Sports bras

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HuskerFan
HuskerFan Member Posts: 85
edited July 2016 in Breast Reconstruction

I am about 6 weeks out from my skin sparing/nipple sparing BMX and am looking for recommendations for a sports bra. I have IMF incisions so I don't want anything with an underwire. Ideally, I'd like to find something with a nice wide band underneath as that seems to be the most comfortable for me right now. I have TEs, but I'm done with fills. I'm guessing I'm about a 36D. Any suggestions

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited July 2016

    Hi HuskerFan!

    Here's another thread asking a similar question with some good responses that may be of help. Also, there's some helpful information on the Bras 101 thread.

    We hope this helps!

    --The Mods

  • marketingmama
    marketingmama Member Posts: 161
    edited July 2016

    I'd suggest Coobies. They're super soft and stretchy. I am over 6 months out from my last procedure (exchange) and still wearing them (hard to go back to normal bras even know I can!). Here is a link to the Coobie website --http://shopcoobie.com/shop?c=coobie-bras-full-size -- but I got mine from Amazon where they were less expensive and I could order in a package of 3. I got the simple full coverage. Note : if your doctor tells you'll need compression, these might not be right. Get specifics from him/her in advance.

  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited July 2016

    I have a couple of Champion bras, like them because of the comfort over IMF incisions and for the modesty pads within that conceal the expander's sometimes odd shape. This style is convertible so that you can wear the straps normally, or you can crisscross them, which I like.

    https://www.amazon.com/Champion-Womens-Seamless-Sports-Medium/dp/B00HEP3W0O/ref=sr_1_8?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1467747362&sr=1-8&nodeID=1044990&refinements=p_n_feature_four_browse-bin%3A2359326011

    This bra is the same convertible crisscross arrangement, but has a hook and eye back like a regular bra, which might be easier to put on. I can't speak to this exact bra, but have some other Calvin Klein that are well made.

    https://www.amazon.com/Calvin-Klein-Womens-Motion-Multiway/dp/B00O4CDXWW/ref=sr_1_20?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1467747362&sr=1-20&nodeID=1044990&refinements=p_n_feature_four_browse-bin%3A2359326011

    I also have Coobies and have ordered them from the Coobie site and from Amazon. I like them for the same reason I like the Champion bras and I have continued to wear Coobies after exchange. They also have some styles that have the adjustable straps so you can wear them with tops that are narrower across the back or are inset. There are often Coobie codes in the back of women's magazines. The coupons offer a percentage off, or I have also seen a buy 2 get 1 free deal on Coobie's site. The August issue of InStyle has the code GETME3 to save $20 on 3 bras, the June issue of Real Simple has the code REAL6 for $20 off on 3 bras. I did buy a Coobie full (higher sides) at the mastectomy shop when I had a flat left side and was using a prosthetic so if your insurance covers bras you might go that route also. Many policies cover bras after mastectomy even if you are not currently using a prosthetic.

  • HuskerFan
    HuskerFan Member Posts: 85
    edited July 2016

    marketingmama & SpecialK......thanks so much for your input! I failed to mention that I tried the Coobie and it didn't fit. Maybe I should try ordering the full size instead of the regular size. SpecialK, the Champion and Calvin Klein bras look like they would be perfect! I'm going to try ordering those.

  • slv58
    slv58 Member Posts: 1,216
    edited July 2016

    HuskerFan, I always recommend this bra when asked. It comes with a soft foam cup or without. I find it so comfortable and I know a lot of women have turned to it. It washes well and the 4 I purchased in 2013 are still holding up well (never put in dryer). I like that it is cut much fuller at the side and under arm as this is where I had LX and found most bras were not so generous in cut and rubbed.

    Bali comfort revolution smart size

    image

  • Lunderwood
    Lunderwood Member Posts: 125
    edited July 2016

    Thank you for sharing! I am 3 weeks post op for UMX and hope to get clearance from PS to return to running as soon as possible. I have tried my regular sports bra but they seem to irritate the area where lymph nodes were removed. So far I am only wearing a light camisole under my clothes but will need to think about a bra when I return to work.

  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited July 2016

    slv58 - that bra looks very comfortable, and I like that it opens and closes in the back. We have a new outlet mall that just opened near me last fall and there is a Hanes (parent company of Bali) store. I just called and they have this bra in a number of colors so I am going up to check it out! Thanks for the recommendation!

  • slv58
    slv58 Member Posts: 1,216
    edited July 2016

    I hope you like it as much as I do! I find it particularly comfortable where they did node removal because it is cut wider than any other bra I have tried. How lucky to be able to get it at an outlet price!! Their panties are really comfy as well

  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited July 2016

    slv - I am excited to go check it out! My PS wants me in an underwire during the day as we are trying to force the IMF crease under the left side to lift it a bit - and since I just had surgery in May it is uncomfortable, but I am doing it. I like a softer bra in the evening, and sometimes sleep in one also. I have had a great deal of surgical intervention so finding something comfortable is really important for the same reasons you mention. I like to have a number of options because different clothes sometimes require different bra types. I will report back on what I find!

  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited July 2016

    slv - I tried the Bali bra on, did not work for me as the straps are not adjustable. I have a shorter torso and had too much extra strap at my shoulder so the cup did not fit tight enough on a size small. The bra was very comfortable though and I was disappointed that it didn't work for me.

  • HuskerFan
    HuskerFan Member Posts: 85
    edited July 2016

    I found the Bali bra last night and it is very comfortable! Thanks for the suggestion slv!!

  • slv58
    slv58 Member Posts: 1,216
    edited July 2016

    SpecialK, I'm sorry it didn't work for you. We have such limited options- seems no one is designing bras for women who have had surgery, especially node. Would there be anyway to take in the straps?

    HuskerFan I'm happy it worked for you! It's the only bra I have worn and finally cleaned and rid my bra drawer of a lot of pre-surgery bras. I only wish it was cut a bit lower in the center as I can't wear some V neck tops.

  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited July 2016

    slv - I considered that, but there are a number of bras in that line from Bali and now that I have tried that one on I want to see if any of the others have adjustable straps

  • HuskerFan
    HuskerFan Member Posts: 85
    edited July 2016

    SpecialK, I think there is one with convertible straps.

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