We’re delighted to welcome back Jane Buckley of Jane’s Place as guest blogger at the Suburban Turban Blog!
We LOVED Jane’s wonderful tips earlier this summer on finding your style during chemo, based on her own experiences during her breast cancer journey. Here, Jane turns her attention to the hot topic (quite literally!) of the moment: swimwear and, more specifically, post-mastectomy options, and how to style your chosen suit with Suburban Turban headwear! Over to Jane!
Top post-mastectomy swimwear tips
The summer is the time most of us long for: sunny days and warm evenings. However, for women like me who have been through treatment for breast cancer, dressing with less can be a nightmare. We are conscious of: gaping; showing scars; having to wear a bra to hold our prosthesis – all while trying to look good and stay cool. Luckily, we have lots of tricks to help us to look fantastic and to give us confidence to strut our stuff on the beach!!
- Specialist swimwear is a fantastic tool for us, specifically designed with higher fronts, pockets and more closely shaped armholes. Look for designs with tummy control or patterning that gives the illusion of an hourglass figure. A blast of colour will draw the eye and disguise any anomalies.
- Specialist prosthesis are available for swimming. Be careful with the foam ones though, they can absorb water and leave you with a heavy, water-logged boob!! Try wrapping in a small plastic bag before use.
- Ensure that the pocket on your swimsuit or bikini is not too large for your prosthesis or it may wander within the cup area – a close fitting costume should assist with this.
- Accessorise – draw attention away from the areas you are concerned about. There are a lot of neons around in costume jewellery this season and they look great against (fake) sunkissed skin. Avoid large metal statement necklaces as they can get very hot under the sun and give you a surprise burn!
- Cover up – use hats and sarongs to keep you cool, add interest and protect your skin from the sun.
- A large beach bag can give the illusion of a smaller you as you walk to and from your spot by the pool – and will hold loads of useful stuff!
3 Ways To Style Your Post-Mastectomy Swimwear
Outfit 1: Nautical
Royal Navy Chic Swimsuit by Nicola Jane (£39)
+ Oil Cloth Beach Bag by Love Lammi at Not On The Highstreet (£35)
+ Suburban Turban Poppy Red Scarf (£11.25 plus VAT)
+ ASOS Adele Marie Bead Bracelet (in the sale at £12!)
Outfit 2: Summer Orchid
Black Magic Swimsuit by Nicola Jane (£32.99)
+ Suburban Turban Mila Hat in Mauve (£20.83 plus VAT)
+ Block Print Cotton Sarong by Charlotte’s Web at Not On The Highstreet (£10)
Outfit 3: Desert Heat
Snake Print Bikini by Nicola Jane (£36.99)
+ Suburban Turban summer hats – Emme in Brown Stripe (£20 plus VAT)
+ Clear Horn & Metal Multi Bangles, Accessorize (£14)
+ Block Print Sarong, Accessorize (£19)
Very many thanks to Jane for sharing her top tips and experiences, which we know so many will relate to. We love the way she writes and her stylist’s eye!
Edited by Jane from the janesplace.co.uk blog