Shoppers rave about M&S' supportive post-surgery bra saying 'it makes me feel amazing'

Feeling comfortable getting your kit off the beach can be daunting at the best of times, let alone if you are recovering from recent breast surgery. Presenter Julia Bradbury feared she would never wear a bikini again after going through breast surgery a few years back, telling her Instagram followers "I had no idea what life after a #mastectomy would be like." in a post back in 2022. However, by sharing her brave bikini snap the 53-year-old hoped to help others find their confidence again.

Thankfully with the help of some top retailers, post-surgery swimwear has now become an essential part of their summer collections, offering women the chance to purchase swimwear that is not only practical post-op but that is stylish too. In fact, from the outside, you wouldn't know these pieces are any different from standard swim designs. These discreet design elements allow women to feel fully supported and body confident again.

M&S is one the high-street stores championing post-surgery swimwear this season and we've discovered a style we think you'll love. The post-surgery tummy control swimsuit, £35 here, has already racked up many five-star reviews from ladies who have undergone mastectomies.

M&S swimsuit

"This costume makes me feel amazing. I love the inner pockets as I’m a cold water swimmer and I can secure an extra neoprene layer here, which protects my scar and helps to avoid nerve pain from the cold water. The only negative for me is that it only comes in black, more colours please!" said one shopper.

"Thank you so much! This will make such a difference to my life.I have been looking for years for a swimsuit to wear in a pool which covers post-surgery disfigurement and skin grafting to my back and this suit has the added bonus of covering sternotomy scars on my chest," said another overjoyed shopper.

Another commented on the excellent support, "This is a brilliant swimsuit - I swim every day and find it very supportive. Whilst I have had breast surgery, I still have big boobs and this is great - my friend who does aquarobics has bought one too just for the support!"

M&S swimsuit

Many women who have undergone mastectomies and breast reduction surgeries say they prefer pocketed styles, or non-wired padded, which are designed to offer chest support and discreetly keep everything in place. This particular design not only features tummy control to smooth lumps and bumps but the removal padding is made from a soft, breathable and lightweight foam for maximum comfort against delicate scar tissue.

The non-wired, stretch design also offers a complimentary fit with hidden tummy control and 'Magic 360 Control' which is said to flatter your body from every angle. Sun Smart UPF50+ also helps to protect against harmful UV rays.

And there are plenty of other brands on the high street and online which offer stunning post-mastectomy swimwear, from bikinis to swimsuits too. From Amoena, Eloise Lingerie, La Redoute, and George At Asda they all offer stunning designs, which will leave you feeling supported and body-confident.

If you're looking for post-surgery bras you might be pleased to know that M&S's range now comes without VAT so prices are lower. You can shop the range here.