In Hoboken: Breast Cancer Survivor Showcases New Line Of 'Mastectomy Bras'

For breast cancer survivors, the most routine struggles can be the most frustrating.

That’s why Hudson County resident and cancer survivor Kitt Allan took matters into her own hands and developed a line of clothing specifically tailored to keep the needs of other survivors in mind.

Allan – who was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer while four months pregnant – is taking her new line of “mastectomy bras” to the streets of Hoboken with a series of Pop Up Shop appearances, the final of which is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 31, from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Barre West Studio at 720 Monroe Street.

According to Allan, the mastectomy bras have specially designed pockets to accommodate symmetry shapers or prosthetics, one of the most difficult clothing-related problems that breast cancer survivors face.

In addition, 10 percent of every sale is donated to Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) and the Young Survival Coalition (YSC), Allan stated.

“First and foremost, I really try to ensure that the garments work for breast cancer survivors who have made all kinds of choices for their recovery,” Allan said. “Whether they have had a lumpectomy, mastectomy, have had partial or full reconstruction, wear a prosthetic, or are a supporter of the cause, our apparel is inclusive for all women.”

Allen said that her own treatment was limited to chemotherapy and a unilateral mastectomy to save both her life and the life of her unborn son, and reconstruction was not an option at the time.

Two years later, when she was given the okay to have reconstruction, Allan found that she was comfortable with her new body, but the lingerie and swim options for women wearing a prosthetic were “unflattering and ill-fitting.”

“I was inspired to start this business and create garments for breast cancer survivors because I searched for years and really couldn’t find anything that made me feel like myself,” Allan said.

More information about the Kitt Allan clothing line can be seen here.

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