Mastectomy swimwear is swimwear designed specifically for people who have had a breast removed or partially removed due to cancer treatment. These suits look like regular swimwear on the outside but include built-in features like internal pockets for breast prostheses, higher necklines, and adjusted armholes to provide coverage over surgical scars while creating a natural, balanced silhouette.
How It Differs From Regular Swimwear
The key difference is what’s happening on the inside. Mastectomy swimsuits contain a supportive inner bustier with integrated pockets, sometimes called bilateral pockets, sewn into the lining on both sides. These pockets hold a breast form (prosthesis) snugly against the chest wall so it stays in place during movement, swimming, and diving. The pockets are typically made from a soft, stretchy fabric that sits comfortably against sensitive post-surgical skin.
Beyond the pockets, the construction addresses common concerns after surgery. Armholes are cut slightly higher and narrower to prevent a prosthesis from being visible at the side. Necklines tend to sit higher to cover scars along the chest. Adjustable straps allow fine-tuning so the suit sits evenly, even when one side carries a prosthesis and the other doesn’t. Fabrics are chosen to be chlorine-resistant and quick-drying, which also protects the prosthesis inside.
Available Styles
Mastectomy swimwear comes in the same range of styles you’d find in any swimwear line. One-piece suits are the most common option, offering full coverage and a secure fit. Tankini tops pair with separate bottoms and give more flexibility for bathroom trips and mixing sizes. Blouson-style tops drape loosely over the midsection while still containing a structured inner bustier with pockets underneath. High-neckline suits provide extra scar coverage for people who had surgery near the collarbone or upper chest.
Some people who choose to go flat after mastectomy (without reconstruction or a prosthesis) also use mastectomy swimwear simply for the scar coverage and the comfortable, well-placed seaming that avoids irritating incision sites.
Swim Prostheses vs. Everyday Breast Forms
If you wear a breast prosthesis daily, you’ll want a separate one for swimming. Standard silicone breast forms are not built to handle chlorine or salt water, which can break down the outer shell over time. Swim prostheses are made specifically for water exposure and resist damage from pool chemicals and ocean salt. Some swim forms are clear or translucent, making them less visible through wet fabric.
Swim prostheses are also lighter than everyday forms, since silicone breast forms can feel heavier when wet. The lighter weight helps the suit sit naturally in the water without dragging or shifting. They fit into the same internal pockets as a standard prosthesis.
Getting the Right Fit
Sizing a mastectomy swimsuit involves two measurements. First, you measure your band size by wrapping a tape measure around your ribcage just below the bust line. Second, you measure your cup size by wrapping the tape from the center of your chest over the fullest part of your remaining breast and around your back. If you’ve had a bilateral mastectomy (both breasts removed), the cup size is determined by the prosthesis size you wear.
Getting these measurements right matters more than with regular swimwear, because the suit needs to hold a prosthesis securely without gapping at the neckline or armhole. Many specialty retailers offer fitting services, either in person or by phone, to help match your measurements to the right size and prosthesis combination.
When You Can Start Swimming After Surgery
Most surgeons recommend waiting at least six weeks after a mastectomy before swimming or submerging your incision in water. MD Anderson Cancer Center advises no swimming or bathing until the incision has completely healed, which typically takes that six-week minimum. Chlorinated pools and salt water both carry infection risk for wounds that haven’t fully closed. Your surgical team will confirm when your incision is ready, which may take longer if you had complications or additional procedures like reconstruction.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Mastectomy swimwear typically costs between $60 and $150 per piece, depending on the brand and style. Swim prostheses are an additional cost, usually ranging from $30 to $100.
Insurance coverage for mastectomy swimwear itself is limited. Medicare Part B covers external breast prostheses and a post-surgical bra after mastectomy, with patients paying 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting their deductible. However, Medicare’s prosthesis coverage does not explicitly extend to swimwear. Some private insurers may reimburse part of the cost if a swim prosthesis is prescribed as a medical device, but this varies widely by plan. It’s worth submitting a claim with your prosthesis prescription to see what your insurer will cover, even if swimwear isn’t listed as a covered item.
Many breast cancer support organizations also offer free or subsidized swimwear through donation programs, which can be a practical option if cost is a barrier.