Breast Augmentation: How To Shop for the Best Bras for Your Breast Implants (Updated 2025)

Many women are excited to go bra shopping after their breast augmentation. My patients tell me that trying on new lingerie is one of the things they look forward to most. However, if you’re like most women, you have some questions about buying bras after surgery.

How long do you wait before buying new bras? And how do you determine your new cup size? As a plastic surgeon, I hear these questions (and many more) from my own breast augmentation patients. This post should provide the helpful tips you need to make the most of bra shopping after surgery.

When can you wear an underwire bra after breast augmentation?

You need to wait until you’ve had adequate recovery time after your breast augmentation before you can wear an underwire bra—usually about 6 to 8 weeks. This is because it can interfere with the healing process and potentially cause complications. Here’s why we want you to wait:

Irritation to Incisions

Many breast augmentation procedures involve incisions in or near the inframammary fold (underneath the breast). Underwire bras can rub against these healing incisions, causing irritation, discomfort, or even reopening the wound and the potential for more prominent scarring.

Disruption of Implant Settling

After surgery, implants need time to settle into their natural position. Underwire bras can exert pressure on the implant pocket, potentially hindering this process. Wearing an underwire bra too soon could affect how the implants settle, potentially leading to uneven results.

Comfort During Swelling

Swelling is common after breast augmentation, and underwire bras may feel tight and uncomfortable during this phase. A soft, stretchy bra is better suited to accommodate changes in size and shape as swelling subsides.

What To Wear Instead

Surgeons typically recommend wearing a post-surgical bra or compression bra immediately after surgery. These bras:

• Provide gentle support without pressure.
• Promote proper healing and reduce swelling.
• Help stabilize implants as they settle.

Start With a Professional Bra Fitting

Many women—even those who haven’t had surgery—could benefit from a professional bra fitting. According to some statistics, up to 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. As breast implants change the size and shape of your breasts, professional assistance can be a very helpful place to begin your shopping experience. 

Here are some tips to help ensure you find the perfect fit:

Wait Until You’re Fully Healed

• I recommend waiting at least 6 to 8 weeks after surgery (or longer, depending on healing progress) before being fitted for non-surgical bras. Swelling should have subsided, and implants should be settled into their final position.
• If you’re not fully transitioned to regular bras, wear your post-surgical bra to the fitting for added support.

Be Open About Your Surgery

• Let the professional know you’ve had breast augmentation so they can adjust their measurements and advice accordingly. Implants often create a fuller upper breast and rounder shape, which can affect sizing and fit.

Prioritize Support

• The band provides the majority of a bra’s support, so ensure it’s snug but comfortable. Test the band by fitting two fingers underneath—it should feel secure but not restrictive. Look for wider straps for extra support, especially for larger implants.

Embrace Your New Size

• Breast implants create a different shape compared to natural breast tissue, so your post-augmentation size may not correspond to what you thought it would. Be open to exploring new cup and band sizes. A fitter can help you navigate sister sizes, such as going up in the band size and down in the cup size, to find the best fit.

Test for Comfort and Fit

• Ensure the bra cups fully cover the breast without gaping or bulging. A good fitter will help adjust the straps and check for band snugness, ensuring the bra stays in place without digging into your skin.

Schedule Regular Fittings

• Weight fluctuations, implant settling, or changes in preference can all affect fit over time. Regular fittings (once a year or so) help maintain a comfortable, supportive bra wardrobe.

Trust the Process

• Finding the right fit and style may take time, but it’s worth it for the comfort and confidence a properly fitted bra can provide.

The before and after pictures below show how dramatically breast implants change the size and shape of the breasts and illustrate why it’s so important to have professional fitting after augmentation:

Consider Form and Function

While you’ll likely want to show off your new curves with the help of a spectacular bra, you’ll also need some good, supportive everyday bras. Try many different bra styles and choose the ones you think will best fit your lifestyle. Most women do well with a few shape-enhancing bras for special occasions, a couple of good sports bras, and several comfy bras for daily use. Most bra experts recommend you have 7 to 11 bras so you can rotate them daily and wash them every 2 or 3 uses.

Here are a few tips to help you build your bra wardrobe:

Choose the Right Styles

• Demi-cups and balconettes work well. These styles suit the fuller shape implants provide, offering a flattering fit without unnecessary padding. Lightly lined or unlined bras often work better than heavily padded bras, which may feel bulky or unnatural. If your surgeon advises against underwire bras, opt for wireless options with firm elastic bands instead.

Bring a Few Outfit Options

• Bring a snug top or dress to see how different bras look and feel under clothing. This helps ensure your new bras work for your wardrobe.

Invest in Quality Bras

• Implants can place more stress on bras, so it’s worth investing in high-quality options that provide longevity and support. Start with essentials like a nude everyday bra, a strapless option, and a sports bra, and then add fun, stylish pieces.

Enjoy New Styles, but Don’t Go Overboard

Buying new lingerie after breast augmentation is one of the things you’re probably really looking forward to. It’s exciting to treat yourself to new styles that you perhaps weren’t able to enjoy beforehand.

While new cuts and colors can be great, also be aware that your breast augmentation recovery is a journey. Your breasts may still be slightly shifting and changing as your implants fully settle. Avoid buying any pricey items until about 6 months post-surgery. This will help guarantee your new pieces will fit for years to come.

Bra shopping after breast augmentation is a very exciting time. While it’s important to be mindful, also be sure to enjoy yourself and have fun with the process.

To see more of the results our breast augmentation patients enjoy, browse our before and after photos.

If you have any other questions about breast augmentation, feel free to ask our experienced staff. Request a one-on-one consultation online or call the practice at (480) 466-7355.