I am recuperating from a single mastectomy and have a holiday booked for July. I am starting to think about swimwear for my new figure. Can you help? I don't know where to look.
What you are looking for is two things - a swimsuit which not only can hold a prosthetic, but can also make you feel as feminine and beautiful as before the surgery.
If you are looking for fashionable styles and a wide variety of choices, Nicola Jane or Anita are two brands which offer both. If you want a swimsuit brand which is comfy and affordable, Hanes brand offers great deals on mastectomy swimsuits.
The Eloise label has a brilliant new range of bikinis, tankinis and swimsuits, plus plenty of matching sarongs and hats. This brand has been providing underwear and accessories for post-operative women for the past 15 years and it can be purchased on line ( www.eloise.co.uk ).
One of the best suppliers in Ireland is the Bravelle Shop in Ballyneety, Co. Limerick. The shop is run by breast cancer survivor Pauline Conway, who is passionate about making the customer look good and feel comfortable again, after a mastectomy.
She doesn't believe women should have to compromise on femininity, fashion or style and this is reflected in the wide range of products she stocks at her chic and intimate store.
Mastectomy swimsuits really don't look different from other types of swimwear. This means you can wear one with complete confidence that you won't stand out from the crowd for anything other than your own personal style.
Let's look at a the best suppliers from around the country.
Mastectomy Suppliers:
CARLOW
Marie Sue Lingerie
Bridewell Lane
Carlow
Telephone: 059 91 39639
CLARE
Rochfords Pharmacy
21 Parnell Street
Ennis
Co.Clare
Telephone: 065 682 0099
Prosthesis, mastectomy bras and swimwear in stock. Fitting service available.
CORK
Debenhams
Mahon Point Shopping Centre
Cork
Telephone: 021 453 6900
Bra fitting service available
DONEGAL
Mc Elhinneys
Main Street
Ballybofey
Co. Donegal
Telephone: 074 913 1217
Anita bras and swimwear in stock.
DUBLIN
Trulife (formerly Barmed)
The Steward’s House
St Helen’s Wood
Booterstown
Co. Dublin
Telephone: 01 278 9660
Good range of prostheses, mastectomy bras and swimwear in stock. Specialist fitting service by appointment only.
Debenhams
Jervis Street Shopping Centre
Jervis Street
Dublin 1
Telephone: 01 878 1222
Professional bra fitting service and sew-in-pocket service available.
Arnotts
12 Henry St
Dublin 1
Telephone: 01 805 0400
Fitting service available for Anita mastectomy bras and swimwear.
Marks & Spencer
Mary St
Grafton St
Dundrum Town Centre
Blanchardstown Shopping Centre
Liffey Valley Shopping Centre
Telephone: 01 872 8833
Bras available from their range. Suitable to wear with prosthesis. Professional bra fitting service available. Swimwear sample stock available in store on request.
GALWAY
University Pharmacy
University Halls
Newcastle Road
Galway
Telephone: 091 520 115
Range of prosthesis, mastectomy bras and swimwear in stock. Fitting service available by appointment.
Ryans of Galway
Shop Street
Galway
Telephone: 091 567061
Anita bras and swimwear available.
LIMERICK
Bravelle
1 the Glen
Ballyneety Limerick
Telephone: 061 351 886
Web: www.bravelleshop.com
Arange of prosthesis, mastectomy bras and swimwear in stock. A fitting service is available by appointment. Medical cards accepted.
LONGFORD
Bijou Lingerie
14 Dublin Road
Longford
Telephone: 043 42944
Mastectomy bras and swimwear available.
MAYO
La Belle Femme
Chaple Lane
Claremorris
Co.Mayo
Telephone: 094 937 3652
Protheses, bras and swimwear in stock. Appointment necessary.
WATERFORD
Nursing Needs
13 Gladstone Street
Waterford
Telephone: 051 874622
A range of protheses, bras and swimwear in stock. Prosthesis fitting available by appointment only.
WEXFORD
O’Brien’s Ladieswear
81 North Main Street
Wexford
Telephone: 053 23106
Mastectomy bras in stock. Prostheses can be ordered.
MAIL ORDER OR ONLINE ORDERING
