Breast Forms, Pocketed Clothing, Trans Shops and Sewing

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AnnaMO
AnnaMO Member Posts: 19
edited July 2021 in Life After Breast Cancer

Hi! It's been a couple of years since I've been on the forum. It will be 5 years this October since I finished formal cancer treatment and have been clear since then. Yay!

I'm living life. Still have chemo brain but I've adjusted by keeping notes and having two calendars (phone and paper). My breast forms are looking sad. They have bubbles and wrinkles. They've aged and it's definitely time to purchase new forms. One thing that's tricky the current forms is the weight cause my tops to droop when I bend down. Working with elementary students means I bend quite a bit, so mostly high-necked shirts or wearing a bandeau-like bra cover helps. I wish I could make my own clothes, find sewing patterns for breast forms. This wheel seems to have been invented. The temptation to visit a 'drag queen' store is very strong. Clothes have been designed for men to accommodate forms of all kind. The clothes are cute and some damn sexy! Are there any stores for those that opted out of reconstruction. Is there an Etsy store or boutique for us?

Does anyone have multiple forms, such as, silicone, fiberfill, and one for the pool? I miss off the shoulder shirts and strapless tops. (No. Not for work clothes. I live in Phoenix, Arizona areas. We're getting close to hitting 90F.) Anyone have a source for clothing 'hacks'? Sources of cute swim tops that are not tanks but huge flowers all over it?

Anna, Alive and Kicking


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  • flashlight
    flashlight Member Posts: 698
    edited April 2021

    Congratulations!! Check out youtube videos on cancer clothing.

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  • AnnaMO
    AnnaMO Member Posts: 19
    edited April 2021

    Thank you, Flashlight!

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  • akmom
    akmom Member Posts: 272
    edited April 2021

    Hi Anna, I have regular silicone forms (which I have only used a handful of times as I find them uncomfortable and usually just go flat) as well as special swim forms. I also have fiber fill forms that I was given by the hospital post BMX, but although they're way lighter and more comfy, the shape is not very natural looking.

    Having the same problem as you, with the weight of the silicone forms causing my tops to gape when bending. Since I go flat I am always on the lookout for higher necklines and pleating or ruching in the front so the lack of boobs is not so obvious. That's my only “hack" I guess (also I wear vests a lot when the weather is cooler, but that wouldn't be an option for you in Phoenix!). Hope you find a source for clothes that suit you - why not check out the drag Queen stores! Ifind myself wearing the same few outfits over and over. Getting so sick of them, just like maternity clothes during pregnancy!

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  • akmom
    akmom Member Posts: 272
    edited April 2021

    ... and congrats on almost five years! Yay! :

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  • AnnaMO
    AnnaMO Member Posts: 19
    edited April 2021

    Thank you for the feedback, akmom! I too have the fiberfill stuffies that came with my post-surgery camisole. They are tricky and not always attractive (lumps!). After looking up cancer clothing on the internet and Youtube there seems to be a lack of specific clothing designers. There are plenty of cancer-related graphic tee shirts and survivor wear.

    There is a drag queen outfitter store in Phoenix. This is there summary:

    "Looking for glamour? Looking to shine? Are you a performer? A star? A man who dresses in women's clothing? Well, then . . . Boom Boom LaRue's is the place for you. Located within the shabby chic space of Vintage Interiors, sequined gowns are packed on the racks. Each piece of costume jewelry is hand-picked so there are no duplicates (this ensures that no fashion faux pas occur onstage). Boas, tiaras and wigs (oh my!).

    But the true treasures are those elusive size 12 and up stilettos and go-go boots. So all you men who have an upcoming command performance at Pookies, stop in and freshen up your look and avoid looking drag -- we mean, drab."

    I definitely don't want to look drab. Sequined dress might be a bit much at the elementary. lol. Perhaps a trip to Las Vegas would offer more variety. Yes, there will probably be a lot of va-va-voom outfits but more to explore. Another goal is to appeal to designers, in some way, for fashion for 'gone flat' or form-friendly clothing.

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited April 2021

    I spent some time half flat with an expander in one side, and then later half flat with an implant. I currently have two implants but due to extensive surgeries to repair skin and a lot of scarring I still wear relatively modest and high necked clothing and pattern or texture. I found it difficult to match a prosthetic to either side when half flat because most prosthetics mimic a more natural shape, which is not what I had. I did wear a lot of ruffles and prints, draped scarves, etc. - but I live in Florida and it is hot a lot of the time so that presents some challenges. I read the OP and did a quick google search and found this UK site that had a lot of good ideas and photos. Here is a link, and if you click around on the site there are other ideas and photos in the archived posts. This is one of the best compilations I have seen:

    http://flatterfashion.co.uk/dressing-for-your-new-body-shape-and-finding-your-flat-style/

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  • akmom
    akmom Member Posts: 272
    edited April 2021

    That looks like a great site, thanks for sharing SpecialK

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited April 2021

    akmom - of course! I have google searched this subject previously but must have used the right combination of words for that site to come up in the search, as I had not seen it previously - it is indeed chock full of good ideas and guidance! I also appreciate that the photos are of a variety of people in a variety of clothes, as what works for one may not work for another.

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  • magiclight
    magiclight Member Posts: 8,690
    edited April 2021

    One place you might check out is Impact One Home - Impact One Breast Cancer Foundation

    I've donated items there and you can shop for a variety of items. If you contact them, they might be able to supply needed items.

    Impact One Breast Cancer Foundation

    2473 S Higley Rd Ste 104 #219

    Gilbert AZ 85295

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  • Flowerkid
    Flowerkid Member Posts: 89
    edited July 2021

    I may have missed this in this thread- but where do you get swim forms? (Had a Single mastectomy 2 years ago but still struggling). I have knitted knockers and one amoena "fancy" prosthesis, but nothing for swimming. I found a bikini top with pockets at Marshalls(!) To wear under my rash guard shirt. Now just need the breast form.

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  • akmom
    akmom Member Posts: 272
    edited July 2021

    Flowerkid, I got my swim forms at the same place as my regular silicone forms (aspecialty lingerie store). You could check the Amoena site for retailers in your area, or order online…

    https://www.amoena.com/us-en/breast-forms/leisure-and-swim-breast-forms/aqua-wave-swim-149-breast-form-clear-1149/

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