About bras

Choosing your bra

Which bra should I choose?

After breast surgery it is understandable that you might be concerned about your appearance, or about wearing a prosthesis or different type of bra. At Eloise, we deal with these issues on a daily basis and can help you feel confident and comfortable in styles that cater for your individual needs.

For more information on booking a free fitting with our specialist team, visit our Fittings page.

When choosing your new bra after surgery, there are a few extra points to consider...

What type of surgery have you had?
Do you wear a prosthesis?
Which type of bra will suit your needs?

What type of surgery have you had?

If you have had partial surgery or a lumpectomy, there may be only a slight difference to your outline, and a padded bra or small foam filler may be enough to restore your shape. If a larger amount of breast tissue has been removed, a discreet silicone partial prosthesis may be worn inside the bra cup to make up the deficit. An unpocketed bra with a stretch cup usually fits best around this type of prosthesis.

After a mastectomy (or bilateral surgery), a weighted silicone prosthesis is normally worn inside the bra cup. To feel comfortable, this needs to be adequately supported and held in place by a bra that fits properly and is the right size. For help with bra fitting and sizing, see section on bra fitting.

Sometimes, more extensive surgery leaves a hollow, and the prosthesis does not stay in place very well. In this situation, a pocketed bra is a good solution as it provides added security and peace of mind.

If you have had reconstructive surgery, you may benefit from a supportive bra, especially at first, to help the new breast retain a natural shape. If you have an ongoing problem with shape difference, we can help.

Not had surgery? Eloise also helps women who have breast asymmetry for reasons other than surgery, and those who simply wish to improve or augment their shape. Please use our telephone advice service or come and see us.

Do you wear a prosthesis?

For the first few weeks after surgery, a soft, lightweight, fibre-filled pad is usually worn until you are fully healed. The pad (or 'cumfie') can be placed inside a light support bra or crop-top, or you may find a front-fastening bra more practical, especially if you have impaired arm movement.

After this, a weighted silicone prosthesis is normally worn inside the bra cup to restore body balance. These forms vary in shape, size and weight. See our information on prostheses. For comfort, whichever type you wear, you will need a bra that fully covers the prosthesis and gives sufficient support, not just to the prosthesis but to your overall breastweight.

After partial surgery or reconstruction, you may wear a 'shell' (hollowed out) partial silicone prosthesis, to rectify breast asymmetry. These come in various shapes and sizes. Although not as heavy as regular forms, they still need adequate support and the right type of bra to keep them in place.

Which type of bra will suit your needs?

You may be able to wear the same style as before surgery, providing it fits you properly, and is supportive enough for your post-surgery requirements.

A well-fitting bra should feel like a like a second skin, and the amount of support required is governed by your overall size. If you are small-breasted you should need only light-medium support, whereas if you have large, heavy breasts, a more substantial bra giving good support is probably a sound investment. However, if you wear a prosthesis, it's better to step up the support level rather than ignore it.

The shape of the bra matters too, especially for prosthesis wearers. A style with a reasonable depth the centre-front and sides, straps that aren't too narrow, and more than one fastener (in depth) at the back, is more likely to fit better generally, and provide adequate coverage for the prosthesis - all the bras on our website fulfil this criteria.

If you lead a particularly active life and wear a prosthesis, you may prefer a pocketed bra (an inner lining forms a pocket to hold the prosthesis) for added security and confidence. See our low-cost pocketing service.

If possible, choose your bra before your prosthesis is fitted. This is important as the 'right' bra can make a lot of difference to how the prosthesis looks and feels. Ideally, the two should be fitted at the same time. At Eloise, we offer specialist prosthetic fitting and you are welcome to make use of this service.

Some bras on the market have a 'built-in' prosthesis. We advise against these as they represent poor value for money and carry special laundry requirements.

If you prefer to wear underwired bras there is usually no reason why you cannot do so once your scarring has properly healed, providing the wires do not lie directly on the scar and you do not show any signs of lymphoedema. Look for 'full-cup' styles that cover the whole prosthesis. We have some beautiful styles in stock with the latest 'flexi'-wires - these do not dig in, or damage your breastform.

Eloise can help you...

At Eloise, we have helped thousands of women to choose suitable bras after surgery. Our lingerie range is rated one of the best you'll find anywhere and, more importantly, we have the expertise to help you overcome any practical problems you may be facing. If you are unable to visit for a fitting, you are welcome to contact us by telephone or email for advice.

Click here to browse the wide range of bras in our online shop.