At the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month Underlines is delighted to welcome its latest contributor both online and in print, Janice Holmes of Janice Rose Lingerie
Janice Holmes is an award-winning bra fitter, trainer, speaker, and the founder of Janice Rose Lingerie. For her, lingerie has never just been about lace and fabric. It is about confidence, comfort, and helping women feel beautifully themselves. Her passion was shaped by personal experience. At 19, after undergoing breast surgery, a lumpectomy, she realised how little guidance was available about bras and fit, a gap that still exists today.
With 35 years at a major retailer, Janice built extensive knowledge before launching her own award-winning business, Janice Rose Lingerie, which now stocks over 25 brands. This variety has given her unique insight into how different designs and fits meet diverse needs, reinforcing her belief that no two women’s bodies are the same.
Janice is equally committed to giving back. Since 2019, she has collected bras and pants for women and girls in The Gambia and recycles bras in support of Against Breast Cancer. In 2025, she launched a petition urging the Government to introduce a voucher scheme for bras and prostheses, giving women greater choice and access to well-fitting lingerie during and after treatment.
When the ordinary becomes essential…
We rarely think of bras as anything more than routine. They are the garment we put on almost without thought, day after day, often for decades. Unlike visits to the dentist or regular eye checks, bra fitting isn’t something we’re taught to prioritise, nor is it spoken about openly as part of caring for ourselves.
Yet this quiet absence becomes strikingly clear when life is interrupted by breast cancer. Suddenly the bra, so ordinary and so overlooked, takes on a new and urgent role. Questions we’ve never had reason to ask before come rushing in: Which style will ease my recovery? What will feel right after surgery? Where do I even begin?
At a time when women deserve comfort, dignity and guidance, they are often left searching for answers in a space that has long been silent. For something worn more than almost any other item of clothing, perhaps it’s time we gave the bra the attention it has always deserved.
Immediately after surgery
- Choose front-opening bras for easy dressing.
- Opt for soft, non-wired fabrics to protect sensitive skin.
- If your surgeon recommends it, wear a compression style.
- Look for designs with space or discreet pockets for drains.
- Remember: every body heals differently. Swelling can make bras feel tighter in the early weeks, but what feels firm at first often becomes more comfortable as swelling reduces.
What feels snug now often softens into comfort as your body heals.
Finding the right fit
- Select wide, cushioned straps to ease pressure on the shoulders.
- The band should feel secure but never restrictive.
- Avoid seams that sit directly on scars.
- Visit a specialist bra fitter – fit can vary greatly between brands, and one brand will not suit everyone.
- If possible, seek out an independent bra fitter who carries multiple brands for more tailored choice.
Tip: Independent fitters often carry niche brands that hospitals and chain stores don’t stock – giving you far more flexibility and choice.
Prosthesis-friendly choices
For women who choose not to undergo reconstruction:
- A pocketed bra holds a prosthesis securely.
- A lightweight breast form can be more comfortable in the early stages.
- Consider the depth at the side and front of the bra – a deeper front cup is better for covering the shape of a prosthesis and ensuring a smooth silhouette.
- The goal is a balanced fit that supports posture and comfort.
After breast reconstruction
- Always follow your surgeon’s guidance on what styles are safe.
- Avoid underwires until healing is complete.
- Try bras with gentle padding or adaptable cups to accommodate subtle differences in shape.
- Consider the depth at the side and front of the bra – a deeper bra is a great choice and can give a smoother silhouette.
Lifestyle essentials
- A non-wired sports bra offers reliable support during activity.
- Non-restrictive straps, wider straps help reduce the risk of lymphedema.
- For rest, try a soft sleep bra or camisole that feels light and comforting.
Style and confidence
- Healing doesn’t mean compromising on beauty – choose lingerie that feels uplifting and pretty.
- Play with colours and styles that express your personality.
- A professional fitting ensures the best blend of comfort, support, and style.
Fitting room tips
- Bring a soft T-shirt to wear over the bra when trying it on – this helps check for comfort against scars and gives a sense of how it looks under clothes.
- Sit down and move your arms while wearing the bra to test for comfort in different positions.
- Don’t rush – try on several brands and sizes; the perfect fit may surprise you.
- Ask if the fitter has post-surgery training – specialist knowledge makes a real difference.
Did you know?
On average, 80% of women wear the wrong bra size – and post-surgery, sizing shifts even more.
A well-fitted bra can reduce shoulder strain, improve posture, and ease back pain.
Some health insurance plans and hospitals cover the cost of post-surgery bras or prostheses – worth checking before you buy.
Always consider trying different brands.
Visit an independent fitter who can offer specialist advice.
Remember.
Every year, get refitted for new bras as your body shape can change.
One style in one brand will not fit everyone, just like shoes and clothes.
Post surgery bras need to restore confidence, not just support. Too often women are left with limited, clinical looking options that do not meet their needs. Those who have not undergone reconstruction require deeper styles at the sides and at the centre front to securely hold a prosthesis and to cover the openness left after surgery. But beyond function, women also want colour, prettier designs and feminine details that help them feel more like their old selves. By combining thoughtful structure with beauty, lingerie brands have the chance to fill a true gap in the market and, more importantly, to restore comfort, confidence and femininity at a time when it is needed most.
You’re worth it ☺️
Janice has a free leaflet on her website that anyone can print off – advice on post surgical bras.
Illustrations by Bok Goodall
