Pocketed Bras
The very best lingerie should not only be comfortable, but it should also make you feel special. And while this shouldn’t change just because you've had breast surgery, the truth is that reclaiming that connection can sometimes be more challenging for a breast cancer survivor than one might imagine.
This is why having a great mastectomy bra plays such an important role in your post-surgery recovery. Mastectomy bras look just like the bras you wore before your surgery, but they include important features that besides being pretty, make them comfortable to wear while also providing the security and discretion you expect and need from your bra.
One of the most popular types of mastectomy bras is the pocketed bra. In this blog, you will learn more about this type of bra and why having one in your wardrobe can help you recover, both mentally and physically, after breast surgery.
What is a Pocketed Bra?
A pocketed bra is a type of bra that is designed for those who have undergone mastectomies. These specialty bras feature fabric pockets sewn on the inside of the bra cups. The pockets allow breast prostheses, or breast forms, to be inserted and secured in place to restore your body’s pre-surgery silhouette.
Since most breast prostheses are made from silicone, the pockets also play an important role by providing a soft, gentle layer between your skin and the breast forms, so you can enjoy all-day wear with greater comfort. They can also be used for inserting modesty pads for those with breast asymmetry or post-surgical divots.
Types of Pocketed Bras
Pocketed post-mastectomy bras come in nearly as diverse a selection as most other bra types, with styles including everything from fashion bras and sports bras to plunge bras and more. Since these bras are designed for post-surgical wear, many pocket bra models also feature extra compression to help reduce the inflammation that can so often develop after breast surgery.
With such a wide range of types available, whether you prefer a pocketed bra that is supportive or flattering, or a combination of both, you’ll be able to find the perfect bra for you at AnaOno.
What Makes a Bra Pocketed?
The pockets that are sewn into the cups of this type of bra are what make it a “pocketed” bra. These are multi-option pockets, which are designed to hold your breast form securely in place. Once the breast form is inserted into the pocket, it won't slip out or show over the top of the cup, thus delivering a flattering look while giving you additional peace of mind.
The pockets are made from ultra-fine fabric which allows them to be seamlessly shaped to fit perfectly into the bra cup for optimum comfort. Best of all, pocketed bras can be worn by all, even those who haven’t undergone breast surgery but are simply looking for a more comfortable and supportive bra, or to provide balance to their breast asymmetry.
Why Would You Need a Pocketed Bra?
There are several reasons why you might want a pocketed bra in your wardrobe. These bras are specifically designed for those who want to wear a breast prosthesis after a mastectomy, either temporarily while waiting for reconstructive surgery or as a permanent silhouette enhancing solution. In either case, a pocketed bra is your best option.
But besides their pockets, pocketed bras also have other features that make them desirable. Pocketed bras also feature:
- Wider panels under the arms and the bust which are designed to offer added support and help to hide surgical scars
- Wider straps that can be easily adjusted for even weight distribution across the neck and shoulders
- Extra-soft molded cups for gentle support and shaping
- Smooth seams that won’t irritate the surgical site
- Gentle compression to help prevent swelling and reduce the risk of lymphedema
- No underwires or excess detailing, which can poke and irritate the surgical site
Do I Need a Pocketed Bra?
If you are scheduled to have breast surgery or have recently had a mastectomy, then you will have several personal decisions to make, one of which is whether to wear a breast form. This is a deeply intimate decision, but it’s one that should be given plenty of thought because there is more to consider than just creating a silhouette that’s similar to your former body.
Wearing a pocketed bra with one or more breast prosthesis will not only restore your silhouette, but it can help prevent several health-related issues that can affect some people after breast surgery. Not only do these bras provide compression to help keep inflammation and swelling down, but they can also help you avoid other potential problems, like curvature of the spine, muscle discomfort, and balance issues.
In short, if you are having or had a mastectomy, then choosing a pocketed bra for your post-surgical recovery can help you enjoy greater comfort, more support, and sound peace of mind, all of which can improve your mental and physical health, and your quality of life, after surgery.
At AnaOno, we have pocketed bras for everyone's unique shape. Whether you’re a breast cancer survivor or you’re asymmetrical, have other needs for a bra to fit your chest, or are just tired of wearing bras with painful underwires, we’re confident that you will find your next favorite bra in our collection.
