Cover Up Comfortably

By:
Tricia O'Brien

After breast cancer surgery, you want the first thing that touches your skin to be soft and loose fitting around your incision. But this primary layer can be both beautiful and practical. "Camisoles can make your life a little easier and more comfortable," says Emily Spivack, founder and executive director of the not-for-profit Shop Well with You, thanks to features like step-in designs and built-in pouches (in case you have a drain that collects fluid after surgery).

Some post-mastectomy camisoles are actually covered by insurance. However, "many private insurance companies require you to get pre-authorization before you purchase a post-mastectomy camisole," says Spivack, so check with your insurance company before you buy.

Here are five camisoles that Spivack recommends:

The product: The Amoena Post-Mastectomy Camisole (cotton/Lycra; $57; available at Amoena)
Why it's great: You can step right into this cami, which comes equipped with one fiber-filled puff form, and adjust how much puff you use to fill out your bra so it looks right to you. Two built-in, detachable pouches aid with drainage, while smooth side seams minimize skin irritation.

The product: Ladies First Softee (polyester/cotton; $58.99; available at Softee USA)
Why it's great: This stretchy, step-into camisole sports a pocket in front and another on the underside to hold your drainage pouch. The underarm is cut deep and wide for post-surgery comfort, and you get two poly-filled puff forms. If you like, opt for a flirty lace neckline.

The product:Camp Leisure/Post-Surgery Camisole (polyester/cotton; $51; available at Nearly You)
Why it's great:An excellent choice for post-surgery wear or for just lounging about the house, this camisole is made of a knit fabric with soft lace at the neckline. It comes with two puff forms and has an inner pouch with Velcro closures that hold the forms in place.

The product: Butterfly Dreams Slip-It-On Camisole (cotton modal; $32.95; available at Butterfly Dreams)
Why it's great: Made of a luxurious cotton that feels like cashmere, this slip-on camisole also opens down the front with a Velcro closure, which makes it a cinch to put on and take off. You can opt for pockets to accommodate drainage and lace trim.

The product: Jodee Mastectomy Camisole (polyester/cotton; $57.60; available at Park Mastectomy Supply)

Why it's great: This stylish camisole can be worn right after surgery, as well as after you've healed. The neckline is trimmed in lace, and the cami sports two inside pockets for holding fiber-filled forms (two come with this camisole).