Tips to get a Perfect Mastectomy Bra Fit

With more than 70% of the adult female population wearing the wrong size bra, the chances are that unless you have been professionally fitted you are not wearing the best-sized bra for you. Add to that the fact that your prosthesis was probably fitted to your own bra, there is also a possibility that the prosthesis is not quite right either.
When choosing new lingerie it is important to know your correct size. So starting at the beginning; this is my guide to mastectomy bra fitting.

First things first, the band measurement is the starting point. This is the measurement around the back and chest measured just under the breast. The measuring tape needs to be level at the back, fit snugly under the breast and be level on the mastectomy side. It should feel tight without causing discomfort. Obviously after surgery and/or radiotherapy, the area may be tender so find a tightness that is comfortable for you.

Things then get more complicated. If you are using a metric measurement then the tape measurement in cm becomes the metric band size to the nearest 5 cm eg 85, 90, 95. However in the UK we are more used to the imperial measurement system. This imperial system dates to a time before cup sizing was developed so it is not as simple as taking the measurement and this being the band size.

Traditionally the idea is to add 4” to an even band measurement ie tape measurement =30” Band size 34”
And to add 5” to an odd number eg;
Tape measurement =31” Band size would be 36”

However, in my experience (and from consulting other bra fitters) this gives a band size that will be too loose to support the breast adequately and the band rides up the back as the shoulder straps are tightened in an attempt to try to give the support that is lacking. The shoulder straps then dig in and neck and shoulder problems can occur.

In practise, adding 2” to an even number and 3” to an odd result gives a much more realistic result. Ideally, when the bra is being worn it should feel tight but allow two fingers to be able to fit behind the back clasp.

Next a cup measurement is needed. This is not the easiest measurement to take after a mastectomy and in practise, trial and error seems to be the only method. But the principle is this: measure around the body at breast level and compare the result with the band size, to take this measurement after a mastectomy, the only sensible way I have found is to measure from the centre-front to the centre-back on the side of the remaining breast and double the result).
Once you have this measurement you can then calculate your cup size as follows;




Difference between the band measurement and the measurement around the bust in inches
Cup Size inches cm
A 0 10-12
B 1 13-15
C 2 15-17
D 3 18-20
DD 4 20-22
E 5 23-25
F 6 26-28


Therefore, as a guide, an A cup has the same measurement around the breasts as the band size (remember to add the 2 or 3”to the actual bra measurement). The B cup is 1’’ larger, C cup 2”, D cup 3” etc.

That’s the science! But as different manufacturers and styles can vary quite considerably and because we are all different shapes, there is no better way than to try on various bras in different sizes to get a better idea of the correct fit.

fitting bra should look and feel;
• The band should be tight enough that the bra fits comfortably across the lower back and will not ride up
• The breast should be well contained within the cup
• The bra should fit well under the root of the breast
• The centre-front sits flat against the breast bone
• There are no wrinkles in the cup

Have a look at yourself in your current bra (make sure you jiggle yourself into it correctly). Is it sitting at the correct height across the back? If not, is this because you have not done it up tightly enough? If it is still too loose on the tightest setting then the band size is too big (remember that just like a pair of shoes, the bra will give gradually over time so a new bra needs to be fitted tight on the loosest hook setting and tightened as the elastic relaxes).

Once you are happy with the band size, have a look at the cups. Fit the bra to your breast rather than the prosthesis, as your prosthesis might not be the right size for you Is your breast spilling over the top of the cup? If the answer is yes then you are wearing the wrong cup size for that bra and need a larger cup.

Finally, the perfect mastectomy bra will also have the following features;
• Ideally a mastectomy bra should be non-wired
• The shoulder straps should be central rather than balconette style
• The centre front should be deeper than a standard bra
• The bra should be wide under the arms to give good support
• A full cup bra is usually a necessity
• Most mastectomy bras will have pockets to hold a breast form.

I think I've just written War and Peace! Hope it helps you to choose the right bra.

Happy fitting!