How To Wear Breast Forms & Prostheses & How They Work
At AnaOno, we believe all chests are normal. Whether you have had a single mastectomy, a double mastectomy, a lumpectomy, or are living with asymmetry, your body is beautiful.
We also know that navigating the world of prostheses (often called breast forms) can feel overwhelming. The industry often feels clinical and sterile, but we believe in a future where "function does not sacrifice comfort".
If you are considering wearing breast forms to create a silhouette or restore physical balance, this guide is designed to make the process simple, comfortable, and empowering.
What Are Breast Forms and How Do They Work?
Breast forms are artificial breast shapes designed to simulate the look, and often the weight, of a natural breast. They are tools that help you reclaim your normal, allowing you to fit into your favorite clothes and feel balanced.
There are generally two main categories:
1. Silicone Forms
These are designed to mimic the weight and drape of natural breast tissue.
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How they work: The weight helps restore your body's equilibrium, which can reduce back and shoulder pain if you have had a unilateral (single) mastectomy.
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The feeling: They offer a realistic movement and feel.
2. Non-Silicone / Foam Forms ("Foobs")
We affectionately refer to foam inserts as "Foob Inserts".
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How they work: These are lightweight alternatives made of foam or fiberfill.
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The feeling: They are breathable and ideal for sleeping, lounging, or for those who find heavy silicone forms uncomfortable.
How To Wear Breast Forms
The most common and comfortable way to wear a breast form is inside a pocketed bra.
When Founder and CEO Dana Donofree had breast surgery, she "scoured the globe just looking for a bra that fit". She realized that traditional bras were painful and didn't account for the needs of diversely breasted people.
Here is the uncomplicated way to wear your forms:
Step 1: Choose a Pocketed Bra
You need a foundation that is secure. AnaOno bras are designed with integrated pockets specifically to hold prostheses or "Foob Inserts".
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Wire-Free Comfort: We believe you should be "tired of traditional underwire bras that cause unnecessary pain". Our wire-free designs hold forms securely against your chest wall without digging in.
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High Center Front: Look for a bra with a higher center gore (the middle part) or a modest neckline to keep the forms from slipping out when you bend forward.
Step 2: The Fold and Tuck
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Prepare the bra: Ensure the bra is unclasped or laid out flat (or you can do this while wearing it if the material is stretchy).
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Fold the form: Gently fold your silicone or foam form like a taco.
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Insert: Slide the form into the opening of the cup pocket.
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Adjust: Smooth the form out so it sits flat inside the pocket. The pocket layer protects your sensitive skin from rubbing directly against the silicone.
Step 3: Check Your Silhouette
Once the bra is on, adjust the straps. The weight of a silicone form may require you to tighten the strap on that side slightly more to keep your shoulders level.
Who Are Breast Forms For?
Breast forms are for anyone who wants them. At AnaOno, we cater to the individual rather than the "common standard". Our community includes a diverse range of chest types, and forms can work for:
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Unilateral / Single Mastectomy: To achieve symmetry with your remaining breast.
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Flat Closure: Using two forms to create a bust silhouette.
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Lumpectomy / Asymmetry: Using a partial form or "shaper" to fill in areas where tissue was removed, restoring a smooth shape.
We have stripped away the "sterility and outdated styles" of the past. Whether you are rocking "Foobs" or high-end silicone, remember: Different is beautiful.
