bras at a discounted price ($6.99 each vs $20 each on the Coobie site). I ordered the bras to see if they are the same as the one I ordered from the official Coobie site and they do appear to be the same bra with some minor differences. The printing on the inside back band of the Ebay bras reports the fabric as 90% Nylon and 10% Spandex however both fabrics feel identical to me. The style, shape and size of the bras is the same but the Ebay bra lists the style # as 6017 and the Coobie bra is # 9012. Both are labeled as made in China. One other minor difference is the Ebay bras have the straps attached with the adjustment side in the back instead of the front of the bra. This is completely changeable though since the straps can be removed and attached so that the adjustment is in front.
I ordered 3 of the Ebay Coobie bras and including shipping/handling the total was $30.97 which is quite a savings over the $20 Coobie bras. With this particular Ebay seller the shipping for the first bra is $5.50 but each additional bra is $2.50. (at least to my midwest zipcode...it may be different in other areas of the US.)
Here is the link to the Ebay listing if anyone is interested:
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do they have pockets for inserts
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Just ordered one from eBay. At that price it is worth a try, even if only to have for "leisure wear". Can't wait to give it a try.
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Hi Redninrah,
Yes they do have pockets. These are not specifically mastectomy bras but they have a small pad insert (see photos above) and there is a double layer of fabric in the cup with a small opening for removing the pads that come with it or inserting your own forms. The opening is on the small side so it may need to be clipped a little larger to easily get large forms into the cup. Try it first before clipping though because the fabric is very stretchy and may work without cutting the pocket.
Aspen: I agree it is a good deal worth trying for anyone looking for a very soft, lightweight comfortable solution to wearing lightweight forms. I'm not sure how many this Ebay vendor has in stock. I noticed last night that she was out of the color white but hopefully she has a source and will get more stock in. She still had black and beige as of late last night.
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got my coobie bra in the mail from eBay today. Will try it out and let everyone know how it does.
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the coobie bra is comfortable, but I will have to use it only with my foam forms. My regular forms are much too heavy for it. I will enjoy it around the house a lot though.
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Linda Lou, once again, thankyou so much for your informative posts. Photos really help.
Musical
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Wowzers!!! This is great! Thanks for starting this thread jbau.
I love my beenie forms and I'm anxious to try them with this bra.
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I just ordered one. Can't wait to try it:)
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