A mastectomy bra is a specialized garment designed to provide gentle support, comfort, and shape after breast surgery. This type of bra is usually pocketed to securely hold a breast prosthesis, which is often needed to restore external symmetry. Accurate measurement is important because the bra’s band provides the majority of the support, and the cup must accommodate either the remaining tissue or a breast form without causing pressure or irritation.
Determining the Band Measurement
The band measurement is the first step in determining a proper mastectomy bra size, as the band is responsible for about 80% of the support. To find this number, measure the circumference of your torso directly underneath where your breasts or chest tissue were. The measuring tape should be placed snugly against the skin, ensuring it is level all the way around your back and front, similar to where a standard bra band would sit.
It is helpful to take this measurement while exhaling, which allows the measuring tape to sit flush against the ribcage for the most accurate result. The number recorded determines the numerical portion of the bra size (e.g., 34, 36, or 38). Since the initial measurement is the underbust circumference, many sizing methods require adding a few inches to this number to arrive at the final band size.
Measuring for Cup Volume
Once the band size is established, the next step is measuring the volume needed for the cup, which varies depending on the type of surgery performed. For a unilateral mastectomy, the measurement is taken across the fullest part of the remaining breast tissue. The tape measure should start at the center of the sternum, pass over the fullest part of the natural breast, and continue to the center of the spine.
This half-measurement is then doubled to achieve a full bust circumference number. This method ensures the bra cup is sized to match the natural side, allowing a prosthesis of the correct volume to be worn on the operated side to achieve symmetry. If a bilateral mastectomy was performed, measure across the fullest part of the chest wall, typically slightly above the incision lines. In this case, the cup size is chosen based on the desired volume of the breast forms, selecting a cup that comfortably holds the chosen prosthesis.
Translating Measurements to Bra Size
The final bra size is determined by combining the band and cup measurements taken in the previous steps. The band measurement, taken firmly around the ribcage, is often adjusted based on the specific brand’s sizing method. For instance, some systems instruct adding four inches to an even underbust measurement or five inches to an odd one to arrive at the final band number, which is the first half of the bra size designation.
The cup size is determined by calculating the difference between the full bust measurement and the adjusted band measurement. A one-inch difference corresponds to an A cup, a two-inch difference to a B cup, and each subsequent inch corresponds to the next letter. For example, a band size of 36 inches and a bust measurement of 38 inches translates to a 36B bra size. Because sizing is not universal, it is important to consult the specific brand’s sizing chart, as cup volume can vary significantly between manufacturers.
Accounting for Prostheses and Surgical Changes
The specialized nature of mastectomy bras requires measurements to account for post-surgical anatomy and the use of breast prostheses. The bra must be sized not just for the chest wall, but for the volume and weight of the breast form intended to create a balanced silhouette. Full prostheses mimic the weight of natural breast tissue, which is important for maintaining posture and preventing shoulder drop.
Mastectomy bras feature integrated pockets, which are necessary to secure the breast form and prevent it from shifting during movement. Immediately following surgery, measure loosely to accommodate any post-operative swelling and tenderness. The definitive size may not be accurately determined until approximately six to eight weeks post-operation, once swelling has subsided and the surgical area has healed.
The design of the bra must also address potential post-surgical complications like lymphedema, which is managed by avoiding constriction. Features such as wider shoulder straps distribute weight more broadly, reducing pressure points that could impede lymphatic flow. High side panels and a deeper center front offer increased coverage and stability, helping to contain soft tissue and keep the breast form secure. Adjustable closures and soft, non-irritating fabrics are also important considerations for maximizing comfort against sensitive skin and scar tissue.