Mastectomy Swimwear Australia: Finding the Right Fit, Support and Confidence

Choosing swimwear after a mastectomy is a very personal decision. For some women, the priority is securely holding a breast prosthesis. For others, it may be greater coverage, comfortable support, freedom of movement or simply finding swimwear they genuinely enjoy wearing.

The good news is that purpose-designed mastectomy swimwear in Australia now offers considerably more choice than functional-looking swimsuits alone. One pieces, tankinis, swim tops, rashies and active styles are available with features specifically designed around post-mastectomy needs.

Understanding those features makes choosing the right swimsuit much easier.

What Is Mastectomy Swimwear?

Mastectomy swimwear is designed to accommodate the needs of women who have undergone breast surgery, particularly those who choose to wear an external breast prosthesis.

One of the key differences is the inclusion of discreet internal pockets designed to securely hold a breast form or booster pad. Other features can include higher necklines and armholes, soft cups, supportive underbust construction and straps designed to provide additional security.

Cancer Australia confirms that specially designed swimsuits are available to hold breast prostheses securely while swimming. It also notes that choosing a prosthesis involves individual considerations such as shape, size and comfort.[1]

These practical considerations are why dedicated mastectomy swimwear can be preferable to trying to adapt a conventional swimsuit.

What Should You Look for in Mastectomy Swimwear?

There is no single swimsuit that will suit every woman following breast surgery. However, several design features are worth considering.

Secure Prosthesis Pockets

If you wear a breast prosthesis, a secure pocket is one of the most important features.

The pocket should comfortably hold the breast form against the body and minimise unwanted movement when swimming, walking or getting in and out of the water.

Cancer Council NSW specifically recommends considering pocketed swimwear for swimming with a prosthesis. It notes that these swimsuits can include a bra pocket for the breast form as well as wider straps and higher neck and arm lines.[2]

The Splish Splash mastectomy swimwear collection includes designs specifically incorporating mastectomy pockets across several different swimsuit styles.

Soft Cups and Underbust Support

Support does not necessarily mean underwire.

Fixed soft cups can provide shape and structure while helping the swimsuit sit securely around the bust. Underbust support can provide further stability.

For example, the Sunseeker Mastectomy Crop - Reset combines mastectomy pockets with fixed soft cups, powermesh underbust support and a clip-back closure.

This type of separate may suit women who prefer the flexibility of combining different top and bottom sizes rather than wearing a one piece.

Higher Necklines and Armholes

Higher necklines and armholes can offer greater coverage and help create a secure fit around the upper body.

They are not something every woman needs or wants, but they can be particularly useful when additional coverage makes the wearer feel more comfortable.

Current options within the Splish Splash range include the:

Jantzen Hi Neck Cross Strap One Piece - Goddess, 

Jantzen Mesh High Neck Mastectomy One Piece - Cosmopolitan, 

Poolproof Cross Mastectomy One Piece - Dreamer,

and Sunseeker High Neck Mastectomy Singlet - Madrid.

One Piece, Tankini, Crop or Rashie?

Choosing the right mastectomy swimwear is not simply a question of size. How and where you intend to wear it matters too.

Mastectomy One Piece Swimsuits

A one piece provides an integrated fit and can be a good choice for swimming, water exercise or simply relaxing at the beach.

The current range includes different approaches to this style, from high-neck designs to more traditional scoop necklines.

The Jantzen Pintuck Mastectomy One Piece, for example, has been designed specifically for post-mastectomy wear, combining coverage and support with a conventional fashion-swimwear appearance.

Tankinis and Separates

Tankinis, crops and singlets provide another option, particularly when your top and bottom are different sizes.

The Splish Splash mastectomy range currently includes:

Sunseeker Mastectomy Crops, high-neck singlets,

Mastectomy Rashies and Active Swimwear

Australian conditions introduce another consideration: sun exposure.

A mastectomy rashie can combine breast-form functionality with greater upper-body coverage.

Splish Splash currently carries both short and long-sleeved mastectomy rashies from Jantzen and Sunseeker, as well as surfsuit one pieces, 

while the Poolproof Sleeveless Mastectomy Surfsuit - Coco provides another option for women looking for more active swimwear.

Can You Swim With a Breast Prosthesis?

Yes, although regular swimmers may want to consider a prosthesis specifically designed for swimming.

Cancer Council NSW advises that while an everyday prosthesis can be used occasionally for swimming, women who swim regularly may prefer a dedicated swim breast prosthesis. These are generally made from water-resistant silicone and designed to be lightweight and quick drying.[2]

This is also where the fit of your swimsuit becomes important. A well-fitting pocketed swimsuit should hold the swim form securely while still allowing comfortable movement.

Choosing Mastectomy Swimwear for Australian Conditions

Where you swim should influence what you buy.

For regular pool swimming, consider how the fabric copes with repeated exposure to chlorine. For beach use, think about coverage, sun protection and how securely the swimsuit remains in place when swimming in waves rather than calm water.

For women who spend considerable time in chlorinated pools, the Splish Splash range includes a number of Poolproof mastectomy styles, including the Scoop Ruch Mastectomy One Piece - Treasure,

and the Pintuck Mastectomy One Piece - Onyx.

The Poolproof and Funkita ranges are specifically positioned as chlorine-resistant swimwear.

Whatever swimwear you choose, following the manufacturer's care instructions and rinsing swimwear after exposure to chlorine or salt water can help maintain the fabric and fit.

Getting the Fit Right After a Mastectomy

Your body may fit swimwear differently following breast surgery, which makes it particularly important not to rely solely on the size you wore previously.

Consider how the swimsuit sits around the chest, underarm and shoulders, whether a breast form remains comfortably positioned and whether straps provide security without digging in.

Cancer Australia recommends considering the shape, size and comfort of a breast prosthesis and notes that trained fitters can assist women in selecting an appropriate option.[1]

The same principle applies to your swimsuit: comfort and fit matter more than the number printed on the label.

Our guide to finding Swimwear that Fits provides further guidance on choosing swimwear for your individual proportions.

Finding the Right Style for Your Body

Having undergone a mastectomy does not mean every other swimwear consideration suddenly disappears.

You may also want additional shaping through the waist and abdomen. If so, our guide to Tummy Control explains the different features worth looking for.

Women wanting greater choice across fuller sizes may also find our guide to swimwear for Curvy Women useful.

And if your priorities include the changes in fit, coverage and support that can come with age, see our guide to the Best Swimwear for Women over 50.

Mastectomy Swimwear Is About Choice

There is no correct way to look after a mastectomy.

Some women choose reconstruction. Some wear an external prosthesis. Others choose not to replace the breast shape at all. Cancer Australia recognises external prostheses as one of the options available following mastectomy.[1]

Swimwear should therefore be about personal choice rather than concealing your body or meeting somebody else's idea of how you should look.

The right swimsuit is the one that provides the fit, support and functionality you want and allows you to get on with swimming, exercising, going to the beach or relaxing by the pool.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mastectomy Swimwear

What is mastectomy swimwear?

Mastectomy swimwear is specially designed swimwear that can include internal pockets for holding a breast prosthesis, together with features such as supportive soft cups, higher necklines or armholes and secure straps.

Can you swim with a breast prosthesis?

Yes. Cancer Council NSW advises that women can swim with a prosthesis, although regular swimmers may prefer a dedicated swim breast prosthesis.[2]

Do mastectomy swimsuits have pockets for breast forms?

Purpose-designed mastectomy swimsuits commonly include internal pockets designed to hold breast forms or prostheses securely.

What is the best swimsuit style after a mastectomy?

There isn't one best style for everybody. One pieces can provide an integrated fit, tankinis and separates provide greater flexibility, while rashies and active styles can provide additional coverage. Your choice should depend on your body, breast form, intended activity and personal preferences.

Can I wear mastectomy swimwear without a prosthesis?

Yes. Wearing a breast prosthesis is a personal choice. The suitability and fit of an individual swimsuit without a prosthesis will depend on its construction and your body.

Where can I buy mastectomy swimwear in Australia?

Splish Splash Swimwear offers mastectomy swimwear in Australia from brands including Jantzen, Sunseeker, Capriosca, Funkita and Poolproof, with one pieces, tankinis, crops, singlets, rashies and active swim styles available within the current collection.

Finding Mastectomy Swimwear That Works for You

Choosing mastectomy swimwear ultimately comes down to three things: fit, function and personal preference.

Look for a swimsuit that accommodates your breast form if you wear one, feels secure when you move and suits what you actually intend to do in the water. Then choose the style, colour and coverage that feels right for you.

Explore the Splish Splash Swimwear collection of mastectomy swimwear in Australia, including one pieces, tankinis, crops, rashies and active swimwear designed to provide practical support without sacrificing your choice of style.

References

[1] Cancer Australia, External Breast Prostheses

[2] Cancer Council NSW, Wearing a Breast Prosthesis, Swimwear