A Bra To Support Those Taking The Next Step In Their (Recovery) Journey

A good bra is a staple for everyone. But those going through recovery have a unique set of needs (comfort, functionality, affordability, style) that haven’t traditionally been reflected in the intimates they’re shopping for. Through a collaborative effort alongside Colleen Strong and a number of other physical-trauma survivors, Knix has specifically designed the Ultra Soft Front Closure bra to champion those looking for physical support throughout any part of the post surgical process. We spoke with Colleen to learn more. —Noa Nichol

Can you speak to the relationship you’ve had with Knix over the years?

My daughter Sasha introduced me to Knix. It was Sasha who suggested I apply for the  Women over 50 Campaign. She’s a very savvy consumer; she researches brands and  products carefully before she makes a purchase so I trusted her recommendation. When I took part in the Women over 50 campaign I got to interact with Joanna (the  Founder of Knix), and many members of her staff. I could see that Joanna had a mission to empower women (who else would create an international underwear campaign featuring women from 50 to 70?!) I fell in love with Knix then and realized it was really something special. I felt very lucky to have been a part of that empowering campaign and got so much incredible feedback from women of all ages who told me that seeing that campaign gave them hope that they could still be bad-asses as they aged. It was transformative for so many. I was thrilled to be able to work with Knix again to consult on the development of the  Ultrasoft Front Closure Bra. It’s easy to underestimate what a difference this product is going to make in the lives of women who are faced with breast surgery, but Knix gets it. I didn’t think I could love them more, but after working with them on this bra I do.

Why did you decide to collaborate with Knix on this product? 

Because I trust them and I know what a difference this bra will make in women’s lives. I  have seen Knix’s commitment to solving everyday issues women face like creating  beautiful, supportive, comfortable bras and underwear for women who have their period  or bladder leak issues. I believed that they would follow through and develop an  amazing product for post-surgery recovery and they’ve done just that. I’m super proud  of them and thankful for their commitment to making life better for women. 

Please tell us a bit about yourself, and your cancer journey, to start.  

I’m a 60 year old wife, mother and grandmother to 5 wonderful little ones. My husband  and I will celebrate our 35th anniversary soon. We’ve recently retired from our co-owned business of 17 years and are enjoying our newfound freedom.  I was diagnosed with breast cancer after my first mammogram after turning 50 in 2011.  After my sister was diagnosed 4 months later, genetic testing was suggested and,  based on the results, I elected to have a double mastectomy with immediate  reconstruction. The reconstruction I chose involved using belly fat to refill my emptied  breasts. Unfortunately I had a complication on one side and lost most of the tissue in  one breast. It took a few years to repair that damage, but in 2015 I was done with  surgeries and had an implant on one side. In 2020 I had to have the implant removed  due to a recall and elected to go flat on one side rather than have more surgeries. 

What did your collaboration on this project look like? 

I was lucky enough to have been chosen to participate in a previous Knix campaign and  met Jules Power, Senior Design Director at Knix. When Jules reached out to me to consult on  the design of the new comfort bra I was thrilled to be able to provide input. Having been through multiple surgeries I knew how challenging it was to find something that would  provide support post-surgery but add to my discomfort. Struggling with an item of clothing you need everyday can be really disheartening when you are also trying to  cope with a challenging recovery after surgery. I trusted Knix to really listen to the needs of the community and develop a garment that worked. After some consultation, I was able to wear test a few prototypes and suggest small changes. When Knix was happy with the prototype, I reached out to my community of women who have also undergone reconstruction and put together a group of women of different sizes and reconstruction types to further wear test the bra. They were very excited to be able to participate in this project that is near and dear to their hearts. 

What are some of the challenges you personally faced in finding a bra on the  market that met your needs? In this same capacity, what other hurdles might people face? 

After breast surgery there are lots of things that create challenges for wearing a bra. I  had drainage tubes placed under my arms and in my sides to drain fluid. Finding a  supportive garment that didn’t press on the tube site was very difficult. My swollen  breasts required support, but most bands were too tight and stiff to be comfortable for  any length of time. I couldn’t reach behind me to do up a regular bra and pull-on bras or  sport bras had too much compression to be comfortable on my incisions. There really  wasn’t anything on the market that would work for me. 

Have you tried the final product? 

Yes! Actually I wore it to the photo shoot because it’s so comfortable! Even though it’s  designed for recovery, it’s such a comfortable and effective bra that I think it’s perfect for  anyone who prefers a front-close bra that is super soft and comfortable.

Can you describe it to us, functionally speaking? 

Sure. First, the fabric is incredibly soft but also supportive (I don’t know how Knix did  that – it’s amazing). It’s knit in one piece so there are no seams to rub and cause  irritation. The bra closes in the front with hook and eyes so women with limited mobility  can put it on and take it off by themselves. It’s cut low under the arms so it doesn’t cut  into the armpit area. The band holds and doesn’t roll so it stays comfortable all day. I  was worried that, with it being so comfortable, that it would loosen over the course of  the day and lose it supportiveness but that didn’t happen. It was important to me that it  also be attractive and Jules and her team made sure it was cut to flatter a woman’s  figure. It also washes like a dream. 

How do you feel about its aim? 

This was a big undertaking. It’s a much-needed item but it was a lot to take on. Frankly, I didn’t think this bra would ever be developed because I didn’t think any company would be willing to do the development necessary. Knix is the only company I know who would put so much into the development of this bra. It’s easy to stick with what you know, but to design a new type of bra from scratch isn’t easy and I was thrilled that they  were willing to do it. 

Why is it an important tool for breast cancer recovery? 

One of the enemies of recovery is not getting enough rest. Most women need to wear a  bra every day but if you can’t find one that provides comfort you can’t get good rest  which slows your recovery time. I can’t stress how frustrating it was to every day be  faced with not being able to find a comfortable solution to how to support healing breasts. Post-surgery recovery is tough physically and emotionally. You’re already in so much discomfort and trying to cope with adjusting to significant changes in your body. Your bra shouldn’t add to those challenges. 

As we kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month, how can Canadians help/get involved?

Obviously funding research is a great help, but just be careful with “pink ribbon” items  that say they support research. Often only a fraction (sometimes only pennies) of these  items actually support research so do your research or find a way to donate directly to  your local breast cancer researchers. You can also find local programs that support  cancer patients. Wellspring is a local program that provided a lot of physical and  emotional support for me. There are multiple Wellspring locations so if there’s one in  your area I personally think they are a great option for your support. 

Advice around how Canadians can better manage their own risks/concerns around breast cancer? 

Unfortunately breast cancer is fairly common. I believe that knowledge is power and so  I’m an advocate for screening. Screening identified my cancer at an early stage and  likely saved my life. Early detection is key to survival, so don’t let your fears prevent you  from being screened. I also believe it’s also important to share your cancer diagnosis with your family. When I  was diagnosed I started asking about cancer history in my extended family and found out there was a fairly large number of cancers I didn’t know about. So, when my doctor  was asking about family cancer history I was giving him incomplete information. I  realize people may want privacy but that information could save someone else’s life and  I believe that takes priority. 

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