Women's Guide to Selecting Post Mastectomy Clothing
It’s important to stay comfortable after your mastectomy. Wearing the right clothing during your recovery can help prevent the irritation of areas that may still be tender. You don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort, either. There are lots of women’s blouses, tops, and other pieces you can wear that are chic yet casual, and, most importantly, comfortable. Read on to learn about some of the wardrobe items you may want to have while you recover.
A Word About Undergarments
While much of the focus here is on tops, bottoms, and skirts, it’s also important to wear the right undergarments after a mastectomy. There are special bras designed to wear after your procedure that are equipped with pockets in the cups. They provide support and help you stay comfortable as you heal. Consult with your doctor about choosing the right post-mastectomy bra.
When it comes to underwear, the most important thing is comfort and breathability. Choose briefs in your favorite style that are made from soft, breathable fabrics like 100% cotton. A touch of stretch can also go a long way toward keeping you comfortable, especially when it comes to underwear and other types of apparel, such as leggings.
Soft, Roomy Tops
Post-mastectomy shirts should be made from a fabric that’s gentle on the skin to prevent chafing and irritation. Once again, cotton is a good choice because it’s lightweight, soft, and allows air to flow freely. There are also polyester-blend fabrics that are light and soft against the skin. Look for tops with moisture-wicking properties to whisk away perspiration, which is especially good if you have hot flashes.
When it comes to style, a roomy button-up is one option to consider. Make sure the buttons don’t sit too snug against your body. There should be plenty of room between you and the shirt to avoid the fabric from rubbing against the surgical wound. Pullover tunic tops are also a good choice—just make sure they’re not too tight.
If your tops are loose-fitting, soft, and crafted from a breathable fabric, they should be ok to wear after your mastectomy. However, you should consult with your doctor and ask them what you can and cannot wear post-surgery.
Comfy and Cozy Bottoms
The types of bottoms you wear aren’t as important as the types of tops, simply because of where the surgical wound is located. You can wear any type of women’s shorts or pants after a mastectomy as long as you’re comfortable. Consider leggings or comfy elastic waist jeans if you want something with stretch. Yoga pants are another good choice; look for a pair with a drawstring elastic waist so you can adjust how snug or loose they fit. While you can wear jeans, you don’t want anything that feels constricting or uncomfortable.
Flowy Dresses and Skirts
Wrap dresses are great for wearing after your mastectomy, and they’re stylish enough for wearing out. Choose a soft fabric with a touch of stretch, such as a jersey knit infused with spandex. A midi dress is a fashionable option for enjoying a day out of the house. Pair it with comfortable flat shoes and slip on a cardigan sweater. Women’s cardigan sweaters come in various styles and colors and are great for adding a layer of warmth over a light dress.
Follow the same rules with skirts as you do with pants: Go for comfort above all else. You may want to choose elastic-waist skirts and avoid those with zippers or buttons. A maxi or midi skirt is always in style and can be worn with all kinds of tops to create a myriad of different looks.
Pajamas and Loungewear
When recovering from a mastectomy, the best thing you can wear around the house is comfy pajamas or a gown. These days, PJ’s are more stylish than ever, so you can feel comfortable answering the door or receiving visitors. There are matching sets in various colors and styles, which you can coordinate with slippers for an outfit that’s cute and comfortable.
You might also want a robe to wear after your procedure. Slip it on over a gown in the summer or flannel pajamas in the winter. Look for a fabric that’s soft, sturdy, and absorbent, such as Supima cotton. This material is prized for its long-staple fibers, which make it softer and more durable than regular cotton. It’s also colorfast and machine washable, which is something else you want in post-mastectomy apparel.
After Your Recovery
Many of the pieces you wear during your recovery can be worn long after. Even when you’re fully healed, you might want to pull some of these soft, comfy pieces out of the closet. They can be worn on their own in the spring and summer and layered under sweaters and jackets in the fall and winter. With a wide range of fashionable, high-quality options, you can stay stylish and comfortable at every point of your mastectomy.