We’ve Rounded Up The Best Post-Surgery Swimwear For Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month and being as grey as it is, we reckon you deserve a little break for some much-needed winter sun.

Rita Ora's 55-year-old mum Vera provided all the body inspiration we needed this summer when she posed by a pool in a strapless one-piece from Melissa Obadash's post-mastectomy range created in collaboration with Future Dreams Charity, and we've been thinking about it ever since.

It got us thinking - why do we not see many stylish post-surgery suits on the market?

For women who have had a mastectomy, dipping your toe back in the water may feel like a difficult step but swimming is one of first and very best exercises mastectomy patients can do to get their lives back to normal. And you want to look damn hot while doing it, right?

So in the name of research, we've done a little digging and discovered a selection of swimwear to suit all tastes and budgets

Asda

Perhaps the most comprehensive guide we've found on the high street, Asda's post-surgery swimwear have a number of different styles available, from tankinis and skirted swimsuits to pretty printed numbers.

There's an on-trend polka dot number in the sale too at just £8, which commands a huge 4.5 stars from 36 reviews. In fact, pretty much all of Asda's swimsuits have a 4.5 star review, with one happy customer saying: "flattering fit with lovely ruffle details. Had loads of compliments."

"Very happy with swimsuit, was apprehensive about swimming again with prosthesis but it fits well and high neck with ruffle is perfect. Also great price," said another.

Marks & Spencer

While there's less choice of swimwear at M&S, the options they do have come in fun prints such as floral and zebra and reviews are good - one swimsuit boats a whopping five stars while the other gets 3.5. However at just £14.75 in the sale and £29.50 full price, you can't really go wrong.

"Very smart and excellent value compared with specialist post-surgery swimsuits," said one buyer, while another said: "Lovely swimsuit, feel confident and comfortable wearing it."

Nicola Jane

Famous for its flattering shapes and fun prints, Nicola Jane specializes in pocketed mastectomy and post-surgery swimsuits with 32 options at the time of this story.

What we love about the brand is that they have bikini options too, which we found lacking elsewhere. Again each swimsuit rocks a four or five-star rating, and prices average £30 so they won't break the bank either.

"I've been wearing this costume for swimming twice a week and, as well as looking good, I find it extremely comfortable. When I bought it in the Chichester shop, I received a lot of good advice," said one happy swimmer.

"Perfect," said another. "These bikinis are very nice. Neck-line is good and size perfect. I'm already waiting for sunny days."

Selfridges

If you've got a little more cash to spare, this Jets by Jessika Allen high-neck mastectomy swimsuit from Selfridges is super stylish, created by an in-house seamstress who tweaks the toiles until they're contoured, comfy and faultlessly flattering.

This swimsuit has removable cup bras for extra comfort and is super flattering - a personal fave! Sadly it will set you back £129 but if it makes you feel a million bucks, we reckon it will be more than worth it.

Featured Image Credit: Nicola Jane/Asda

Topics: Fashion & Beauty

Naomi Chadderton

Naomi is a freelance journalist working for Tyla. After graduating from The University of Nottingham, Naomi moved out to Dubai where she worked for Grazia Middle East and Harper's Bazaar Arabia. She is now back home and enjoying the London life.