“Once you get outside the traditional bra world, you are limited to sports bras, layering, and camisoles,” said Donofree. “Looking at me, I look like a 36C but [post-surgery], I measured as a 38 F.” Traditional bras at that size “are meant to do some heavy lifting,” she says. “But I didn’t need a cup up to my collarbone.” She asked her doctors how to find bras that fit her new shape, but she wasn’t satisfied with the answers. “A lot of people would say, ‘Don’t worry, you don’t have to wear a bra,’” she recalled. “But what if you want to?" Women who’ve had radiation are also generally warned away from underwire bras because of the painful skin burns that can be left in the therapy’s wake. Too much friction isn’t a good idea. Donofree eventually realized she needed to invent the bra she wanted, and, in 2014, she launched her own company, AnaOno, which offers bras, lingerie, and loungewear specifically for those who have been diagnosed with or who live with breast cancer or breast surgery to support every step along the way. Every item in the line focuses on what she calls “boob-inclusion” and what’s needed to feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful, Donofree says. “This includes wire-free designs, multistretch fabrics, hidden seams, gentle and soft-to-the-skin materials, pocketed bras for breast forms, and unique construction to avoid pain points,” she says. Here are some of the bras from the collection that may be just right for you — according to the type of surgery you’ve had.
Lumpectomy
AnaOno Product Picks
Delilah Lumpectomy Soft Cup Bra This pocketed bra is a great option for post-lumpectomy surgery because of its soft cup design. The bra is wirefree and features a mesh panel back that offers support as well as breathability. The pocketed design allows for the optional use of balance forms and modesty pads. It’s available in Black, Ivory, and Dusty Rose. $38Niya Lumpectomy Pullover Lounge Bra The Niya bra is one of Donofree’s personal favorites. It was created for comfort in a softer-than-cotton modal fabric and double-layered lining. The cross-back design creates support and the smooth material and seams make it great for recovery. Available in Black and Dusty Rose. $38
Unilateral or Bilateral Mastectomy
After a unilateral mastectomy, some women choose to wear a prosthetic, which requires a pocketed bra. You can be fitted for a bra that accommodates prosthetics and breast forms at a mastectomy boutique near you. Call ahead to find out what options they have, such as shapers, full-breast forms, and custom breast forms, all of which are usually available at boutiques that service breast cancer patients and survivors. In addition, Nordstrom has a Breast Prosthesis Program, in which certified fitters help women find bras after reconstructive surgeries. Donofree also likes knitted forms from Knitted Knockers, which are free knitted prostheses sent to women who have had breast surgery.
AnaOno Product Picks
Rora Pocketed Front-Closure Bra This bra is suited for all surgery outcomes and is a great asset for those undergoing radiation. An easy front closure for getting in and out is great support for those in lumpectomy surgery recovery or after a unilateral or bilateral mastectomy with or without reconstruction. It’s pocketed to accommodate lightweight breast forms. $54Monica Full Coverage Bra This popular soft-support full-coverage bra is ideal for all breast surgery choices, from flat to reconstruction, and unilateral or bilateral mastectomies using balance forms, prosthetics, or Knitted Knockers. The super-soft modal fabric gives radiation patients a chance to feel protected during treatment. $54
RELATED: Your Ultimate Mastectomy Buying Guide: Pre-Surgery and Post-Surgery Essentials
