[caption id="attachment_2664" align="aligncenter" width="214" caption="One-piece swimsuit, $63; and matching sarong, $43.50; both Nicola Jane."] [/caption] It goes without saying - summer is the hardest shopping season for women - especially in the swimwear department. That fitting room, the fluorescent lights and those itsy bitsy bikinis can become a personal nightmare. And if you’ve recently undergone a mastectomy, you’re facing a whole new set of fit issues when dressing your body. And the last thing you need is a horrible experience finding a swimsuit. Keep these tips in mind when shopping:

• Opt for suits that have good coverage, featuring higher necklines and armholes to cover surgery scars.
• Look for suits that fit close to the chest wall. This way, when you move or bend over, the swimsuit won’t sag, revealing hollowness or scars.
• If you don’t like the look and cut of mastectomy swimsuits, try finding a non-mastectomy one that has removal pads. You can insert your own breast forms, or sew a pair in.
• If you plan to be active in your swimsuit, consider wearing a rash guard over your bikini top. Not only do these surfer tops offer secure coverage, they also come in a variety of cute colours and styles for women.
• Try to find an ADP (Assistive Devices Program) registered vendor. These retailers offer a wide range of products and incredibly knowledgeable staff.

Here is a list of retailers that specialize in mastectomy swimsuits: Online: Jodee, SwimOutlet, SwimsuitsForAll, Lands’ End, Nicola Jane, Veronica Brett, Swinwear Hut and Marks & Spencer . West Coast: Just Swimwear, Sharon's Mastectomy Shoppe, Simply Best Swim & Activewear and  Swimwear Etc.. Ontario: Brand New You Mastectomy Boutique, Fran's Mastectomy Boutique,  Greta’s Flair, Good Night Good Morning and  My Top Drawer. Quebec: J.A. Bouré Vêtements, La Châtelaine, Lingerie Claire Bélanger, Madame Martin Corsetière Inc., Studio Equilibra Inc. East Coast: Designed For Living Mastectomy Boutique, Elias Elegant Silhouette Inc., Felicity Mastectomy Boutique and  Health Quest. You can also search Cancer Care Society for a retailer near you.