Dress for Wellness

By:
Tricia O'Brien

Women who have cancer can learn "how to use everyday clothing to feel comfortable and confident inside and out," says Emily Spivack, founder and executive director of the not-for-profit Shop Well with You (SWY). Having seen her own mother (a four-time cancer victor) struggle to find the right garments as she was going through treatment, Spivack wanted to provide resources for women nationwide.

Through SWY's one-on-one clothing consultations, Website, printed materials and outreach programs, "women can feel better about themselves ‑- wherever they may be in the treatment process," says Spivack.

Below, Spivack answers her five most frequently asked questions about how to deal with one's appearance during cancer treatment.

Question: Can you help me find garments that I can wear regardless of my fluctuating weight?

Emily's answer: Surgery and its accompanying treatments can cause your weight to yo-yo. We recommend clothing that you can wear whether you lose or gain a few pounds. For instance, opt for flat-front pants with a wide, elasticized waistband (also called a yoke), drawstring pants, wraparound skirts or items with a little stretch. Additionally, if you are concerned about weight gain, dressing monochromatically tends to be slenderizing.

Q: How can I dress to even out my breasts?

Emily's answer: We hear from many women who have this concern after breast reconstruction or a lumpectomy. The key is drawing attention away from the chest area. Cardigans and blazers do so by creating an additional layer, but you can also achieve a similar effect with a patterned blouse, scarves and accessories, or a shirt with a draped or cowl neck. What's more, bra inserts are easy to wear and can make a real difference. Check out Shop Well with You's Where to Shop section for more info.

Q: I need a bathing suit with a pocket (to hold a prosthesis). What brands do you recommend?

Emily's answer: Our suggestions include Amoena, Anita, Jodee, Lands' End, T.H.E. and a British company called Nicola Jane ‑- all of which offer a variety of styles (one-pieces, tankinis, etc.). In addition, some mastectomy boutiques will sew in a pocket for a small fee; inquire to see if your local store provides this service.

Q: Chemo has caused my body temperature to fluctuate wildly. How can I dress for this?

Emily's answer: Clothes that wick away moisture can keep you dry. Look for items made with Coolmax fabric, which are available at your local sporting goods store or in a department store's lingerie section (where you may also find wicking nightgowns; check out the Wicking J. Sleepwear Website or "Cancer Specific Garments" in Shop Well with You's Where to Shop section). Other helpful strategies: Wear natural, breathable fabrics (like cotton, linen or silk) and dress in removable layers (don a sleeveless tank or camisole underneath a cardigan or button-down shirt, for instance).

Q: How can I dress in spite of lymphedema?

Emily's answer:Lymphedema, an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the arm ‑- and, less commonly, in the legs or trunk ‑- can result from having your lymph nodes removed (or from radiation). When your arm is swollen from lymphedema, it can be challenging to find a shirt that fits properly. To make matters easier, we recommend a shirt with a dolman sleeve (which has a wider armhole and is connected to the body of the shirt without seams) or a raglan sleeve (which has a lowered armhole, allowing for more arm room and easier movement). Another option is wearing a long-sleeve shirt made of a gauzy, lightweight material over a tank top. Whatever you do, don't hide behind volumes of clothing, which generally draws more attention.