DeBra’s Insights

If you’re thinking about life post-mastectomy surgery, you’re probably wondering where to go from here and what your options are regarding bras. After the healing process, packing a mastectomy bra in your bag will provide you with the comfort you need. Before you buy one of these specialty bras, there are some things to consider for peace of mind. You may elect to have breast reconstruction or to use a prosthesis, which can fill the space where your breast was. When it comes to after your surgery, a well-fitted bra will give you comfort with soft linings and pockets to secure your prosthesis. Always check with your doctor to ensure you’re not putting additional weight on your incisions, and wait until you’ve completely healed before wearing prosthesis. Do You Need A Special Bra After A Mastectomy? Yes, the answer is that you do need to purchase a special bra after a mastectomy, but it does not always have to be what is labelled a mastectomy bra. When shopping for a bra after having a mastectomy, traditionally, we are told to look for a non-wired, front-opening bra with wide shoulder bands and one with a wide band under your boobs. While this may sound good and well, in theory, it’s not always practical for everyone’s lifestyle. Many women have a perception that shopping for a mastectomy bra is going to be a daunting experience. After a mastectomy, you deserve to feel good and confident about yourself, and this is something DeBra’s Mastectomy Fitting Specialists take great pride in doing. Nowadays, women have many choices when looking for the right mastectomy bra, which highly depends on individual circumstances. What Is The Main Difference Between A Mastectomy Bra And A Normal Bra? A mastectomy bra has integrated pockets to hold a prosthesis or breast form into one or both cups. The one size fits all rule does not apply to everybody, as no two bodies are the same. The DeBra’s team highly recommend you take the time to be correctly fitted by a Mastectomy Fitting Specialist. Your body has been through a lot, and now is the time to give back, nurture yourself, be comfortable and regain your confidence. Even though DeBra’s Mastectomy Fitting Specialists are highly trained and very educated on Mastectomy bras, our approach to Mastectomy Bra Fittings is to carefully listen to what our customers want. Our philosophy is not to put you in a mastectomy bra if this is not the most comfortable option. We can take many other options and avenues, which we will determine and work through with you during your Mastectomy Bra Fitting Consultation. As well as mastectomy bras, we stock a wide variety of beautiful full-cup bras that will make you feel a million dollars with the same or similar offerings as our mastectomy bra range. The days of having wide straps for support are gone; the straps are not what adequate breast support should rely on. A correctly fitted bra will provide sufficient support without relying on the straps to do the work. We have fitted many women of all shapes, sizes, and ages post-mastectomy and much to their surprise, they leave the store feeling feminine and comfortable. Choosing A Front Closing Bra After Surgery DeBra’s recommends their range of Post Surgical Bras as a sensible, secure option after breast surgery. Breast surgery may influence your shoulder rotation, so you could struggle to reach bra hooks positioned at the back. Purpose-designed for susceptible skin, the collection of post surgical bras consist of latex-free fabrics, made from soft micro-fibre, and stretches over your surgical dressings to give you some compression on your incisions. How Long Should I Wear A Mastectomy Bra For? For a year after your mastectomy or lumpectomy, your best bet is to opt for a bra with soft seams, a wide under-band, deep front and side panels, full cups, cup separation, adjustable straps, minimal detailing, and no underwire. Phew – that’s a lot to look for in a bra. While your nerves mend, swelling subsides, and the effects of radiotherapy continue to heal, what you need from your bra will change with time. Be patient; it can take up to twelve months to fully recover, and during this time, steering clear of underwires is paramount. Choose a bra that fits on the last hook so you can tighten it when your swelling goes down. Look for a cotton-heavy material, so your bra is comfy and cool, and cushioned bra straps will help keep everything in place without irritation. Are Prostheses Products Expensive? We would be lying if we said they were not. Prosthesis products can range from $160 to $450, depending on factors such as brand, style, partial or complete. If you have had a mastectomy, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate of up to $400 per breast, and the refund can be up to $800 for a double mastectomy every two years. Upon payment of your prosthesis purchase, DeBra’s will provide you with a Medicare Claim Form for you to take to Medicare to assess your rebate (if eligible). For more information on Medicare’s rebate criteria, you may go to https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/external-breast-prostheses-reimbursement-program/how-claim or contact Medicare to discuss your individual needs. The information we provide is general, and it is up to the individual to make inquiries before purchasing. Get Fitted Your boobs will shift in size and shape during and after your treatment, so getting a professional fitting to precisely measure your size will result in a better-fitted bra. DeBra’s stocks an incredible range of breast forms and prosthesis and mastectomy bras, and we also hold a variety of beautiful full-cup bras that can work for our mastectomy customers. Mastectomy and Prosthesis fittings are available through our Penrith store only.  Mastectomy and Prosthesis fittings are available through noth our Penrith & Broadbeach Stores. Book your In-Store Fitting Appointment, or if you have further questions, you can contact our customer service team during business hours using the Live Chat feature that can be found in the bottom right hand corner of the website.

There are two types of women in the world: those with back bra fasteners and front bra fasteners. You know who you are. Often, it's a ritual, handed down from Mum/first bra mentor, or just a quirk specific to you. It's so ingrained you've probably never considered the alternative. If you're a close-at-front-then spin-around wearer – a front opening bra could be a game-changer. Or maybe you're done reaching behind your back to play the blind fastening game – here's a solution. The terms are synonymous. You say front opening bra, and she says front closing bra. It's all the same in the end. Now that's out of the way, let's unclasp the ins and outs of this handy type of bra. Debra's Front Opening Bra's Guide Back Hook Basics Sometimes it seems anti-intuitive that a bra would ever hook in the back. But there's a reason behind this body-bending practice. The structure of a back-closing bra means there's room for numerous rows. You can adjust your bra to keep it taut and tight as it stretches. Front Hook Hurrah It's all in the name – front hook bras fasten in the centre of your chest, so they're much easier to close. It may not sound like much, but it's a big thing if you struggle to reach around or have arm or shoulder mobility issues. When it comes to the front closure, there are two types of styles to look out for. There's the hook-and-eye closure (same as a back closure bra), and then there's the single plastic or metal clasp type. Whatever style you seek, go for a quality bra with a quality clasp because it's all about feeling secure. Front Opening Bra Choices If you want a whole-body posture-loving bra, try the Magiclift® Posture Back Support Bra. Front fastening is a fabulous alternative if you cannot close your bra in the back due to a frozen shoulder, back or neck issue or another injury. No more putting the wrong eye in the hook or getting stuck in a game of hook-and-miss. Women of all cup sizes love the ease of front fastening, but feedback shows bigger-busted women consistently wonder where these crafty bras have been all their lives. Try the Feeling Lacey Front Close Underwire Bra for the right combination of style and functionality. If you're keen to bust out that dress with a plunging V-neck, a front-opening bra is your best friend. Because they boast a lower centre panel, they're better suited to different wardrobe options. Get a more streamlined look with less chance of a 'wardrobe malfunction.' And depending on which front open bra you buy, you can opt for different cuts like T-backs or racerbacks. The Off Duty Front Close T Back Comfort Sleep Bra is an easy-wear bra that feels great. Create a sleek silhouette; fewer lumps, bumps and lines that give your clingy clothes great form. This bra is effortlessly wearable – imagine the feel of a chair back without all that fastening paraphernalia digging in. Selecting the right front-closure bra is the same as choosing a back-closing one. It's still all about support, so know your bust and whether you're partial to underwire or not. Remember that front-opening bras with hooks give more support than just one clasp. For underwire fans, try the Front Close T-Back Underwire Bra. Whether you've just had breast surgery or you're on the journey to recovery, comfort and ease should be non-negotiable. That’s where Front-Opening Post-Surgery Bras step in — the gentle heroes of healing wardrobes. No twisting, stretching, or straining to hook behind your back. Just a simple, soft closure at the front, often with wide straps and gentle materials that are kind to sensitive skin. Some styles even include pockets for prostheses, catering to your body’s changing needs. Post-op bras are thoughtfully designed with you in mind, offering support without pressure and ease without compromise. Front Opening Bras are not for everyone, but we will warn you now: once you buy a front-closing bra, you may never go back-to-back. Get Fitted Too many women out there are wearing the wrong size bra. Wearing a well-fitted bra can be a game changer that improves your posture, comfort, and confidence. DeBra's has a professional team of fitting consultants that can help you find the most comfortable and appropriate bra for your body size and shape. Our team is passionate about bras and has fitted women of all shapes and sizes for 22 years and counting. Book your complimentary In-Store Fitting Appointment or a Virtual Fitting Appointment, or if you have a question, you can contact our customer service team during business hours through Live Chat, which can be found in the bottom right hand corner of the website.

You're trying to do everything and get on with your day, but all you can feel is your bra digging into your back, tight and uncomfortable. No matter how often you adjust the straps and pull at your underwire, you only want to get home and rip it off. How To Measure Bra Size? Fit First Poorly fitted or wrong-size bras are the worst. And if you've got big boobs, it's the pits. Breast and back pain is real, so investing in a quality, well-fitting bra in cut and size is a game-changer. From brand to brand, bra size is as changeable as the weather; a B-cup here is a C-cup there. Bear in mind – bras can also change in size after a wash or even after you've worn them for a full day. The good news is that DeBra's has fitted bras for over 22 years and has the best tips for measuring your bra size. DeBra's founder will talk you through a few suggestions. Be Your Breast Advocate For the best fit and maximum support – know your bra size. These numbers are hard to remember, so it's best to keep a record of them on your phone. That way, your size is at your fingertips when you're buying online. Remember, the letters relate to cup size, and the numbers are your bra's band size. The band size should be the same or one size smaller than your regular clothes size. What Does What? Odds are, you're wearing the wrong size bra. Sorry – annoying but true – roughly 80% of women are wearing the wrong size. Like most clothing items, bra sizing is a guide only, and different brands can fit differently. Your best bet is to go by feel. 80-90% of your bra's support comes from the band around your ribcage. It must be firm but not tight in an 'I can't breathe' way. Most of us think the shoulder straps are the star of the support operation – not so. They help keep the breasts in place but don't carry the weight. If you cast the straps in the lead role, your bra will be uncomfortable and ultimately damaging in the long term. The same goes for the underwire; it's there to shape and keep your boobs separated, not to act as suspension or support. Debra's Fit Tips Bend forward while you hook up your bra. Doing this will guarantee your boobs are in the cups correctly and the wire isn't sitting on your breast tissue. When you adjust the band, your bra should be at the same level front and back – no riding up your body. Next, an easy test for a loosey-goosey bra: you should be able to slide only one finger under the band. If you can fit two, tighten. If your straps start slipping down your shoulders, tighten the band first before shortening the straps. If your bra is relatively new, tighten only the bra straps. As a rule, the straps need tightening almost weekly; they tend to wriggle down over time. When you've had your way with all the hardware, it's time to look in the mirror. With a well-fitted t-shirt over your bra, you can see if the cups crumple or if there's bulging out the front. If so, your bra is the wrong size. Now turn sideways: your boobs should sit halfway between your shoulders and elbows. If they're too high or too low – that's a no-go. These red fit flags mean your bra isn't a good fit. Debra's Super Tip Your bra should be a top fit when on the outermost hook. That way – as your bra loosens over time, you can tighten the band using the inwards hooks. If you must go down a cup size, go up a band size. If you must go up a cup size, go down a band size. Now you're bra smart. Knowing and not guessing your size means no more sore boobs, shoulders, or back, and you can confidently adjust to changes in your body and breasts. Get Fitted At Debra's Wearing a well-fitted bra can be a game-changer to improve your comfort and confidence. DeBra's has a professional team of fitting consultants that can help you find the most comfortable and appropriate fit for your body size and shape. Our team is passionate about what we do and has fitted women of all shapes and sizes for 22 years and counting. Browse the Debra's Bra Collection. Book your complimentary In-Store Fitting Appointment or a Virtual Fitting Appointment, or if you have a question, you can contact our customer service team during business hours through Live Chat, which can be found in the bottom right hand corner of the website.