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Post-surgery bras: what to look for

After breast or chest surgery, the right bra is soft, easy to put on and adjustable. Your surgical team will tell you what to wear and when; this guide helps you shop for it.

A yellow tape measure coiled around a pink heart
Photo: Patricia Serna (opens in a new tab) on Unsplash

By Jenisha Jonchhe Researched and tested where possible Updated

Affiliate links: this guide links to Amazon UK. As an Amazon Associate, My Bra Size earns from qualifying purchases. It never changes the advice or the size we suggest.

What to search for on Amazon UK

Add your UK size to the search on Amazon (for example “34G”). Not sure of it? Use our bra size calculator first.

  1. 1

    Front-fastening post-surgery bra

    Opens at the front, so you do not need to reach behind you or lift your arms high.

    Search Amazon UK for front fastening post surgery bra (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
  2. 2

    Post-surgery bra with prosthesis pockets

    Soft pockets inside the cups hold a breast form securely after a mastectomy.

    Search Amazon UK for post surgery bra prosthesis pocket (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
  3. 3

    Soft seamless recovery bra

    No wires, seams or hard edges near healing skin.

    Search Amazon UK for seamless recovery bra wire free (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)

As an Amazon Associate, My Bra Size earns from qualifying purchases. Links open Amazon UK; prices and stock are set by Amazon and its sellers. Search results change often, so a product appearing there has not necessarily been tested. Product photos, where shown, come from Amazon. How we handle affiliate links

A good post-surgery bra is soft, wire-free, front fastening and adjustable. It should be easy to put on without raising your arms and should never press on healing areas. Always follow your surgical team’s advice on what to wear and for how long.

What to look for

  • Front fastening with hooks, a zip or Velcro, so you can dress without reaching behind you. See our guide to front fastening bras.
  • No underwires and soft, flat seams away from scars.
  • Adjustable straps, ideally fastening at the front, to cope with swelling.
  • Breathable, soft fabric, such as cotton or microfibre.
  • Prosthesis pockets if you have had a mastectomy and wear a breast form.
  • A wide, soft band that does not dig in.

Sizing after surgery

Your size can change while swelling settles. Many post-surgery bras use your usual band size with stretch or adjustable cups. If you are not sure of your band size, our how to measure bra size guide shows where to place the tape. Measure gently, and only when your care team says it is fine to do so.

Questions to ask your care team

  1. When can I start wearing a bra, and what type?
  2. How many hours a day should I wear it, and should I wear it at night?
  3. Do I need compression, or soft support?
  4. When can I go back to an underwired bra?

Brands to search for

Anita, Amoena and Royce all make post-surgery and mastectomy bras. Your breast care nurse may also be able to suggest fitting services near you.

This guide is general shopping information, not medical advice. Speak to your surgeon or breast care nurse about your own recovery.

Questions people ask

How soon after surgery can I wear a normal bra?
Only your surgeon or breast care nurse can tell you this, as it depends on your operation and healing. Follow their advice on what to wear and for how long.
What size post-surgery bra should I buy?
Many post-surgery bras use your usual band size with adjustable or stretch cups to allow for swelling. Check the maker’s size chart and ask your care team if they recommend a specific fit.
What is a mastectomy bra?
A mastectomy bra has soft pockets inside the cups to hold a breast form (prosthesis). Many are also front fastening and wire-free.

Written by

Jenisha Jonchhe

Jenisha Jonchhe is a New York-based fashion writer and designer with academic training in fashion design. She writes research-led bra sizing and fit guides for UK shoppers.

Researched from brand and retailer size guides, and tested hands-on where possible. Search results on Amazon change often, so a product appearing there has not necessarily been tested. How we research and test