Two pink bras on an end table with pink roses in the background. My two favorite lumpectomy recovery bras.
Breast Cancer

My Two Favorite Lumpectomy Recovery Bras

After my lumpectomies, I wore a bra all day and night for the first few weeks of my recovery.  I needed comfortable bras that were easy to put on.  I tried many bras and am excited to share my two favorites in this post.  They are offered at different price points and have slightly different features. If you are looking for a bra to recover in, I recommend you try one (or both) of these out.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission.  I only recommend products I like. For more on my affiliate policy, you may visit my disclaimer page. 

Recovery Option One: Fruit of the Loom Front Closure Bra

If you are looking for a cotton, comfortable, and cost-effective recovery bra, the Fruit of the Loom front-closure bra (Affiliate Link on Amazon) is a great one to have in stock. This bra comes in a few colors and is available on Amazon.  I wore these bras quite a bit during my recovery from surgery in 2019.

Material: These bras are made of a blend of cotton and spandex, which keeps them breathable and soft.

Closure: Front-close hook and eye.  These bras only offer one sizing option for closure, so I recommend going up a band size if you plan to wear them during recovery.  This way, they will be comfortable even if you have extra wrapping on your breasts or are swollen.

Cup: These have a double-layer soft cup without a pocket.

Straps: Non-adjustable soft cotton straps

Seams: Covered in the front but has exposed seams in the back of the bra.

These bras were a staple in my wardrobe during my recovery.  Because they were affordable, I could buy quite a few and rotate through them.  They were easy to care for, and I washed and dried them in the machine. I would put them in a mesh bag and then toss them in the dryer.  They held up exceptionally well and were also comfortable to wear while I was going through radiation and needed to keep my breasts covered.

Recovery Option Two: AnaOno Rora Recovery Bra

The Rora Recovery Bra (affiliate link on AnaOno) is my favorite of the two.   It is incredibly soft and comfortable, and I reach for it almost every morning to put it on for my dog walking. I purchased three of these before my 2022 lumpectomy, and I’m so glad I did.  These bras are more pricy than the Fruit of the Loom bras, but with that price point, there are more adjustments and features in the product.

Material: These bras are made of modal and spandex.  The fabric is soft, stretchy, and a dream to wear.  

Closure: Front-close hook and eye.  This bra offers a few different options for band sizing so you can customize your fit as needed.  If you are curious about what size you should purchase, I recommend checking out the sizing guide on the AnaOno website.  

Cup: This bra has a pocketed front cup, allowing you to put a modesty pad or a breast form inside.  

Straps: Adjustable straps and flexibility to wear them standard or crossed in the back. 

Seams: Seams are covered, wrapped, and the back is seamless.

The Rora Recovery Bras were my go-to bras during my 2022 recovery.  They were so soft and comfortable to wear.  I never felt itchy or uncomfortable in them.  I would put them in a lingerie bag to wash and then hang the bras to dry.  They have held up well to the extensive wearing I put them through during my recovery.

I ended up purchasing the black, sand, and dusty rose colors. Your insurance may cover these bras, so you can check out AnaOno’s page on insurance to see if these will be covered for you. (Affiliate Link)

I wear my Rora Recovery bras almost every day for my morning fitness. They are supportive enough for my workout routines, and I love how comfortable they are.

Comfort is Key!

It can be hard to figure out which bra you might need during your recovery. I recommend purchasing a couple of options for when you get home.  You’ll know pretty quickly which bras will work for you, and then you can add them to your collection.  I remember stocking up on some zip-front sports bras, which I thought would be perfect.  Unfortunately, they were too tight and itchy to wear for long periods.

Whatever option you pick, make sure you are comfortable!  Your bra should support you.  Don’t be afraid to fire an uncomfortable bra during this time. 

Surgery recovery is not the time for “good enough.”  You deserve as much comfort as possible during this time!

Jennifer is the author of "A Breast Cancer Journey: Living it One Step at a Time," breast cancer survivor, and patient advocate. Her book, published in 2023 by Bold Story Press, is an encouraging guide for breast cancer patients. It contains first-hand information, organized by topics, to help readers navigate the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery from breast cancer. Her writing emphasizes emotional, mental, and physical well-being along with empowered decision-making.

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