Fashionable postmastectomy bathing suits

During and after a serious illness, it can be challenging to lose one’s sense of freedom and independence. We are unable to continue many of our favorite activities without modifications.

For instance, women recovering from a mastectomy can find it difficult to find an appropriate bathing suit. So, swimming is often one of the first things they give up.

The women at Heide’s, a shop specializing in post-mastectomy care, are looking to change that. In the spring of 2020, Heide’s owner Kathy Heide-Wrazidlo, along with her daughter, Nicole Wrazidlo, who is a fitter at the store, will launch their own swimwear line, Maggie Mae Swimwear. While their swimwear is suitable for anyone, it is designed specifically for women

By Andrea Busche

who have had a mastectomy.

History

Heide’s, located at 701 ½ North 6th Avenue East in Duluth, opened in 1988. It is a unique shop, where women are fitted for post-mastectomy bras, prostheses, and swimwear.

Over the years, Heide’s has expanded their offerings. Today, they also sell compression garments and pneumatic compression pumps; these devices are used by men and women who experience swelling from lymphedema, venous disorders, and chronic swelling. Heide’s opened a second store in Edina, Minn., in 1990.

Swimwear

While Heide’s has always sold swimwear, this new venture will be different. Maggie Mae Swimwear will be a separate entity; while the swimwear will be sold at Heide’s, it will also be sold in a variety of mastectomy stores, and regular swimwear stores, around the country and eventually, around the world. Nicole Wrazidlo explained what makes Maggie Mae’s offerings unique.

“Maggie Mae Swimwear offers pocketed swimwear in a variety of flattering cuts and prints from sizes 8-32. Our suits are specially made to hold a prosthesis on one or both sides; however, anyone can wear our swimsuits. Our mission is to make quality pocketed swimwear that any woman can feel confident in, regardless of body type, swimwear size, or surgical history. Our goal is to put confidence and joy into the hearts of as many women as we can.”

Features

Maggie Mae will offer six swimsuit “cuts.” Some have higher-cut necklines and arm holes; helpful for women with scars they’d like to cover. Some of the suits include skirts, boy shorts, or sarong bottoms, to offer more coverage. Both one-piece and two-piece swimsuits are included in the collection.

“We have built a line of swimwear that features or camouflages many different areas of concern,” Wrazidlo said. “There is truly a suit cut and size for everyone.”

When it comes to the prosthetics used inside a swimsuit, some materials are better than others.

“Foam forms aren’t ideal as they soak up water and dry slowly,” Wrazidlo said. “Silicone and beaded swim forms work best for swimming, and are chlorine-safe.”

Rewarding endeavor

The employees at Heide’s have a very important job: to make women feel like themselves again.

“It feels great to be able to offer products that help women transition to a new life after cancer,” Wrazidlo said.

“One of my most memorable moments was in a fitting room with a customer who had undergone a bilateral mastectomy.

She had a tough time looking in the mirror during her first fitting. After choosing the prosthesis size and a comfortable bra, she looked in the mirror and welled up. She then leaned over and hugged me as she cried happy tears. She said ‘I finally look like myself again. Thank you.’

“By launching this swimwear line, we believe we can help bring thousands of women the confidence that everyone deserves to feel.”