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Cancer

Find advice & support if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer

Bras

7 replies

Auklet · 01/06/2025 09:32

Hi, not posted much before but thank you to everyone who does as Mumsnet is so helpful.
Now sadly lurking around this board due to having had a lumpectomy and only discovered from here that post-surgery bras were required. I vaguely knew that I shouldn’t wear underwired bras which is a shame as I have always worn these and been comfortable.
Just posting for a moan as I’m now happy to get to the end of the day when I can take my bra off and lie down (although I think I read somewhere that you’re supposed to keep your bra on in bed – not doing that!)
After I’d typed out the below I remembered the cyber attack on M&S so I’ll forgive them for stocking issues but it has always seemed that popular sizes of things sell out.
It hit home how many women were having breast cancer surgery when it seems there are popular sizes of post-surgery bras that sell out in M&S. I couldn’t find 36B/C or 38B/C. I did try something with front fastening hooks and studs but it was too difficult to undo or do up.
I bought a set of 3 M&S crop tops with adjustable straps and padded inserts. On the first wear I had to unpick the labels at the back as they were scratching my skin. It started to hurt me underneath and I decided this was because they weren’t advertised as “seam-free”.
A size 16 M&S vest with support – OK, but not sure about underneath elastic and padded inserts moved around of own accord.
Found a seam free crop top/bra in Morrissons which even has the NHS logo in the label, “straps” not adjustable. I bought a Large due to the digging in experiences above but it rides up and I am constantly pulling it down. Maybe it’s too big?
Tried on a zip up front fastening at M&S, tried 36C and 36B which would be my normal sizes with an underwired but I didn’t fill either and the material was wrinkling.
Bought a size 16 lycra body crop at M&S, with inserts which already moved themselves before I even put it on. This is already digging in and the elastic bottom folding over but I think it might be the best so far.
I’m now thinking I should have tried Primark. I may also book in a fitting at M&S on a weekday morning but not sure if it's worth it due to the missing sizes.

OP posts:
Maddy70 · 01/06/2025 09:52

I canonly wear very loose crop tops with very little support.y skin is still irritated from the drains and any pressure on there is horrible

EmilyBronte2427 · 01/06/2025 10:41

I really feel for you, it’s been a long time since my lumpectomy but it was a nightmare trying to find the right bra. Have you tried online/Breast Cancer Now forum? 💐

jannier · 01/06/2025 10:57

Bras were the worst daily thing and at a 38g going without wasn't an option the pull on the stitches was horrendous. Bravissimo did some nice tops with built in bras.

Auklet · 01/06/2025 18:31

Thank you for the sympathy and suggestions ladies. I hope you heal soon Maddy70 xx

OP posts:
Twazique · 02/06/2025 17:11

I'm finding the M&S sports bra is the most comfortable at the moment. Its grey and has the VAT exemption. I found it in the post-surgery section next to the velcro front fastening ones.

Toadonaroll · 02/06/2025 17:18

You should have seen my bras after surgery, each seam and plastic bit seemed to dig in so I sewed little bits of material over each part! The nurse told me to wear a tight sports bra in bed which was painful, then I realised it wasn't doing anything to hold my breasts so I just stopped. 15 years later, breasts are fine. Do what feels most comfy.

Auklet · 02/06/2025 21:44

Thank you for the tip @Twazique , I'll have a look.
I didn't think of customising @Toadonaroll! Good idea!

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