The 6 Best Postsurgery Bras for Comfort and Support

Choosing a bra after surgery is personal. There are lots of options available, but what’s most important is that your bra works for you.

The decision to have surgery for breast cancer is an extremely personal one, and it may need to be followed up by another very personal decision: finding the right postsurgical bra.

What bra works for you will depend on the type of surgery and reconstruction (if any), and some people may opt for no bra at all.

Here are several ways to make the process easier so you can find the best bra for you, no matter what kind of surgery you get.

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What to look for in a postsurgery bra

According to 2020 research, 52% of participants reported having problems with the bras they purchased after surgery.

There are two main types of surgery: breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy.

With a breast-conserving surgery, also called a lumpectomy, only a portion of the breast tissue is removed. With a mastectomy, the entire breast is removed.

The best bra for you will depend on the type of surgery you have and any postoperative restrictions.

“Women will need different types of bras to accommodate their anticipated breast sizes and shapes,” says Monique Gary, a board certified breast surgeon.

For the first few days or weeks after surgery, you may require a surgical bra. After that, it’s a good idea to discuss your specific needs with a doctor.

“Decisions after mastectomy are personal, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer,” Gary says.

However, there are a few key features to look for in a postsurgical bra.

Find a bra with soft material

“After a lumpectomy, a soft, supportive, and comfortable bra is recommended to help with the healing process,” Gary says.

Some people who have a lumpectomy opt to wear a sports bra following surgery, while others may choose something with a more breathable material, like cotton. Either way, comfort is the top priority.

According to breast cancer surgeon Anne Peled, it’s crucial to choose a bra with your postsurgical wound in mind. “Ideally [your bra] should have soft fabric and seams that don’t rub on incisions,” she explains.

Compression can help with swelling

Along with comfort, support is a key component of a good bra.

As with any surgery, swelling and inflammation are common after a lumpectomy or mastectomy, so keep that in mind when looking for the right bra.

“It’s important to find one with good compression to help with swelling, particularly in the first few weeks to months after surgery,” Peled says.

Not only does compression provide comfort and support, it also aids in healing and recovery. According to 2023 research, women who wore a stable bra with compression after surgery had less pain and more mobility.

Wireless is best

Following surgery, people are generally advised to wear a bra continuously for the first several weeks, so comfort is a priority. Wireless bras may be the best option.

“Bras with underwires should be avoided regardless of surgery type,” says Gary. A wireless bra will help “prevent irritation or injury to the surgical site.”

Front closures makes things easy

After breast cancer surgery, many experience upper body weakness and limited mobility.

“People have limited arm and chest mobility in the early postsurgery period,” says Peled.

Shoulder impairment and reduced range of motion can make activities like putting on a bra particularly difficult, so features like adjustable straps and a front zipper can be helpful. This is true of both your bra and the clothes you choose after surgery.

Front-closing bras “offer support without putting too much pressure on the breasts or shoulders,” says Gary.

She also recommends looking for a bra that can accommodate your specific needs.

“Opt for something washable that won’t shrink in the dryer,” Gary says. Consider whether you’ll need a bra with pockets or loops to hold surgical drains.

Best postsurgical bras to consider

With those tips in mind, here are some of the best bras to consider post-mastectomy:

AnaOno

According to Gary, AnaOno is one of the best post-mastectomy bra companies around.

Founded by Dana Donofree after her own breast cancer journey, AnaOno bras are designed specifically for people recovering from breast cancer surgery. They’re made with non-molded, wire-free cups and modal fabric — an eco-friendly material that’s softer and more breathable than cotton.

The Rora Pocketed Front Closure Bra is a good postsurgery option since it was made for all stages of recovery. It features a wide back bridge for underarm support, a front clasp closure for easy dressing, and pocketed cups that can accommodate breast prostheses if needed.

For those who want a pullover bra instead, you may want to try the Molly Plunge Bra. This one offers a plunging neckline that can help you feel both comfortable and flirty — if that’s what you’re going for.

Masthead

Masthead is another brand geared toward people who have experienced breast cancer. It was founded by Elizabeth Chabner Thompson, a radiation oncologist who underwent surgery herself.

“Their bras are well-designed to assist postsurgery recovery and are widely endorsed by doctors and surgical staff,” says Gary.

The Elizabeth Pink Surgical Bra was created specifically for the period immediately following surgery. It features Velcro front, side, and shoulder closures for maximum ease with dressing. The bra also has loops designed to hold Jackson-Pratt (JP) drains, which have a soft plastic bulb and flexible tubing.

Amoena

Amoena is a post-mastectomy care company that offers bras, swimwear, and lingerie designed for people with breast cancer.

Several postsurgical compression bras are available, offering light, medium, or high levels of compression, depending on your needs. The compression bras are all front-closing with Velcro shoulder straps for a fully adjustable fit.

Marena

Marena offers medical-grade compression garments suitable for a variety of needs, including breast surgery.

The Caress Ultra Low Coverage Bra has a zippered front closure and detachable shoulder straps, which is good for everyday use. It also has flexible pocketed cups that expand up to two cup sizes, meaning it can accommodate fluctuations due to swelling and asymmetrical breast sizes.

Tomboyx

Finally, Gary recommends Tomboyx, an inclusive underwear brand designed for all body sizes and breast shapes.

“It offers product lines specifically to accommodate breast surgeries,” she says.

Their Holdster Bra was developed for those recovering from a unilateral mastectomy. It’s a unique, one-of-a-kind bra that provides unilateral support and has a reversible design so it can be worn on either side.

The bottom line

Finding the right post-mastectomy bra can feel overwhelming, but you can take steps to make the process easier. The best way to do that is to talk with your doctor beforehand to get an idea of what to look for.

“Though surgeons might not be able to predict volume changes precisely, presurgery conversations are helpful in understanding personal needs to aid in a more comfortable and effective recovery,” says Gary.

Ultimately, the best postsurgery bra is the one that feels right for you. It’s also OK to skip the bra altogether.

As long as you make sure to follow your postoperative care instructions and recovery guidelines, you can choose any bra that makes you feel comfortable and confident.