Her Custom Bra
2020
Cotton, Elastics, Wire, Polyester
14” x 15” x 6”
Something that really shaped me and my relationship with my mother is when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. A few years ago, After her mastectomy surgery, I didn’t fully support her because I wasn’t able to fully understand the disease at a young age. I noticed that many of her clothes didn’t fit so I decided to bring back her confidence through a custom bra.
I started my research by visiting local bra stores but there wasn’t any mastectomy bras nearby. Then I scrolled through thousands of mastectomy bras online and was shocked there were no specific products dedicated to supporting asymmetrical breasts like my mom’s. The undeveloped market motivated me to invent custom bras that would change the lives of my mother and millions of other survivors.
To further investigate, I reached out to another breast cancer survivor who was frustrated that hospitals failed to provide patients with bra selection guidance in the post-surgery stage. I also contacted my mother’s breast cancer surgeons and learned that cotton is the ideal material and an underwire is not recommended to prevent breast swelling.
With their advice in mind, I dove into pattern drafting, measuring, and selecting materials during last summer. I consulted a bra designer to learn each step of bra construction and the reasons behind. After 3 patterns and 4 prototypes, I created a final model that can even out the breasts with comfort and ventilation. Later, I designed another bra that can be individually customized for each patient without the need for prosthesis.
Inspired by the philosophy of Wabisabi and kinsugi bowls I designed and embroidered a pink scar to advocate that beauty is based on experience rather than appearance.
