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Aggie Garcia is a Clothing & Bathing Suit Designer who works with women who want simple, stylish and comfortable clothes; and with suppliers that support that standard. As owner of ‘Illusions by Aggie’, she creates custom career wear and hosts swimsuit parties, to read more please visit:
www.AggieGarciaFashions.com

Choosing Bras

Especially for Women Who Have

Had a Mastectomy
By Aggie Garcia - California based Fashion Designer &

Owner of Illusions by Aggie

Having a mastectomy is an incredibly difficult process and what follows is a long road to recovery. After the scars have healed, this woman must then figure out how to look and feel attractive in clothes.

Women that cannot afford breast reconstruction or decide against it will face a bigger challenge. These women want to wear pretty tops and dresses and may find it confusing as to what type of bra will be the best choice. There are several factors that must be taken into consideration. Was it a single or double mastectomy? Is she small or large breasted? I have some suggestions that may be helpful.

For the woman that is fuller breasted but only had a single mastectomy--a bra that has pad inserts may be a good choice. Remove the pad insert and replace with a gel pad. These gel inserts come in a couple of sizes. The gel insert is a little heavy and may help with weight displacement. The underwire may need to be removed on the mastectomy side to prevent irritation to the scars. There are also wire free bras that have the lower band that may also be an excellent choice.

The small busted woman may feel more comfortable in a firm cup bra with pockets for the appropriate inserts. Again, a wire free bra would also be a good choice.

Nordstrom's is a great source for pretty bras that can be adapted to the mastectomy client. All Nordstrom's lingerie departments have a trained fitting expert to assist mastectomy clients. I have spoken to several and find them to be very compassionate and helpful. Their ultimate goal is to help the client feel attractive and confident. They also have a large assortment of very pretty bras that can be altered to suit each client's specific needs. I suggest you call in advance and make an appointment so that the consultant can schedule enough time. I also think it is important for the mastectomy client to take some of her blouses, knit tops and sweaters to the fitting. She may need two or three bras and by doing this, can check her profile in the three way mirror.

I have stated this many times and cannot stress the importance of getting the proper fitting bra whether or not you have had a mastectomy. Your clothes will look better on you with the proper support.

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Big Blend Radio Interview

Aggie Garcia discusses choosing
bras.

I also think it is important to go to the right store. Victoria Secret has some very pretty and sexy bras but they are probably not a good choice for the mastectomy client. In addition, the vibe of the store can be somewhat intimidating. If there is not a Nordstrom's in your area, call several stores and find out if they do have a trained mastectomy consultant on staff. You will also find them at Bloomingdale's and at Neiman Marcus.

Be patient and try not to get frustrated. These expert consultants are there to help you get the right bra so you can feel like the strong woman you are.