Bralettes are a popular choice in the months following a breast reduction. After the surgery, you’ll probably be instructed to wear a surgical compression bra or an ace bandage for several days or weeks. In any case, follow your surgeon’s instructions, but even once you’re clear to wear other bras, you may not be ready to wear underwires yet. Furthermore, it takes up to a year to get your final results and your size and shape might fluctuate a lot in the first 6 months or so. With that in mind, you might not want to invest in a collection of underwire bras and opt for something with more flexible sizing. But what if you’re still in the DD-G range? Thankfully, there are lots of options out there.
First off, here are a few full bust bralettes I’ve personally tried:
Sweet and comfy
Freya Fancies were the first full bust bralette I tried. I wasn’t impressed at first, because they obviously don’t provide the same support as a bra, but they quickly grew on me and I got in the habit of wearing them at night instead of my surgical bras as well as for lounging. What I love about these is how light and breezy they look while still providing full coverage. That way, there is no risk of a nip slip if you wear them to bed.
Leah reviewed Freya Fancies bralettes for Hourglassy a few years ago.
Pros:
- Full coverage with a delicate look
- Adjustable straps
- Fun new colours every season
- Easy to mix and match the underwear if you get bras in the same line
Cons:
- Material is not very soft
- Light support
- Band is not adjustable
For a sporty look
I tried the Curvy Kate Unwind two months after my surgery. I was attracted to its sporty look and to the fact that it gave good separation avoiding the monoboob you sometimes end up with when wearing bralettes. Unfortunately, it was a fail. The underbust band would not stay in place and the cups were too big. If you try this one I advise trying a range of sizes, possibly sizing up in the band and down in the cup.
Pros
- Adjustable straps
- Adjustable band
- Straps are not too thin and not too wide
- Good separation
Cons
- Sizing hard to figure out
- The band keeps rolling up
Best everyday support
The Bravissimo Zara bralette gets fab reviews as it gives enough support to be worn on daily basis in lieu of a traditional bra. I got this one recently and it already got a lot of wear. Please note that the sizing may vary depending on colourways. I currently measure a 34G and got the black one in a 34GG/H and am glad I sized up as advised, but I’ve heard you should size down in the current Cornflower blue colour. Stay tuned for a full review!
Pros
- 3 rows of 4 hooks fastening in all sizes
- comfy enough to sleep in
- supportive enough to wear out
Cons
- straps are non adjustable
- wide straps, so it won’t work with all tops
The Bravissimo Jade is a more recent addition to the Bravissimo wireless lineup and I’m happy to report that it is equally supportive as the Zara. I got it in a 34G and found it true to size. Unfortunately it is not sheer as I thought when seeing the picture, but lined in beige fabric, which doesn’t look great on my brown skin. It won’t be a problem if your nude is close enough to beige, but for me I wish the lining were the same colour as the lace. For this reason, I pondered whether to try and dye it or to send it back after the quarantine, but I decided to keep it in the end.
Pros
- Gives a good shape under clothing
- Supportive enough to wear out
- Adjustable straps
- Thin straps that will work with most tops
Cons
- Beige lining
- Thinner straps and only two hooks fastening (three rows) might be uncomfortable if your breasts are particularly heavy
Quirky and ethical
The pixies at Molke make ethical lingerie in quirky prints and an inclusive range of sizes. You’ll have to use their calculator to figure out if you are a Medium Cosmic, a Small Thunder or a Large Stellar. I actually tried Molke before my reduction and was impressed with how supportive and comfy it was, as well as with the quality. I can’t wait to try them in my new size. Unfortunately, they have low stock right now due to lockdown restrictions, but the Space Orange model featured above is definitely on my list for when things get back to normal. I would not advise them too short post-op though, as they are not practical if you still have issues with lifting your arms.
Pros:
- Great uplift and good shape under clothes
- Supportive and comfy all at once
- Who else sells unicorns and dinosaurs bras?
- An ethical company you’ll be proud to support
Cons:
- Tricky to get in
- Straps are not adjustable
- Band is not adjustable
Trendy and affordable
Tutti Rouge’s Rougette line has a wide choice of bodysuits and bralettes and runs offer on a regular basis. I got the Sasha bralette from them, which is very comfy and flattering. However, it’s a style I got when I was fully recovered and it wouldn’t be suitable if you still have issues with lifting your arms. Also, because it is quite low cut, I’ve had a few nip slips when wearing it to sleep. This could possibly be fixed by shortening the straps. There are some Rougette styles that could be more appropriate for wearing a few weeks after the surgery. Look for adjustable straps and band. I heard the Hayley is quite supportive for instance.
Pros:
- The longline fishnet is very flattering
- Can be worn on its own as a crop top if you’re brave enough, or under a sheer shirt
Cons:
- The straps are not adjustable and are too long for me
- The band is not adjustable, but it fits nicely
Other options I’d like to try
Other bralettes I’d like to try include Cleo Lyzy, Sugar Candy Crush, Cosabella Never Say Never Curvy bralette and Tutti Rouge Frankie 2
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