Shirl Post-Surgical Bra
Shirl Post-Surgical Bra
Experience a double zipper bra for comfortable compression right after surgery and as swelling and pain decrease.
Designed with love in the USA, our adjustable Shirl Post-Surgical Bra with a patented double zipper embraces comfort with a fit focused on compression and ease after heart and breast surgery as well as for those after weight-related procedures including bariatric surgery and breast reduction. Offered in a variety of sizes (be sure to find your heart&core size using our chart), these front closure bras with two zippers adjust to each body's individual shape with wide, adjustable straps for support and buttery soft, quick-drying fabric. FSA and HSA approved through sig-is.org
*30 day-exchanges and returns on unworn products
Not sure on sizing? Try it on before surgery — if it's not right, we'll help you exchange it within 30 days.
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Shirl Bra: FAQs
Heart Surgery Recovery
Why is a front-zip bra recommended after open-heart surgery?
Why is a front-zip bra recommended after open-heart surgery?
A front zipper means you never have to reach behind your back or lift your arms overhead to get dressed, both of which are restricted after a sternotomy. Shirl's double zipper lets you open and close it from the front, seated or standing.
Can I zip it up without lifting my arms?
Can I zip it up without lifting my arms?
Yes, the double-zipper design is built for exactly this. You pull the zippers together at chest height rather than reaching up or around.
Will the zipper irritate my incision?
Will the zipper irritate my incision?
The zipper sits along the front closure rather than directly over the sternum, and the compression band is flat and wide to avoid rubbing. Everyone's incision and swelling pattern is different, though, so check with your surgical team if you have specific concerns about coverage.
Can I adjust the bra as swelling decreases?
Can I adjust the bra as swelling decreases?
Yes, Shirl's double zipper and adjustable straps let you loosen or tighten the fit as swelling goes down over the following weeks, so you don't need to size up and down as recovery progresses.
Can I wear it during cardiac rehab?
Can I wear it during cardiac rehab?
Shirl's front closure and adjustable straps are designed to move with you, making it easier to wear through rehab sessions where range of motion is still limited.
Breast Surgery Recovery
Is a front zipper easier than hooks after breast surgery?
Is a front zipper easier than hooks after breast surgery?
For most people recovering from breast surgery, yes. A zipper is faster and doesn't require the fine motor control or reach that hook-and-eye closures do, especially in the first days when mobility is limited.
Can I put the bra on by myself?
Can I put the bra on by myself?
Yes, it's designed to be manageable independently, without needing help reaching a back clasp.
Can I sleep in Shirl?
Can I sleep in Shirl?
Yes, Shirl is designed for extended wear, including overnight, with a non-rolling band and soft fabric for comfort.
How many should I buy?
How many should I buy?
Most people get 2–3 to rotate through the first few weeks of recovery, especially if compression is recommended for daily wear.
Should I size up before surgery to account for swelling?
Should I size up before surgery to account for swelling?
If you expect noticeable post-op swelling, sizing up — or ordering a size you can adjust down as swelling subsides — is a good approach. Shirl's adjustable band and double zipper give you room to fine-tune fit either way.
Will Shirl work with surgical drains?
Will Shirl work with surgical drains?
Shirl isn't designed for drain management. It doesn't have the tab system needed to secure drainage bulbs. If your recovery involves drains, Larissa is built specifically for that, with a Prody holder that keeps bulbs secure. Once drains are removed, Shirl's adjustable double-zipper works well for the next phase of recovery.
Weight Loss Surgery Recovery & Long-Term Wear
How is Shirl different from Larissa or Serena?
How is Shirl different from Larissa or Serena?
Larissa and Serena are built around the mastectomy/breast surgery recovery timeline. Shirl's double-zipper adjustability is designed for wear that spans weeks or months — like ongoing size changes from weight loss, bariatric surgery, or breast reduction — not just the first few post-op weeks.
Will Shirl still fit as my size changes over time?
Will Shirl still fit as my size changes over time?
The double zipper and adjustable straps give you a wider adjustment range than a fixed-hook bra, so Shirl can flex with gradual size changes rather than needing to be replaced right away.
Is Shirl FSA/HSA eligible?
Is Shirl FSA/HSA eligible?
Yes, Shirl is FSA/HSA-eligible through SIGIS certification.
Find Your Perfect Size
The Larissa Post-Surgical Bra, Serena Bra and Shirl Bra feature adjustable bands to help customize your fit. However, if you are larger chested, we recommend that you order a size larger for comfort. If you border between two sizes, we recommend that you order the larger size.
Always be sure to try on your bra before surgery with the tags still on in case you need to exchange it.
Bra Size Calculator
It's easy to find your heart&core size. Simply hook your current bra where you normally wear it, lay it flat and measure the band from left to right. Then match it to the measurements below. (If you’re in-between sizes, order the next larger size.)
- Order X-Small (Band 28”) if your current bra measures 11″ when hooked and laid flat
- Order Small (Band 30”–32”) if your current bra measures 12″ when hooked and laid flat
- Order Medium (Band 32”–34”) if your current bra measures 13.5″ when hooked and laid flat
- Order Large (Band 36”–38”) if your current bra measures 14.5″ when hooked and laid flat
- Order X-Large (Band 40”–42”) if your current bra measures 15.5″ when hooked and laid flat
- Order XX-Large (Band 44”–48”) if your current bra measures 16.5″ when hooked and laid flat
- Order Queen (Band 50”–54”) if your current bra measures 17.5″ when hooked and laid flat
- Order Super Queen (Band 56”–60”) if your current bra measures 19″ when hooked and laid flat
