I’ve always loved fashion, and boy, do I have a full closet to show for it. That said, fashion can be a fascinating yet challenging aspect of a breast cancer survivor’s journey. As someone who chose aesthetic flat closure after my mastectomy, I decided to embrace my perfectly flat chest and embrace flat fashion as a testament to my fight against cancer and as a distinctive pivot to redefine my style.
When I first decided to go flat, I had the daunting task of revisiting and potentially reinventing my wardrobe. I started Googling and was disappointed at what I found. Most of the articles I found pointed me toward disguising my lack of breasts. I was encouraged to wear prosthetics. I was instructed to wrap scarves around my neck, wear ruffles, avoid low necklines.
Sure there was this inexplicable liberty in not having to shop for bras anymore, but at the same time, I had to figure out what clothing would suit my flat chest.
After my mastectomy (I prefer the term extreme breast reduction 😀), my girlfriend and I plunged into my closet to sort through my wardrobe and determine what would stay and what would go. Except for a couple of pieces, I was thrilled to learn that almost everything I owned worked just fine! Yes, even my Andie’s bathing suits with their plunging necklines much to my delight.
As a new “flattie” I began experimenting with my clothing choices, I found a newfound fascination for plunging necklines, halter necks, spaghetti straps and backless dresses that I wouldn’t have considered (or couldn’t possibly wear) before as a D cup.
The fashion journey as a flat woman sometimes feels like being a man-made supermodel. Look at the fashion runway – many of the models you see are usually flat-chested – and yet, we, who have been made flat by surgical intervention, are somehow less represented within media and fashion. There’s a beautifully liberating contradiction hidden in there I spoke to in an Opinion Piece I penned for the Globe and Mail, Canada’s national newspaper, that I believe needs to be highlighted more by society and by fashion brands. We are as much an embodiment of grace, poise, and vogue as any other woman. In fact, we might just be setting the precedence for a truly inclusive fashion landscape.
Now, speaking about being a “flattie,” and the topic of shame, I have to cast blame on society’s fixation on the connection between breasts and femininity. It disturbs me that women who had a mastectomy to save their lives, have their femininity called into question and are made to feel like there’s something to be hidden.
Why is that? Confidence stems from acceptance. It’s about acknowledging our journey, our adversities, our scars, and our triumphs and accepting of our new bodies. I chose to not look backward and long for my old body. And yet, women still feel the pressure and need to hide the fact that they had their breasts removed. I heard a story recently of a woman who was told by breast prosthetic fitter that failure to wear a bra with “fake” breasts” (breast prosthesis) would cause lifelong back pain. Good heavens, tell that to all the A cup and AA cup ladies out there.
I choose to confidently wear my scars and not hide the fact I am flat. It’s a symbol of my resilience—a mark of survival. If anything, my scars and my flat chest makes me unique, and in my humble opinion, beautiful. They add character to my personal story. I go into the world proud and unapologetically bold in my flatness. Yes, I even showcased my scars and flat chest in People Magazine!
You see, fashion isn’t just about the clothes we wear. It’s how we wear the clothes. I’ll let you in on a secret. Not once have I hidden that I am flat and NO ONE HAS EVER SAID A WORD. I’m honestly not sure they notice. A year ago I had to have a CT scan. I was wearing a T-shirt and it was obvious (to me) I was flat. The technician made a point of asking if my bra had an underwire. That gave us both a giggle.
I say this to every “flattie” out there: together, let’s continue to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and redefine flat fashion norms. Here’s to us all being courageously flat, fearlessly fashionable, and unashamedly gorgeous in our new bodies.
Own the Plunge
Deep V-necks, plunging halters, and low-cut dresses that once required a push-up bra now create an effortlessly chic and elegant look on a flat chest. These styles highlight collarbones and elongate the torso for a strikingly graceful silhouette.
Embrace Bold Accessories
Statement necklaces, oversized earrings, and structured belts can add personality and flair to any outfit. Without the distraction of cleavage, accessories take center stage, elevating your style in a way that feels intentional and empowered.
Going Backless is a Perfect Fashion Choice for Flatties
A flat chest allows you to wear stunning backless dresses, spaghetti straps, without the hassle of finding the right bra. These styles, often tricky for larger busts, now become effortless showstoppers.
Play with Silhouettes
Boxy blazers, sleek jumpsuits, and androgynous styles can create a high-fashion, editorial look. Soft, draped fabrics or structured cuts can enhance your figure without relying on traditional curves.
Tone-on-Tone Dressing is a Win for Flat Fashion
In this AskEllyn.ai guest post, Erica Deligne, a fellow flattie and a fashion stylist I greatly admire, talks about this season’s tone on tone dressing rage. I love the coordinated and monochromatic look and think it looks great on anyone and everyone, but particularly a woman with a flat chest.
Confidence is the Best Statement Piece
The way you carry yourself defines your fashion more than the clothes themselves. Whether you’re rocking a form-fitting dress or a casual tee, self-assurance is what makes any outfit truly stand out. Flaunt your flatness with pride and make it your superpower!
Check out my post highlighting these two flat fashion entrepreneurs!
Check out my video highlighting one of my recent flat fashion put togethers.
