Mastectomy swimwear is a swimsuit designed for women who have had one or both breasts removed, or breast-conserving surgery. It looks like any other swimsuit, but it has discreet pockets to hold a breast prosthesis, a cut that offers more coverage at the neckline and under the arms, and soft, wire-free support.
In short: it lets you swim, move and relax at the beach with confidence, with or without a prosthesis. Here is what really sets it apart, who it is for, and how to choose yours.
Key points
- Invisible pockets for one, two or no prosthesis
- More coverage at the neckline and under the arms
- Soft, wire-free support
What makes a mastectomy swimsuit different?
Most regular swimsuits are not specifically designed for the changes the body goes through after breast surgery. They can gape, slip, reveal a scar or offer no way to hold a prosthesis in place. A mastectomy swimsuit is built around five features:
- Prosthesis pocketsHold a breast form securely, even when you swim or raise your arms.
- Higher neckline and underarm coverageCan help cover certain scars, including under the arm where lymph nodes may have been removed.
- Wire-free supportNo underwire pressing on sensitive skin or scars.
- Wide, adjustable strapsSpread the weight evenly and keep everything in place.
- Soft, full liningAvoids rubbing on skin that can be drier and more fragile after treatment.
At ikonō, our styles also have thermoformed cups that help rebalance the silhouette, and soft, certified fabrics (OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 and GRS). Depending on the style, the fabric also offers UPF 50 sun protection.
Discover our post-mastectomy swimwear, designed to be worn with one, two or no prosthesis.
Who is it for?
Mastectomy swimwear is not only for women who wear a prosthesis. It suits you if you have had:
- a single or double mastectomy, with or without a prosthesis
- a lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) that leaves the chest asymmetrical
- a breast reconstruction, when you want more support and coverage
- any breast surgery after which you would like more coverage and support
Many women also simply choose it for its support and its cut. A good mastectomy swimsuit should not look medical.
La Versatile in aubergine: a covering neckline, wide straps and invisible pockets.
How does the prosthesis pocket work?
The pocket is sewn inside the cup, against the lining.
- Slide inSlide the prosthesis into the pocket, inside the cup.
- AdjustReadjust it discreetly through the opening at the top of the strap, without taking the swimsuit off.
- MoveOne, two or no prosthesis: both pockets stay invisible from the outside.
Swim prosthesis or everyday prosthesis?
Some prostheses are designed specifically for swimming, but some women also swim with their everyday prosthesis. Either way, check the manufacturer's recommendations. We are preparing a complete guide to swimming with, or without, a breast prosthesis.
Our partner
ProudBreast
For swimming, we like their textile prostheses: ultra-light, soft and machine-washable, they are designed for the water and slip naturally into the pockets of our swimsuits.
Discover ProudBreast ↗How to choose yours: a quick checklist
- Coverage: does the neckline cover your scar when you lean forward or raise your arms?
- Support: do the cups hold the prosthesis without an underwire?
- Straps: are they wide and adjustable?
- Comfort: is the lining soft, with flat seams?
- Your activity: lengths at the pool, aquagym, or lounging at the beach? For sport, choose a sporty one-piece like La Nageuse; read our aquagym swimsuit guide.
- Fabric: chlorine-resistant, UPF 50 and certified fabrics last longer and protect sensitive skin.
For a detailed, step-by-step approach, see our guide to choosing your post-mastectomy swimsuit.
Does it have to look medical?
No. That is exactly why ikonō was created.
Our swimsuits build their adaptive features into the design: the prosthesis pockets stay invisible from the outside, and the cuts are designed as swimsuits in their own right, not as medical devices.
One-piece, bikini or tankini: the choice depends above all on your body, your activity and what you feel good in.
Discover the cutsFrequently asked questions
Can I wear a mastectomy swimsuit without a prosthesis?
Yes. The pockets stay flat and invisible when empty, and the thermoformed cups give shape on their own.
Is it suitable after a breast reconstruction?
Yes. Many women who have had a reconstruction choose it for its wire-free support, its soft lining and its covering neckline.
When can I swim again after surgery?
It depends on your surgery, your healing and your treatments. Ask your surgeon or care team before getting back in the water.
How do I choose my size?
Each product page has a size guide. If you are between two sizes, our team will be happy to help.
Can I use it for sport?
Yes. With wide straps, wire-free support and chlorine-resistant fabric, a model like La Nageuse is made for lengths, aquagym and aquabike.
