Swimming with a breast form

Why not the everyday form

Standard forms have a flat back designed to rest in a bra pocket. In water — where there is no pocket, gravity behaves differently and fabric moves — a flat-backed form migrates. Chlorine and salt also age the surface finish faster than any shower ever will.

What actually works

• A swim form with a suction back. A concave back that grips the chest when wet. It stays put through laps and waves. Ours is the Swim Form — chlorine- and salt-resistant outer skin.
• Pocketed swimwear. A suit with an internal pocket in the cup holds any form securely, swim form or not. Most mastectomy swimwear brands build this in; it looks like any other costume from outside.
• Both together for open water and serious swimming — belt and braces.

After the water

Rinse the form in fresh, lukewarm water the same day — chlorine keeps eating until it is rinsed off. Pat dry, back in the tray. That is the entire maintenance cost of a swim day.

Practicalities nobody mentions

The changing room takes less thought than you fear: the form goes on at home under the swimsuit, or in a cubicle like anything else. Wet silicone is no heavier than a wet swimsuit. And sunbathing with the form off is completely fine — the tan lines are your own business.