Finding a swimming costume you love should be about colour, comfort and how it makes you feel when you put it on.
But if you swim with a breast prosthesis, there are a few additional things worth looking for.
The good news? Choosing prosthesis-friendly swimwear doesn't have to mean giving up the bright colours, flattering shapes or personality you actually want from a cossie.
Here are some of the things we think matter.
What is prosthesis-friendly swimwear?
Prosthesis-friendly swimwear is designed with features that allow a breast prosthesis to be worn comfortably and securely while swimming.
One of the most important features is an internal prosthesis pocket. This sits inside the swimming costume and helps hold the prosthesis in place while you're in and around the water.
Some swimming costumes have a pocket on one side only. Others, including our new OTA Prosthesis-Friendly Shortie, have discreet internal pockets on both sides.
This gives you the flexibility to use the side that's right for you.
Look for secure, discreet prosthesis pockets
This is probably the first thing to check when you're comparing swimwear with prosthesis pockets.
The pocket should be designed to hold the prosthesis securely without making the swimming costume look noticeably different from other swimwear.
For us, that was really important.
We wanted to add the functionality women need while keeping the colourful, adventurous OTA look we love.
Because practical doesn't have to mean boring.
Choose a swimming costume you actually WANT to wear
This sounds obvious, but we think it's often overlooked.
Having breast surgery shouldn't mean suddenly having a tiny selection of colours and styles available to you.
Whether you love bright patterns, bold colours or something more understated, your swimming costume should still feel like you.
We created our prosthesis-friendly Shortie because we wanted to bring more colour and personality to this area of swimwear.
No beige. No boring. No blending in.
Think about coverage and confidence
Everyone has a different idea of what makes them feel comfortable in a swimming costume.
Some women prefer more coverage around the legs and bottom, which is one of the reasons our Shortie has a longer, boy-short-style leg.
It's designed to give you a little more coverage while still allowing you to move comfortably in the water.
Ultimately, the best swimming costume is the one that lets you stop thinking about what you're wearing and start enjoying your swim.
Look at the fabric and construction
A good swimming costume needs to cope with plenty of adventures — whether that's swimming in the sea, dipping in a lake or heading to your local pool.
Look for quality fabric, good construction and a fit that feels secure without being restrictive.
It's also worth thinking about where and how your swimwear is made.
At Own The Adventure, our swimwear is made in Britain, and we use more sustainable recycled fabric in our cossies.
We'd rather create something you'll genuinely love, look after and wear again and again.
Can you swim normally with a breast prosthesis?
Many women swim wearing a breast prosthesis designed or suitable for use in water. The important thing is to follow the guidance supplied with your particular prosthesis and make sure your swimwear holds it comfortably and securely.
If you're unsure whether your prosthesis is suitable for swimming, check with its manufacturer or your breast-care team before taking it into the water.
And remember: you don't have to wear a prosthesis to swim after breast surgery. What feels right is entirely personal.
What should you look for in post-mastectomy swimwear?
When choosing post-mastectomy or prosthesis-friendly swimwear, consider:
secure internal prosthesis pockets
whether pockets are provided on one or both sides
comfortable, supportive straps
coverage that makes you feel confident
quality fabric and construction
a design and colour you genuinely love
Function matters.
But so does feeling like yourself.
Meet the OTA Prosthesis-Friendly Shortie
We took the longer-leg shape of our OTA Shortie and added discreet internal prosthesis pockets on both sides.
It's British-made, available in sizes 8–26, made using more sustainable recycled fabric and — most importantly — still unmistakably OTA.
Bright. Colourful. Adventure-ready.
Because prosthesis-friendly swimwear should still feel like YOU.
[SHOP THE PROSTHESIS-FRIENDLY SHORTIE →]
And wherever you're at in your swimming journey, we hope we'll see you in the water. 🌊