Best Swimsuits to Treat Yourself to After a Double Mastectomy

Suit up in stylish, comfortable swimwear after your double mastectomy. You’ll find there are plenty of options available when it comes to mastectomy swimwear—making it easy to find one that fits your body and style. Two of the most popular bathing suit styles for wearing after this surgical procedure are the tugless tank one-piece and the zip-front one-piece. There’s also a variety of tankini tops you can wear after your mastectomy. Keep reading to learn more about these women’s swimsuits.

The One-Piece Tugless Tank

If you love the classic look of one-piece mastectomy swimsuits, you can’t go wrong with the tugless tank style. It won’t sag or shift—even while you’re swimming or doing water exercises. The tugless fit of this swimsuit also helps your breast prosthesis stay put; tuck them into the pockets of the soft-cup bra for a natural look and all-day comfort. You won’t have to worry about adjusting your bust area because this suit style is designed to stay in place.

One thing that makes this swimsuit a winner is the fabric—a blend of nylon and Lycra® Xtra Life™ spandex. As its name suggests, this type of spandex is made to last. In fact, swimsuits made with Lycra® Xtra Life™ last up to 10 times longer than suits infused with regular spandex. The fibers are highly resistant to UV rays, sunscreen, chlorine, and wear, so the fit stays the same all summer.

Another feature to appreciate about the tugless tank is that the fabric provides UPF 50 sun protection. This UV protection factor is the highest available when it comes to fabrics and protects covered areas. While a swimsuit with sun protection doesn’t eliminate the need for sunscreen, it does provide added protection.

This one-piece swimsuit style has a scoop neck for a classic look. It’s designed with a neckline and armholes that provide a little more coverage than comparable styles. The tugless tank is available in solid colors and pretty prints—pick up several so you can change your look from day to day.

The One-Piece Zip-Front

Another type of swimsuit to wear following a double mastectomy is the zip-front one-piece. Like the tank-style one-piece, this one has a sewn-in soft-cup bra with prosthesis pockets. Another feature that’s shared by both suits is the higher neckline and armholes that provide more coverage.

This swimsuit style has a high zippered front, which makes it easy to get it on and off. It provides ample coverage and stays in place, so it’s great for swimming or playing water sports. The back of this bathing suit has an X-design for sporty style and freedom of movement.

The fabric is a nylon/spandex blend that’s derived from recycled polyester. It’s chlorine-resistant, which means it retains its color and shape even after plenty of swimming sessions. It also has UPF 50 to protect covered areas against UV rays.

Post-Mastectomy Tankini Tops

For the look of a one-piece but the fashion versatility of a two-piece, there are mastectomy tankini tops. This swimsuit style consists of a tank top with bottoms that you can mix and match to create different styles. There are square-neck tankini tops that flatter every body type, and they have many of the same features as the above-mentioned one-piece suits—like UPF 50 sun protection and soft-cup bras with prosthesis pockets. They’re also equipped with adjustable straps for a super-comfortable fit.

The blouson-style tankini top is another option to consider. There are blouson tankinis made with Lycra® Xtra Life™ for a tugless fit and extended wear. They also have prosthesis pockets and adjustable straps, along with a high neckline for a modest look. Pair this or any other tankini top with your preferred bottoms—there are classic bikini bottoms and high-waisted bikini bottoms with a retro look. You’ll also find swim shorts and swim skirts from which to choose.

Comfy Cover-Ups

Don’t forget a swimsuit cover-up when shopping for the summer. Kaftan cover-ups have a roomy fit and are made from lightweight, fast-drying fabric. Some of these beach cover-ups have intricate embroidered patterns for a fashion-forward look—slip on a pair of wedge sandals and you’re all set to visit the beachfront café. There are also rash guard cover-ups in an array of short-sleeve and long-sleeve styles.

Beach Bags and Towels

You might also want to pick up some summer accessories, such as beach bags and beach towels. When shopping for a beach bag, choose a sturdy fabric like cotton canvas. It’s a good idea to choose a bag with a waterproof lining and zipper closure to keep moisture and sand away from your belongings. These bags provide enough room for towels, extra clothes, sunscreen, and even an insulated lunch bag.