The 12 Wardrobe Essentials That Got Me Through Breast-Cancer Treatment

If I could only recommend one article of clothing for someone going through breast-cancer treatment, it is a shirtdress. It checks so many boxes: It’s a button-down (essential for post-surgery when you can’t lift your arms above your head), adjustable (buy one that runs a bit large and you can just adapt the size using a belt), and also provides easy access for administering infusion or changing in and out of hospital gowns. Everlane is one of my go-to resources for shirtdresses, because it has a huge selection, all of which are great quality. The silhouette on this one is flattering, clean, and with the belt removed, it hangs very comfortably post-surgery (I actually wore it to and from the hospital for my last operation).

I cannot stress enough that, when you are a breast-cancer patient, button-downs are your friend. Especially after having breast surgery, because there will be a period of at least a few weeks when you cannot raise your arms above your head to pull on a shirt. I’m a big fan of Madewell’s chambray and black-denim button-downs, which are both comfortable and stylish. If you’re purchasing a shirt for post-op recovery, I’d keep an eye out for boyfriend or oversize cuts like this — they are going to be much more comfortable around the chest area, and leave room for things like bandages and drains.

When it comes to bottoms, leggings are the MVP during breast-cancer treatment: They can take you everywhere from lounging at home, to chemo infusions, to your first post-surgery workout. A good pair can make all the difference, and I like the leggings from Girlfriend Collective because they are not only insanely comfortable, but they are also made from recycled materials. I have multiple pairs in different colors — that’s how much I love them.

My DIEP flap reconstruction left a lengthy scar that runs from hip to hip, a bit above my bikini line (from where they sourced tissue to rebuild my breasts). Even months out of surgery, it is still far more comfortable to wear high-waisted pants that don’t land directly on my scar. Bonus points if they have an elastic or tie waistband as well — that can make all the difference. This pair’s bow and wide-leg cut give them a dressier feel, but they’re also still comfortable (my mantra during treatment was pretty much “how can I always feel, regardless of the level of dressiness, like I’m wearing pajamas?”).

I cold-capped throughout my chemo treatment, which means that my scalp follicles were frozen in order to maintain my hair. There was still some hair loss, however, so I invested in a simple black beret. It’s more elevated than a baseball cap, but not as heavy or hot as a beanie. I ended up wearing it not only during chemo, but also after my surgeries when I wasn’t able to wash my hair. Plus, berets are fun! They’re a way to be a little playful with your wardrobe without doing anything that requires too much energy. I got my beret from Reformation, but it has since sold out. This COS beret, though, has a very similar look.

Dressing up as a cancer patient can be even more draining than simply getting dressed, and in many cases, dresses just aren’t an option (the exception, of course, being shirtdresses). So, for more formal events, I invested in a sequin blazer. It is easy to put on and comfortable to wear while still being fun and festive. I opted for a gold style that has since sold out, but this (on sale) black-sequin number is another great way to get the look.

Compression socks might not immediately seem like a necessity, but they can really come in handy. They are great for post-surgery recovery (when you might not be moving as much as you need to), and particularly useful for anyone like me who is on Tamoxifen hormone therapy as part of their treatment, because we are at a slightly higher risk of blood clots. I like these socks from Comrad — yes, there is a company trying to disrupt the compression-sock space — because they are actually attractive in a minimalist sort of way (anyone out there who has worn compression socks knows that most pairs are never really praised for their aesthetics). I started wearing these in my first months of recovery, when I was bedridden and not walking around as much as I would’ve liked. Now, I’ll still wear them when traveling on longer flights to keep the blood circulating.

While there are specific bras for mastectomy recovery — I recommended one in my list of everything I used while recovering from my breast-cancer surgery — it can still be more comfortable for survivors months out of surgery to wear bras that are soft and don’t have an underwire. This T-shirt bra from Ana Ono is a staple for me, and it’s so comfortable, I often forget I’m even wearing it.

I mentioned this robe in my list of post-surgery products, but I have to include it here because it is just that heavenly. I probably wore this one item of clothing more than anything else in my last ten months of treatment, because the fabric is that wonderful and buttery. (It is also washable silk, which is a bonus). It is definitely an investment piece, but trust me when I say that you will use it enough to pay that off.

Finally, a boob-themed T-shirt can be a fun way to spread awareness and own your status as a breast-cancer patient/survivor. The options at Girl vs Cancer (there are many) are great, because they cleverly nod to the cause while still being just fun tees to wear. Plus, for those who like their shopping to be meaningful, the brand donates a portion of its proceeds to cancer research. [Editor’s note: Girl vs Cancer is based in the U.K., so expect extra shipping fees and longer delivery times if ordering internationally; the price below has been converted from British pounds.]