M&S’s post-surgery offering is a mix of plain bras (non-wired and non-padded) and padded designs that have a little more in the way of adornment. That doesn’t mean they skimp on comfort; this navy number is pleasingly decorative, yes, but has dual cotton pockets for prostheses and no wiring. Their swimwear is limited to two options. This stripy suit has a secret tummy control panel (always welcome) and pockets at the cups.

Post-surgery Iris Embroidered Padded Full Cup A-DD Bra, £22.50, sizes 34A-40DD, Marks & Spencer; Post-surgery Desert Striped Swimsuit, £35, sizes 8-22, Marks & Spencer

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Debenhams has a range of over 20 mastectomy bras, including styles that are underwired, non-wired, non-padded and front-fastening and come in white, nude, black, purple and red. This lacy bra, left, has generally received good reviews from customers, but has a small opening to its pockets so is best for women with smaller prostheses.

White Lace Wing T-shirt Mastectomy Bra, £11.52, sizes, 32B-40G, Debenhams

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Both House of Fraser and John Lewis carry Royce’s range of mastectomy bras. This grey jersey design has foam padding and two spacious pockets for prostheses.  

Chloe Mastectomy Bra, £18, sizes 32B-36DD, Royce at House of Fraser

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Nicola Jane’s collection of mastectomy bras and swimsuits has a style to suit every type of breast surgery and stage of recuperation so it’s an excellent starting point for women who need to replace their entire lingerie drawer. It also has a range of sports bras, which are constructed out of low-elasticity microfibre to keep the movement of the breast and prosthesis to a minimum during exercise.  

The swimwear selection is also extensive, with one-pieces, bikinis, tankinis and special prostheses for swimming. Our pick is this ruched suit for its miracle-working control panels, fitted pockets, detachable straps and sailor stripes.

Vivana Active Sports Mastectomy Bra, £52, sizes 32A-42E, Nicola Jane; Portofino Ruched Bandeau Swimsuit, £43, sizes 32-38, Nicola Jane

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Don’t let the price of Asda’s post-surgery bras put you off. Not only do they ring in at under a tenner, but comments suggest that they’re much more comfortable than a lot of other designs (so much so that one wearer forgot she had it on as opposed to only being able to keep a bra on for a couple of hours at a time) and this one’s got pretty lace detailing.

Geo Lace Post-surgery Bra, £8, 32A-42G, Asda

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With a name like ‘The Bra Clinic’, it’s no surprise that this website has post-surgery bras from Amoena, Anita, Royce and Trulife. This design by Royce is seamless at the front and sides to avoid irritating scars and fastens at the breastbone for easy access to both pockets.

This swimsuit combines a high neckline with a scoop at the back and a hint of sheer mesh. As well as these aesthetic details, it has a tummy control lining and pockets at both sides to have you looking svelte while you swim.  

Silver Post-surgery Bra in Skin, £33, sizes 32-38, The Bra Clinic; Sicilian Nights Swimsuit in Black, £48, sizes 36-38, The Bra Clinic

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Matalan’s post-surgery bra has a removable triangle of lace to cover the cleavage area, which means V-neck blouses (or bending forward) won’t expose scars.

Post-surgery Lace Bra, £8, sizes 32A-40DD, Matalan

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