Clothing Needs

Thanks for considering the special needs of BC survivors.  I wish there were more figured or busy designs on sweaters and shirts.  My boobs are never level it seems as the prosthesis seems to want to ride up so I hate plain colored sweaters, sweatshirts, t-shirts anything that makes the breast comparison obvious.  I do like shirts with front pockets as that detracts.  ALso I like shells that match a 2nd layer sweater.  Lands End has great mastectomy swimsuits and perhaps you could get info from them for how they do it. I wish there were more yoga style tops made for older, larger framed women.  As a yoga top stays in place, and I've substitued that for my daily bra at home.  I'd wear it all the time but the top is long and white and not a lacey material like camisoles that show at the bottom hem of a shirt.  Maybe you could design an all in one yoga top that is beautiful as underwear.  Regardless of the size of bust, all bc survivors take a hit in  self esteem. 

We need real clothes that will enhance our looks and the huge necklines that are so "in" right now are NOT flattering to anyone who has had radiation.  Our neck skin really takes a beating.  So could you design clothes with jewel necks or scarf loops that hold pretty scarves in place.  They are great for hiding skin flaws etc.  ALso bras for prosthsis wearers need to come up higher on the chest so a neckline is modestly covered when weqring a v-neck.  The bottom bands on bras need to be wider to prevent ride-up.  Thanks for listening and I hope these design issues might get addressed in the near future.  We all desire to look good and feel better.

I don't dress any differently, but I am appalled at how dowdy most of the "post surgery" garments are.  My initial reaction when a well-meaning nurse showed me the hideous, frumpy thingy was "now I understand the need for therapy".  I went out and found stuff that I thought would work.  I have repurposed for exercise wear.  (Reminder that I have both my breasts, and I do not have any swelling.)

You should be aware that "dressing differently" also applies to footwear for patients with neuropathy and balance issues.  So more attractive flats/low heeled shoes.  Again, I am fine, and could never wear the 8" Laboutins anyway.

I am also angry at all the "think pink" designers who pay lip service but can't figure out attractive undergarments.

As for cleavage, we are "overexposed" as a society anyway.  I have no more than a couple of scars.

Thank you for doing this research.  My own feeling is that way fewer women would take the self-esteem hit if more attractive options were out there.  You can design with coverage and attractive at the same time.  Look at the Marks&Spencer website, "post surgery".  They have a line that works and coordinates with the rest of their line.

Most of the sites in the US do their best to make women who have this needs feel like outcasts.  Bad, bad, bad.

And yes, I do believe that the top designers/Project Runway should be putting their $$$$$$$ where their mouth is.  I mean, they really could do a show which featured attractive options. 

Where are they?