Confident, Asymmetrical, and Beautiful—Just as You Are
Blog by Anna Robinett (aka The Closet Lady)
Introduction: Fashion After a Single Mastectomy—Where Confidence Meets Style
Losing a breast changes your body—but it doesn’t have to change your sense of style. If you’ve had a single mastectomy and made the bold choice to go flat on one side—sometimes with a foob, sometimes without—you’re part of a growing movement of women redefining beauty, sexiness, and self-expression on their own terms.
Whether you’re dressing for the office, date night, or the beach, you deserve clothing that reflects your confidence—not clothing designed to hide, mask, or “correct” your new silhouette. This ultimate guide is for women who have had a single mastectomy and who are done with societal pressure to “look normal” and instead want to feel extraordinary—flat, fabulous, and fully themselves.
Let’s explore how to build a wardrobe that fits your single mastectomy asymmetry, honors your body, and helps you feel great in your skin.
1. Start with Your Mindset: Flat Isn’t Flawed
The first and most powerful accessory you can wear is confidence. Yes, your body is different after your single mastectomy—and yes, it’s still whole, beautiful, and worthy of love and attention. Choosing not to wear a prosthetic, especially after a single mastectomy, is a powerful act of self-acceptance.
Fashion should never be about camouflage. It’s about expression. There’s no “right way” to dress post single mastectomy. There’s only your way. Own that. Find that girl/person’s child like joy of playing dress up by exploring items of clothing you might previously have thought weren’t for you. I know when I had breasts I really disliked ruffles and was surprised when I discovered how versatile they were and helpful to balance out my flat silhouette when I was seeking that for symmetry, confidence or fun detail.
2. Embrace the Asymmetry after a Single Mastectomy
A single mastectomy gives your torso an asymmetrical shape—and that’s not a flaw, it’s a feature. Asymmetry can be chic, dramatic, and stylish. Designers have long used asymmetry to create interest and allure in garments. The difference now is that your body is the design—and you get to decide how to accentuate it. And again this is where ruffles, patterns, textures, and details of all manner can be your fashion friend.
Key Tips:
- Understand where your body naturally draws the eye.
- Notice how fabric drapes over your chest—this helps you choose cuts and materials.
- Play with balance: if your right side is flat, you might accentuate the left (or vice versa).
- Use an asymmetrical ruffle that gives the illusion of fullness to the flat side or defines the flat side.
- It’s much easier to find large bows already incorporated to a top or dress design on the chest area now or you can add it yourself if bows are your thing.
- Fringe and feathers also do the same thing. Fun and interesting to look at and keep the eye moving just like in a hanging piece of art work, not to hide but to keep your canvas (i.e. your body) the beautiful and interesting piece of work it is.
- Use jewelry to highlight the color of your skin, eyes, shape of your jaw line, your beautiful shoulder line or back.
- The possibilities are truly endless!
3. Best Necklines for a Single Mastectomy
The neckline can make or break an outfit—especially post single mastectomy. Try styles that support or celebrate your shape.
Great Necklines:
- Asymmetrical or one-shoulder tops: They visually echo your body’s shape and draw the eye in a balanced way.
- High neck or boatneck tops: Offer sleek coverage and contour while flattering your shoulders and collarbone.
- Wrap tops: Adjustable, comfortable, and naturally shape-enhancing.
- Cowl necks: Add soft draping that can subtly balance volume.
- Large scarves can be tied in so many ways to make beautiful tops or even dresses. Find a great tutorial on youtube or somewhere that shows you how to tie scarves in interesting ways.
- Same goes for button-up large shirts. Endless ways to wear them besides just as they were intended to keep them interesting and adapted to your body shape and size.
- Have fun! Don’t forget that! Dressing should be playful and fun. And have your go-tos that always work for the days when you don’t feel like playing dress up and creating something new. But have pieces that also allow you versatility for those days when you do want to mix it up and play dress up.
Necklines to Approach with Caution:
- Deep plunges: These can sometimes highlight asymmetry more than desired—unless you’re intentionally going for bold. Which can be stunning on a single mastectomy silhouette! It screams bold and proud of your body! And yes you should be as it is an amazing healing machine carrying your beautiful soul as you walk this earth!
- Straight tube tops: They can flatten your entire chest area and might not feel supportive without a foob. These definitely slip and don’t stay up in most cases even with a rubberized edging they tend to slip down which can be frustrating and bothersome.
4. The Power of Layers and Structure
One of the simplest ways to feel stylish and balanced is with layers—jackets, vests, oversized shirts, or scarves.
Ideas:
- Structured blazers with light padding add shape without hiding your body.
- Drapey cardigans provide softness and flow.
- Vests add visual interest and work in all seasons.
- Scarves (worn long or looped) draw attention upward and frame the face.
Layers let you play with texture, shape, and proportions—giving you the chance to feel both comfortable and stylish.
5. Fabrics That Flatter (and Feel Good)
After a single mastectomy or double mastectomy, some women find their skin more sensitive, especially if they’ve undergone radiation. Choose fabrics that are soft, breathable, and gentle.
Top Fabric Picks:
- Bamboo: Naturally soft, moisture-wicking, and breathable.
- Modal: Silky and drapey without being clingy.
- Cotton blends: Lightweight and kind to skin.
- Linen: Great for warm weather, with natural elegance.
- Silk is fantastic. It’s breathable, comfortable and keeps you cool or warm. And often they are washable these days. Look for quality, durability, and ease of care. There are numerous companies offering this now. (I.e. Lily Silk, or Quince)
Avoid:
- Itchy lace or polyester (unless lined).
- Tight seams or rigid underwires over your scar line.
- Tight constricting sleeves, or elastics.
6. Asymmetrical Fashion: Make It a Statement
Fashion already loves asymmetry. Use your single mastectomy to your advantage.
Asymmetrical Styles to Explore:
- Diagonal hemlines and slanted shoulder seams
- One-shoulder or off-the-shoulder tops
- Asymmetric peplum or tunic cuts
- Wrap-style dresses or sarongs
- Ruching on a garment is beautiful and contours a shape in many ways
These styles not only echo your own silhouette but turn it into a focal point of the outfit—stylish, intentional, and bold.
7. Embrace Bold Prints and Statement Pieces
Don’t shy away from color or pattern! A bold print draws the eye across your whole body rather than focusing on your chest after a single mastectomy.
Tips:
- Florals, geometrics, stripes—play with all of them.
- Color-blocking can be a genius way to create visual harmony.
- Use statement earrings, chunky necklaces, or even a hat to shift attention upward.
- Textures
- Bold embellishments if that is your thing.
- Use a tailor to customize a garment to your body shape! It truly makes a huge difference in how something feels and looks on your body. Nothing feels better than a garment that fits like it was made for you!
When you wear something daring, people see your confidence before they see anything else.
8. Swimwear Without a Foob? Absolutely.
You don’t need a prosthetic to enjoy the beach or pool.
Flattering Swim Styles:
- One-shoulder suits: Visually balance the chest.
- Ruched suits: Add texture without bulk.
- High-neck halters: Provide coverage and style.
- Asymmetric cut-outs: Accentuate your unique silhouette.
- Compression or athletic suits: Sleek, supportive, and made to move.
Also consider post-mastectomy swimwear brands that offer built-in pockets (just in case you do want to pop in a foob occasionally).
Top Brands to Explore:
- AnaOno
- POST SWIM (use Ellyn25 for a 25% discount)
- Athleta (select mastectomy-friendly options)
- Half Flat
Want more? Check out AskEllyn’s blogs: The Ultimate Guide to Flat Fashion for Every Girlfriend or Swimwear for Post Mastectomy
9. Lingerie and a Single Mastectomy—What Are My Options?
Bras are a personal choice—and you don’t have to wear one unless you want to. But if you do, go for comfort and style.
For Everyday:
- Bralettes: Soft, stretchy, and beautiful.
- Flat bras (like those from AnaOno): Designed specifically for flat or asymmetrical chests.
- Crop tops: Offer light coverage and work well under most tops.
For Dressing Up:
- Lace bralettes or mesh bandeaus: Let them peek out under jackets or low-cut tops
- One-cup bras: Some brands like AnaOno are now offering customizable, one-sided support.
You’re allowed to feel sexy. You deserve it.
10. When You Do Want to Use a Foob
There’s nothing wrong with wearing a prosthetic. Some days you might want the balance or the look. The key is flexibility.
Tips:
- Look for lightweight foam forms or knitted knockers—not the heavy silicone types of the past.
- Try magnetic or adhesive options if you want to avoid traditional bras.
- Explore minimalist prosthetics that don’t try to “match” but simply add visual symmetry.
- Some brands like a Handful offer lightweight cupped padding that you can build up. Which is really versatile! Meaning that you can wear one or stack another on top depending on how much padding you want for the look.
Foobs can be tools—not requirements. You’re in charge.
11. Tailoring and Alterations: Your Secret Weapon
One of the best post-mastectomy fashion hacks? A good tailor.
If your favorite dress gapes now or your button-down shirt feels lopsided, small alterations can make a huge difference. Many women don’t realize how much better they could feel in clothes if they were tweaked just a little.
Tailor-friendly fixes:
- Removing darts or re-sewing them on one side.
- Adjusting straps or neckline asymmetry.
- Adding a drape or ruching on the flat side.
It’s worth the small investment to make your clothes yours.
12. Community Inspiration: You’re Not Alone
Women around the world are proudly embracing their post-mastectomy bodies—on Instagram, in fashion shows, and in their everyday lives.
Check out:
- @thebreastlessbeauty
- @flatclosurenow
- @flattiesunite
- AskEllyn’s story and blog: How Breast Cancer Survivors Create Ripples of Change
Real women. Real bodies. Real inspiration.
13. Building a Wardrobe That Reflects You
Post-mastectomy style isn’t about hiding. It’s about finding what works for you, piece by piece.
Wardrobe Staples:
- 3–5 go-to tops you feel incredible in
- 2–3 layering pieces (blazers, vests, kimonos)
- 2–3 flattering dresses
- A swimsuit you love
- Lingerie that feels like a second skin
- A killer pair of earrings
- A gorgeous statement necklace along with a delicate one for less bold moments.
- Know your favorite colors and what makes you feel gorgeous when wearing it.
- Dress tonally. Meaning not just black and white, but all blues in various shades, etc., with any color.
- Make sure that what you buy is a piece you want to wear again and again. And that it can be worn in multiple ways for numerous occasions or events.
Build slowly. Invest in things that make you feel you.
Conclusion: You Deserve to Feel Fabulous—Flat and All
Fashion isn’t about breasts. It’s about how you carry yourself, what makes you feel beautiful, and how you express who you are.
After a single mastectomy, you might feel pressure to “even things out” or pretend your body hasn’t changed. But the truth is: Your body has changed—and it’s still yours. It’s still worthy of love, style, and celebration.
Whether you wear a foob one day and go flat the next, whether you rock asymmetrical tops or a flowy boho look—you are redefining beauty just by showing up.
Be bold. Be asymmetrical. Be stunningly, powerfully, unapologetically you.
Explore more survivor-centered style, beauty, and wellness guides at AskEllyn.ai. And check out Ellyn on YouTube!
About Anna Robinett
I’m a long-term lobular breast cancer survivor, 17 years(!) thriving after overcoming breast implant illness and autoimmune challenges. Removing my implants was a turning point—choosing to remain flat despite societal pressures about beauty, femininity, and aging. Now, at 61, I celebrate my body and life without limits, embracing creative self-expression every day.
My platform is about painting your body as a canvas—dressing in what makes you feel fabulous, regardless of age, shape, or trends. I thrift 90% of my wardrobe, championing sustainable fashion and the power of reusing and recycling. Living with chronic conditions, I focus on a healthy, autoimmune-friendly lifestyle to feel my best.
Here, you’ll find inspiration to break free from expectations, wear what you love, and own your confidence—because relevance, beauty, and sensuality have no expiration date or required shape. Join me in redefining what it means to be vibrant, visible, and unapologetically yourself at any age.
