The Best Bras to Buy After Breast Surgery Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Breast Cancer News Which Bra Is Best for You After Breast Cancer Surgery Breast cancer surgery changes what you need from a bra. Fortunately, one woman who has been through it has designed just what you need. By Lambeth Hochwald and Cheryl AlkonMedically Reviewed by Krystal Cascetta, MDDecember 30, 2021Medically ReviewedAnaOno is an intimate apparel company that designs inclusive bras for all types of breast cancer surgeries.Courtesy of Ana OnoWhen Dana Donofree learned she had infiltrative ductal carcinoma in 2010 at age 27, she had a bilateral mastectomy and breast reconstruction with implants. When Donofree, a fashion designer, tried to get dressed again, she found that her clothing, particularly her bras, no longer fit right. “Once you get outside the traditional bra world, you are limited to sports bras, layering, and camisoles,” said Donofree. “Looking at me, I look like a 36C but [post-surgery], I measured as a 38 F.” Traditional bras at that size “are meant to do some heavy lifting,” she says. “But I didn’t need a cup up to my collarbone.” She asked her doctors how to find bras that fit her new shape, but she wasn’t satisfied with the answers. “A lot of people would say, ‘Don’t worry, you don’t have to wear a bra,’” she recalled. “But what if you want to?" Doctors advised Donofree against underwire bras — which are what she used to wear — because they can be constrictive and may lie against mastectomy scars under the breast. Also, with implants, Donofree lacked breast tissue sensation; it would be difficult for her to tell immediately (from pain or discomfort) that a bra didn’t fit properly. Women who’ve had radiation are also generally warned away from underwire bras because of the painful skin burns that can be left in the therapy’s wake. Too much friction isn’t a good idea. Donofree eventually realized she needed to invent the bra she wanted, and, in 2014, she launched her own company, AnaOno, which offers bras, lingerie, and loungewear specifically for those who have been diagnosed with or who live with breast cancer or breast surgery to support every step along the way. Every item in the line focuses on what she calls “boob-inclusion” and what’s needed to feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful, Donofree says. “This includes wire-free designs, multistretch fabrics, hidden seams, gentle and soft-to-the-skin materials, pocketed bras for breast forms, and unique construction to avoid pain points,” she says. Here are some of the bras from the collection that may be just right for you — according to the type of surgery you’ve had. Lumpectomy AnaOnoAccording to Donofree, some survivors and thrivers may experience shrinkage in breast tissue over time or pain from scarring after a lumpectomy surgery. She recommends looking for a bra that has soft seams and won't irritate the skin or scar area. AnaOno Product PicksDelilah Lumpectomy Soft Cup Bra This pocketed bra is a great option for post-lumpectomy surgery because of its soft cup design. The bra is wirefree and features a mesh panel back that offers support as well as breathability. The pocketed design allows for the optional use of balance forms and modesty pads. It's available in Black, Ivory, and Dusty Rose. $38Niya Lumpectomy Pullover Lounge Bra The Niya bra is one of Donofree's personal favorites. It was created for comfort in a softer-than-cotton modal fabric and double-layered lining. The cross-back design creates support and the smooth material and seams make it great for recovery. Available in Black and Dusty Rose. $38 Unilateral or Bilateral Mastectomy br AnaOnoA mastectomy is a procedure to remove one breast (unilateral mastectomy) or both breasts (bilateral mastectomy). After a unilateral mastectomy, some women choose to wear a prosthetic, which requires a pocketed bra. You can be fitted for a bra that accommodates prosthetics and breast forms at a mastectomy boutique near you. Call ahead to find out what options they have, such as shapers, full-breast forms, and custom breast forms, all of which are usually available at boutiques that service breast cancer patients and survivors. In addition, Nordstrom has a Breast Prosthesis Program, in which certified fitters help women find bras after reconstructive surgeries. Donofree also likes knitted forms from Knitted Knockers, which are free knitted prostheses sent to women who have had breast surgery. AnaOno Product PicksRora Pocketed Front-Closure Bra This bra is suited for all surgery outcomes and is a great asset for those undergoing radiation. An easy front closure for getting in and out is great support for those in lumpectomy surgery recovery or after a unilateral or bilateral mastectomy with or without reconstruction. It's pocketed to accommodate lightweight breast forms. $54Monica Full Coverage Bra This popular soft-support full-coverage bra is ideal for all breast surgery choices, from flat to reconstruction, and unilateral or bilateral mastectomies using balance forms, prosthetics, or Knitted Knockers. The super-soft modal fabric gives radiation patients a chance to feel protected during treatment. $54 RELATED: Your Ultimate Mastectomy Buying Guide: Pre-Surgery and Post-Surgery Essentials Flat No Reconstruction AnaOnoSome patients opt to “go flat” — to have no reconstruction at all after their mastectomy. According to AnaOno's website, they've done their research and "know what you desire in a flat bra, and that makes all the difference when it comes to achieving the right fit." AnaOno Product PicksLeslie Flat-Closure Leisure Bra The Leslie is the most popular item among what Donofree calls “the flat and fabulous.” “This bra shields the chest from being seen if you bend over and don’t want to expose your scars,” she says. This super-soft bra is available in Black and Ivory and features mesh paneling. $34Molly Flat Plunge Bra This underwire-free T-shirt bra was designed to be worn under low-cut shirts to protect sensitive skin against clothing. It features four different hook options to allow for complete adjustment. The Molly comes in Black, Ivory, and Sand. $54 Full Reconstruction Implant or Flap AnaOnoSomeone who has had their breasts reconstructed via implants or with their own tissue, often referred to as a flap surgery, can wear anything in the AnaOno line, says Donofree. “If you have a regular bra, you’ll have a bubble where your nipple used to be, and it’s a reminder of what used to be there,” said Donofree. “Instead, we want our community to feel comfortable, so we’ve removed the apex of the bra cup so there is no bubble or gapping in the fabric.” AnaOno Product PicksThe Gloria Implant Lace Bra This beautiful and feminine lace bralette is underwire free, with smooth cups and no boning for comfort after reconstruction. “Just because you’ve had breast surgery doesn’t mean you have to trade comfort for beauty,” she says. “With the Gloria, you celebrate both!” $54Susan Flap Reconstruction Wrap Bra The Susan is a customer favorite for good reason. Not only does it come in three beautiful colors (Black, Ivory, and Dusty Rose) it also has adjustable straps that can help support reconstructed breasts. $48NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Cancer Care Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Breast Cancer How to Avoid Pink Ribbon Pitfalls During Breast Cancer Awareness Month Before you donate to a breast cancer organization this month, make sure you know where your money’s going. By Leona VaughnSeptember 30, 2022 Cancer Me and My Solo RaftBy Denise SchipaniSeptember 13, 2022 Targeted Therapies for Metastatic Breast Cancer— Here' s What You Should KnowThe latest treatments and therapy approaches for metastatic breast cancer are helping patients live longer and offering new hope.By Cheryl Platzman WeinstockSeptember 7, 2022 Struggling With Insomnia During Breast Cancer Treatment Here s How to DealBreast cancer treatment can bring about many sleepless nights. 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