Mastectomy Bra Fitting Guide: How to Find Your Perfect Size at Home

Can't make it to a fitter? Here's how to measure yourself and find the right mastectomy bra from home.

Not everyone can visit a mastectomy fitter in person. Maybe you live far from a fitter, have mobility challenges, or simply prefer the convenience of shopping from home. Whatever the reason, this mastectomy bra fitting guide will help you find your perfect size without leaving your house.

While I always recommend a professional fitting when possible, a good at-home measurement combined with a virtual consultation can get you very close to your ideal fit.

What You'll Need

Before you start measuring, gather a soft measuring tape (the kind used for sewing, not a metal hardware tape), a well-fitting non-padded bra (if you have one), a mirror, and a pen and paper to write down your measurements.

If you don't have a soft measuring tape, you can use a piece of string and then measure the string against a ruler.

Step 1: Measure Your Band Size

Put on a non-padded bra or go braless. Stand in front of a mirror. Wrap the measuring tape around your ribcage, directly under your bust where a bra band sits. The tape should be snug but not tight. You should be able to breathe comfortably.

Round to the nearest whole number. If the number is even, that's your band size. If it's odd, add one to get your band size. For example, if you measure 35 inches, your band size is 36.

Step 2: Measure Your Bust

This step works differently after mastectomy depending on your surgery.

If you had a unilateral mastectomy (one side), measure around the fullest part of your remaining breast. This gives you the measurement for your cup size. Your prosthesis will be sized to match.

If you had a bilateral mastectomy (both sides), measure around your chest at the nipple line or where the fullest part of your bust used to be. If you're currently wearing a form, measure with the form in place.

Step 3: Calculate Your Cup Size

Subtract your band measurement from your bust measurement. The difference determines your cup size:

• 1 inch difference = A cup
• 2 inches = B cup
• 3 inches = C cup
• 4 inches = D cup
• 5 inches = DD/E cup
• 6 inches = DDD/F cup

So if your band is 36 and your bust is 39, you'd start with a 36C.

Step 4: Try It On (The Real Test)

Measurements are a starting point, not a guarantee. When your bra arrives, here's how to check the fit.

The band should be firm on the loosest hook. Over time, the elastic stretches and you'll tighten the hooks. If you start on the tightest hook, you have nowhere to go. The band should sit level all the way around, not ride up in the back.

The cups should lie smooth without gapping or wrinkling. Insert your breast form and smooth the bra fabric. If there's excess fabric, try a smaller cup. If the form pushes out over the top, try a larger cup.

The center gore, the little bridge between the cups, should sit flat against your breastbone. If it floats away from your body, the cups may be too small.

Straps should be snug but not digging in. You should be able to slide two fingers under each strap comfortably.

The prosthesis pocket should hold your form securely. Move around, bend forward, reach up. The form should stay in place without shifting.

Common Fit Issues and Fixes

The band rides up in the back. This usually means the band is too loose. Try a smaller band size. The band does 80 percent of the support work, so it needs to be snug.

The straps dig into your shoulders. The straps are working too hard, probably because the band isn't providing enough support. Try a smaller band and larger cup. Also look for bras with wider, padded straps.

The form shifts or falls out of the pocket. The cup may be too large, or the pocket opening may be positioned wrong for your form. Try a smaller cup size or a different bra style.

One side is higher than the other. Adjust the strap on the higher side to be slightly looser. Also check that your breast form is the correct size for your needs.

The bra is uncomfortable around your surgical area. Sensitivity varies greatly. Look for bras with soft, seamless cup interiors and no underwire until your surgeon clears you for wire bras. The ABC Post-Surgical bra is excellent for sensitive skin.

Sizing Differences Between Brands

Be aware that sizing is not perfectly consistent across brands. Amoena bras tend to run true to size. ABC bras often run slightly generous, so you may want to try one size down. Anita bras use European sizing, so check their conversion chart. Trulife bras are generally true to size.

When in doubt, order two sizes and return the one that doesn't fit. Most mastectomy retailers have generous return policies.

When to Get a New Fitting

Your size can change over time due to weight changes, aging, changes in your surgical area, or simply because your preferences evolve. I recommend a new fitting at least once a year.

Signs you need a new size include the band feeling too loose or too tight, cups gapping or overflowing, persistent discomfort, or your body shape changing noticeably.

Virtual Fittings Are an Option

If measuring yourself feels overwhelming, book a virtual fitting. I offer one-on-one video consultations where I guide you through the measurement process in real time. It's the next best thing to being in the room together, and many of my clients prefer it for the convenience.

Book a Virtual Fitting | Shop Mastectomy Bras

Restored by Randi - Compassionate Mastectomy Fitting in West Palm Beach, FL