After surgery, finding the right mastectomy bras to wear is essential for your comfort and healing. There are many options available, so choosing the best one can feel overwhelming when you’re already dealing with recovery.
As an oncology physical therapist with over 12 years of experience helping breast cancer survivors, here are my favorite mastectomy bras to make your recovery easier, help you feel more confident, and prevent complications like lymphedema (chronic swelling).
What Are Mastectomy Bras?
Mastectomy bras are undergarments that accommodate the changes to your chest after the surgery.
Unlike regular bras, they have special elements like pockets to hold breast prostheses, softer fabrics that won’t irritate surgical sites, and gentle compression to help with post-surgical swelling.
From my clinical experience, I know that the right mastectomy bra does more than just hold prosthetics.
It can help reduce the risk of seromas (fluid collection), decrease pain, and reduce your risk of developing lymphedema, which 20% of people after breast cancer surgery.
You can find bras to use after a double mastectomy or a single mastectomy. Some are designed for immediate post-surgery use, and others you can use long-term to feel confident and comfortable.
What Kind of Bra Do You Wear After a Mastectomy?
Your bra needs will change throughout your recovery process.
Immediately after surgery, you’ll need a post-surgical or compression bra that accommodates drainage tubes and provides gentle support without putting pressure on incision sites.
These typically have front closures and soft, seamless construction.
Once your surgeon clears you for regular activities, you can transition to mastectomy bras designed for prostheses. These have built-in pockets that securely hold breast forms and are made from breathable fabrics that reduce skin irritation.
Women with reconstruction will eventually move to regular bras once the healing is complete, though this timeline varies significantly for different people.
In my practice, I typically see this transition happen anywhere from 3-12 months post-surgery, depending on the type of reconstruction and individual healing factors.
5 Best Mastectomy Bras for Recovery
1. HuggerPRIMA Bra
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Best for immediate post-surgical recovery
Full compression and coverage for the critical first weeks after mastectomy surgery.
Price: $115
Compression level: High
Special features: Wire-free design, built-in pockets for prosthetics, padding, or ice packs, and front closure for easy dressing
The HuggerPRIMA is one of my top recommended options for post-surgical recovery with full compression and coverage that helps reduce swelling and support healing.
This wire-free bra has built-in pockets for prosthetics, padding, or ice packs, making it perfect for the first weeks after surgery. The front-closure design makes it easy to put on when your arm movement is limited, and the straps won’t irritate chemotherapy port sites.
Plus, the high compression level provides security and support without cutting off circulation, which is important for preventing lymphedema after breast cancer.
I’ve personally fitted dozens of patients with this bra, and the feedback is consistently positive, especially from women who’ve struggled to find a bra with a large enough size range.
2. HuggerVIDA Bra
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Best for transitional recovery and everyday comfort
Gentle support for getting back to normal activities and managing lingering swelling
Price: $104
Compression level: Medium to low
Special features: Wire-free design, antibacterial fabric, and moisture-wicking material
The HuggerVIDA is your comfortable everyday bra for the second phase of recovery when you need less compression. It’s a wire-free bra made with antibacterial and moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry and comfortable throughout the day.
HuggerVIDA still provides medium to low compression, so it’s perfect for managing the swelling as it continues to go down after surgery and lowering your risk of lymphedema.
I often recommend this bra to patients around the 4-6 week mark when they’re transitioning back to more normal activities, but still need gentle support.
3. Thuasne Mobiderm Intimate Bra
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Best for lymphedema management and swelling relief
Medical-grade therapeutic bra with specialized foam inserts for lymphatic drainage
Price: $258
Compression level: Targeted/medical-grade
Special features: Removable MOBIDERM small block pads, integrated pockets for therapeutic inserts, targeted pressure points for lymphatic drainage
Another personal favorite of mine, the MOBIDERM Intimate Bra is a medical-grade option that can be very helpful if you’re dealing with breast-related swelling or have been diagnosed with lymphedema following your surgery.
This bra comes with removable MOBIDERM small block pads that fit into integrated pockets, creating targeted pressure points on your chest, thoracic wall, and back to improve lymphatic drainage and soften tissue.
The front-hook closure with zip-up design makes it easy to put on, and the wide padded shoulder straps adjust for a comfortable fit.
What I particularly appreciate about this bra is that it’s designed to provide the extra support of the MOBIDERM insert without the added bulk.
4. Rora Bra
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Best for radiation therapy and sensitive skin
The lightest, most breathable option for gentle recovery without irritation
Price: $65
Compression level: Low
Special features: Front-closure for easy dressing, secures bandages and surgical dressings, works for single or double mastectomy
The Rora Bra is a high-quality, front-closure bra that’s perfect for the recovery after a single or double mastectomy. It secures bandages and surgical dressings and provides gentle compression. This is by far the lightest (and most breathable) bra option out there.
The soft, irritation-free fabric also makes it popular among women undergoing radiation therapy, as it won’t aggravate sensitive skin. The pocketed cups can hold modesty pads, prostheses, or lightweight breast forms.
This bra is also eligible for insurance coverage, which is important for many of my patients managing the financial burden of cancer treatment.
5. ABC’s 619 Restore Bra
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Best for upper truncal swelling
High support for managing significant post-surgical swelling with unrestricted movement
Price: Varies
Compression level: High
Special features: Pocketed cups for modesty pads, breast forms, or prostheses, allows for natural movement, extended size range (AA to G cups)
Last but not least in this mastectomy bra collection, ABC’s 619 Restore Bra is a great option for high support during recovery. I’ve found that patients who struggle with upper, truncal swelling and need high support particularly benefit from this bra.
The pocketed cups accommodate modesty pads, breast forms, or prostheses as needed, and the design allows for natural movement without restriction. It comes in a large range of sizes, from AA to G.
This bra is eligible for insurance coverage and can be found at your local durable medical equipment or mastectomy shop.
Does Insurance Pay for a Mastectomy Bra?
Yes, insurance typically covers mastectomy bras, and you have legal protections that guarantee this coverage.
Under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, health insurance plans that cover mastectomy surgery must also provide coverage for prosthetic devices and mastectomy bras.
Most insurance plans will cover several bras per year, though you’ll need a prescription from your doctor and may need to purchase from specific approved suppliers.
Where to Buy Mastectomy Bras?
It depends on your personal preferences and insurance coverage.
Some cancer centers and hospitals have shops that specialize in post-mastectomy products and can help with fitting and insurance claims. Others will find local durable medical equipment or mastectomy shops where they can see a fitter.
Many people also find it convenient to buy their mastectomy bras online.
Here are some of my recommended products as an oncology physical therapist.
Can I Go Braless After a Mastectomy?
Yes, but it depends on your comfort level and the type of surgery you had.
Some women find that going without a bra feels more comfortable, especially if they’ve had a double mastectomy and don’t use breast forms.
However, if you have lymphedema or are at risk for developing it, gentle compression from a well-fitted bra can help with lymphatic drainage. If you use a prosthetic, you’ll need a bra with pockets to keep it secure and properly positioned.
Can You Just Wear a Padded Bra After a Mastectomy?
No, a regular padded bra isn’t the best choice right after a mastectomy. Regular bras don’t accommodate surgical sites and drainage tubes. The underwire and seams in regular bras can also irritate incisions or mastectomy scars.
Once you’re fully healed and if you don’t have lymphedema concerns, you might be able to wear regular bras, but mastectomy-specific bras are designed with your medical needs in mind and will often be more comfortable and supportive.
Choosing Your Mastectomy Bras & Getting More Support After Breast Surgery
You’ll usually start with a high-compression post-surgical bra immediately after the surgery, then transition to medium-compression options. You should also consider fabric sensitivities, especially if you’re undergoing radiation therapy.
Your medical team will likely share a few different recommendations with you, but it’s important to do your research, too. As someone who specializes in post-mastectomy recovery, I encourage you to ask questions and advocate for what feels right for your body.
It’s also essential to take care of yourself during the recovery, paying attention to your arm and chest mobility, managing any swelling, and maintaining your overall fitness safely.
My physical therapy program, Breast Cancer Rehab, has in-depth guidance on movement, lymphedema prevention, and rebuilding your strength after treatment.
