No matter what season it is, there is always an event - weddings, BBQ’s, parties - and many events mean many outfits (and probably just as many outfit changes).

With so many wonderful styles of tops and dresses out there you might want to think about how you coordinate your outfits with your underwear - specifically your bra.

The variety of different backs, necklines and straps offered with occasion wear needn’t put you off trying something different; there’s a solution for every kind of outfit, whether you’ve had a mastectomy or lumpectomy. 

One-shoulder

Best option: Strapless or multiway bra

A multi-way bra is a wardrobe essential if you own a number of different styles of tops and dresses. They’re designed to be versatile, so you can use them with many different kinds of straps and sleeves - including one-shoulder garments.  

The straps will come off and the bra will also have hooks so you can reattach the straps in different ways. This means you can wear this kind of bra with clothing that would normally show off the straps on a regular bra. A strapless bra would work just as well with a one-shoulder top or dress.

Racerback

Best option: Bra clip or sports bra

Sports bras often have a distinct shape at the back, making them an excellent choice to wear with racerback tops. Other benefits of the sports bra include comfort and security, making it an excellent option for those with a larger bust; the straps won’t fall down and won’t be visible with many types of outfit backs.

Alternatively, if you’re opting for a top or dress with a racerback, you could wear a regular bra with a clip - this will pull the straps inward and conceal them from view.

Strapless

Best option: Strapless or stick-on/adhesive

Strapless bras are a fantastic option for strapless dresses and often come with detachable straps, so you can use them just like a regular bra too.

Stick on/adhesive bras are also a good discreet option, however these don’t have underwires and thus don’t offer the same support as classic strapless bras. Of course, this won’t be as much of an issue for those with a smaller bust, but can be difficult to work with for those with larger breasts, particularly if you have had a unilateral mastectomy.

These stick/on adhesive bras are most probably not pocketed so that may be an issue for women wearing a breast form.

Backless

Best option: Stick-on/adhesive

The backless dress is one of the trickiest garments to find a suitable bra for. Unfortunately, with a backline this low you are pretty much left with two options: going braless or using a stick-on/adhesive bra. As we’ve already mentioned, stick on/adhesive bras are great for those with smaller breasts, may be an issue for those with larger breasts who have had a unilateral mastectomy.

Of course, another option would be to use an adhesive breast form and simply use nipple covers if the fabric of your dress is thin and you are comfortable going braless.

Regardless of which kind of outfit you opt for, remember the most important thing is to feel good: choose a comfortable bra that fits well and makes you feel happy and confident. We offer a large range of bras that cater to different necklines, backs and sleeves - you can check out our collection of mastectomy bras here.