Mastectomy

Mastectomy Specialist Fitting

Pocketed bras, prostheses
and mastectomy swimwear

Finding lingerie and swimwear after a mastectomy should feel like a calm, personal experience rather than something to navigate alone. At The Fitting Service, we stock a carefully chosen range of pocketed bras, breast prostheses, mastectomy swimwear, and accessories from brands that truly understand the needs of women after breast surgery.

Whether you are newly post-mastectomy, living with a long-term prosthesis, or simply looking for a better fit than you have found elsewhere, we are here to help. We also assist customers in understanding and using their NHS breast prosthesis voucher.

What to look for after a mastectomy

  • A pocketed bra that holds your prosthesis securely, without any movement or shifting
  • Soft, seamless cups with no underwire pressing on a healing or sensitive chest wall
  • A prosthesis matched to your remaining breast in weight, shape, and projection
  • Swimwear with a built-in pocket so you can swim confidently without a separate bra
  • A fitting with someone who takes the time to understand your surgery and your body

Our Recommendations

Brands we trust and stock

Amoena

Pocketed Mastectomy Bras and Breast Forms

Amoena is one of the most trusted names in mastectomy fitting worldwide, with a full range of pocketed bras in beautiful everyday styles alongside silicone breast forms designed to move and feel as natural as possible. Their fitting expertise spans decades and their range caters to every body and every stage of recovery.

Shop Amoena

Nicola Jane

British Mastectomy Lingerie and Swimwear

Nicola Jane is a British brand founded specifically for women after breast surgery, offering beautifully designed pocketed bras, swimwear, and loungewear. Their collections are thoughtfully made to feel feminine and confident rather than purely functional, with styles ranging from simple everyday pieces to swimwear designed for holidays and activity.

Shop Nicola Jane

Anita and Cancer Research UK

Post Surgery and Charitable Ranges

Anita bring European engineering and exceptional comfort to their mastectomy bra range, with styles suited to both the immediate post-surgery period and longer term wear. We also stock the Cancer Research UK bra range, a portion of proceeds from which supports breast cancer research in the UK.

Shop Anita

Your Recovery Concierge

Not sure where
to start?

Navigating what to buy after a mastectomy can feel overwhelming. Our Recovery Concierge service offers a one-to-one conversation with Amy, who will help you understand what you need, when to order it, and how to get the right fit before or after your surgery.

  • Understand what type of bra is right for your stage of recovery
  • Get guidance on prosthesis shapes, weights, and which brands suit your chest wall
  • Learn how to measure yourself for the best possible fit before ordering
  • Ask questions about swimming, travel, and everyday life after mastectomy
  • Receive a curated product recommendation tailored to your surgery and lifestyle

About Mastectomy Fitting

What you need to know about bras and prostheses after mastectomy

The difference between a post-surgery bra and a pocketed mastectomy bra

In the first weeks after a mastectomy, most surgeons recommend a soft, wire-free post-surgery bra that sits gently against the chest without applying any pressure. These are not designed to hold a prosthesis. Once you have healed and have been fitted for a prosthesis, you move into a pocketed mastectomy bra, which has a sewn-in pocket behind each cup to hold the breast form securely in place. The two serve very different purposes, and it is worth having both.

Some women also choose not to wear a prosthesis, in which case a non-pocketed wire-free bra or a crop-style top may be the most comfortable option. We stock styles suited to all preferences and will never make assumptions about what you want from your fitting.

How to choose the right breast prosthesis

Breast prostheses come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and materials. Full silicone prostheses are the most realistic in terms of weight and movement, and are generally recommended for everyday wear in a pocketed bra. Lightweight foam or fibrefill forms are a comfortable alternative for sleeping or swimming. Stick-on prostheses are also available for women who want to wear non-pocketed bras or go bra-free.

The most important factors in choosing a prosthesis are matching the weight and projection of your remaining breast, and ensuring the shape sits well against your chest wall. This is why an in-person fitting makes such a significant difference. We take time at every fitting to try multiple styles and ensure you leave feeling comfortable and confident.

Common Questions

Mastectomy fitting answered

When can I start wearing a bra after a mastectomy?

This depends on your surgery and your surgeon's advice. Most women are able to wear a soft, wire-free post-surgery bra within days of their operation, once dressings are in place. Your surgical team will advise when you can progress to a pocketed mastectomy bra and breast prosthesis, which is typically once swelling has settled and any wounds have healed. If you are unsure, please ask your breast care nurse before ordering.

Can I swim after a mastectomy?

Yes, most women are able to return to swimming after their surgeon has confirmed they are healed, which is typically several weeks post-operation. Mastectomy swimwear with built-in pockets allows you to swim comfortably with a swimming prosthesis in place. Silicone prostheses should not be worn in the pool as chlorine can damage the surface over time. Lightweight foam or swimming-specific breast forms are designed for water use.

Do I need to come in for a fitting, or can I order online?

For a post-surgery bra purchased in the early weeks of recovery, many women order online using their pre-surgery bra size as a guide. For a breast prosthesis, we strongly recommend an in-person fitting, as the shape and weight need to be matched carefully to your chest wall and remaining breast. An ill-fitting prosthesis can cause discomfort and postural issues over time. We offer fittings at both our Maidstone and London studios.

The Fitting Service

Book your
mastectomy fitting

We offer specialist mastectomy fittings at our Maidstone and London studios. Every fitting is private, unhurried, and carried out by a specialist fitter who understands post-mastectomy anatomy. You are welcome to bring someone with you.

Mastectomy Recovery Essentials

View all