Best Forms for Camisoles

mary625 · April 2012

I am two months post BMX no recon. My prophylactic side has still not fully healed. I have skin necrosis below the incision, which is basically dead skin that is taking awhile to regrow. I have to put an ointment called Silvadene on it every day, and it also gives off its own discharge. I don't think I can go for a fitting at this time. The BS says it will take another 3-4 weeks to heal. I am also in radiation with 3 more weeks to go. Most of the time, I'm feeling most comfortable in the TLC post surgery and radiation camisoles. Sometimes I wear Barely There bras. I'm using microfiber foobs I bought off of TLC. My question is, what is the best type of form for camisoles? I find that the microfiber ones get bumped by my arms and lose their shape. I was thinking about getting some foam ones next and waiting on silicone until I'm ready to be fitted. However, I'm game to try anything off of the Internet. So far my luck in fitting myself has been good. Also, can the microfiber forms be washed? Some of the discharge has seeped out onto them. This whole skin necrosis experience has been pretty yucky.

Momine · April 2012

I am 6 months from my surgery and during the rads, I realized that I was getting lymphedema issues from wearing a bra. I get a large bulge of backed up lymph fluid under the armpit incision. So, I have switched to camis, or rather the front end of a bra sewn into a tank top.

I have some fiber-filled foobs, the little pillow-type ones meant for the post-surgical period. For me those work. I also have a pair that my dd knitted out of heavy cotton yarn and stuffed with rags. Those work splendidly too. Then I have a microbead set, and they work ok as well. But I was eyeing the foam ones recently, and I have a feeling thye would probably be ideal for this use.

mary625 · April 2012

Thanks, Momine. You confirmed what I was thinking. The foam ones are hopefully firm enough that they can't be smushed. The microbeads are better in a bra that holds them in place. They "swim around" in the camisole. Your idea of sewing the bra cups into the camisole is great. I think I'll try that. I did not like the foobs that came with the camisoles at all. I guess I don't have the patience to pull out the fluff and shape it the way I want it. It seemed to me it wasn't going to turn out very well anyway. I love how the micro bead forms look when they are in a bra.

Momine · April 2012

mary, I got some cheap mastectomy bras on sale at TLC. I tack the bra to a sturdy tank along the neckline and just under the armholes down the side seam. I cut off the straps and the back part of the bra. It works pretty well, as long as you wear something over the tank (since there will be a bit of gaping and such).

beacon800 · April 2012

At this point I use all of it: microbead foobs, foam and silicone.

For an unstructured item like a cami, the foams would probably be my first choice. I have them from TLC and like them. Very lightweight. I am bilateral so use the unweighted type. They have a nice shape and especially have more shape in the upper area than the microbead foobs which can look saggy at the top.

I use those microbead foobs almost every day in a molded cup bra (a warner's elements of bliss that I sew a pocket into.). In general, the more structure the bra has, the easier to use the micro foobs. Less structured bra or cami needs something that can hold it's own shape like foam or silicone.

Momine, nice idea about constructing a tank top bra! I've not done that, but considered it for some uses (especially for a low back dress). Glad to hear it is working for you.

Best Forms for Camisoles

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