6 NEW SWIMWEAR BRANDS TO TRY POST BREAST CANCER SURGERY

Intense sweating, bad fluorescent lighting, and negative self-talk are all common culprits of the often-dreaded swimsuit try-on experience. “You good?” the employee asks before you’ve had a chance to figure out how this new string bikini top works. With your head in an armhole, you call out “Ya, everything’s great!” when in fact, everything is not great. Adding in any of these factors: Having had a double or single mastectomy (including going flat), breast inserts, and diep flap surgical scars can make you want to throw in the beach towel when it comes to finding the perfect fitting, yet on-trend suit. Take a deep breath. We’re here to be your swimsuit spirit guide and ease you into the pool, lake, ocean – so you can enjoy your experience – sans anxiety.

KIT AND ACE

In every KIT AND ACE design decision, comfort is a non-negotiable. Made from snag-resistant pool, sun, and ocean-safe four-way stretch, swim fabric, their suits are crafted to last throughout all your lake, ocean and pool-filled summer days.

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Full coverage one-pieces with buttery fabric that will sit softly against double mastectomy and diep flap scars, bikini tops with adjustable straight strap silhouettes that disperse weight away from pressure points and high-waisted bottoms – with shape retention and quick dry technology.

MONDAY 

Monday Swimwear was founded on creating suits with iconic feminine designs, immaculate fit, soft-to-touch feel and enduring quality – all of which are their top priorities when adding any new pieces to the range. If that’s not enough to catch your attention, did we mention that it was founded by two boss women? #GIRLPOWER. Designed for comfort and coverage, Monday suits are all designed to be flattering, with buttery soft fabric and adjustable suits so they never dig into you.

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Fashion-forward one-piece finds that can go from city (think bodysuits) to the sand. Don’t miss the season’s most coveted colours and patterns – think lavender, leopard and cobalt blue and dazzling unique bikini top finds that are designed to fit an A-DDD cup and everything in between.

TEA YOU

Proudly made here in Canada (shameless Canada plug), TEA YOU is based out of Montreal, but ships worldwide. Meet your high-waisted swimwear haven where à la carte flirty two-piece bikinis in the latest skin-baring styles will fulfill all your neon coloured dreams.  HEAD HERE FOR: Breathable, quick drying, self-lined suits that offer up UV-Ray protection, necessary for sensitive areas of the skin. 

FORTNIGHT

Fortnight swimsuits are ethically made, at a Parkdale Village studio located in Toronto, Canada. The undergarments are handcrafted by highly-trained technicians, to uphold quality and precision with every piece that is created. After surgery the last thing you want is overly tight fitting uncomfortable digging into your back and sides – luckily Fornight’s bikini silhouettes are sized by bra, which allows for a more tailored fit according to your shape.

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Cool-girl, timeless, minimalist style sustainable swimsuits that will complete your sunkissed summer style. 

AERIE

It is possible to feel cute, confident and better than ever with Aerie swimwear.  Their line of well-stocked women’s swimsuits has every fit and style you need for that family vacay, weekend trip with friends or beach excursion.  Not just for teens – this line ranges from full coverage high neck-line bikini style tops (bye for now, port scars), to cheeky fits.  

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Unretouched photos, affordable suits that won’t break the bank, adjustable straps, tie designs and removable pads to ensure you have the best, most comfy fit. 

J.CREW

Whether you’re beach-bound or hanging by the hotel pool, J. Crew has every type of bathing suit you need to make a splash – but they especially excel in the ruffle department. Ruffle tops add great texture if you’ve decided to have a double mastectomy, go flat or have a single mastectomy and want a little volume up top. Removable pads are key for breast inserts (full or partial).  

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Quality swimsuits for every body type, from curvy, DD+ to long torso one pieces for all you tall ladies, J.Crew has a little bit of everything for everyone. So go on, have your chips and dip, and dive into this summer with confidence (and a swimsuit) that just feels good.

Illustration by: @floperrydraws

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