6 Swimsuit Brands for Breast Cancer Thrivers
5 MINS to read
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.
Hapari
Hapari Swimwear is a good one-stop shop for mastectomy-friendly swimwear and breast inserts (full or partial). All tankini and full-piece suits (and even some bikinis!) are designed with subtle breast pockets to fit Hapari’s “Illusions” silicone inserts and most prostheses.
*International shipping available
Nicola Jane
Founded in the UK, Nicola Jane pocketed swimsuits range in style (full, tankini, bikini), sizing (tall), type (chlorine resistant, tummy control), and designer options – encouraging women of all body types to feel comfortable in their own skin.
*International shipping available.
Amoena
Amoena‘s line of bilateral, pocketed swimwear offers a wide selection of swimsuits for those who are looking to cover it up and those wanting to show a little more skin.
*Visit their website to find a retailer near you
Anita
Anita pocketed swimsuits are designed with higher necklines and arm holes to provide scar tissue coverage and security for breast inserts and prostheses.
*Find a retailer near you
—-
It Figures
It Figures! prides itself in providing comfortable, flattering post-mastectomy and body-shaping swimwear for women of all ages.
*Also available at Sears Canada
Land’s End
Land’s End wide selection of mastectomy-friendly swimwear provide sewn-in soft cups and prosthesis pockets (no underwire), as well as higher cut armholes and necklines for maximum comfort and security.
*International shipping available
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.
HEAD HERE FOR:
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.
HEAD HERE FOR:
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.
HEAD HERE FOR:
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.
HEAD HERE FOR:
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).
HEAD HERE FOR:
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.
Ultimately, do what makes you feel good! Whether that’s wearing prostheses, not wearing prostheses, showing your scars or covering them up.
You are strong. You are beautiful. And you deserve to feel confident.