Comfort, beauty and a good night's sleep

A Melbourne entrepreneur has launched a range of nightgowns for women recovering from breast surgery
SECRETLY HIDDEN founder Lynne Gaffney said she launched the label after undergoing a mastectomy and discovering a dearth of appropriate sleepwear.
"Considering around 11,300 Australian women are diagnosed with new cases of breast cancer every year, I couldn't believe no one was designing really beautiful apparel suitable for women who have undergone breast surgery," she said.
When women had a breast or part of a breast removed they needed to wear a specially designed bra to keep their new breast form in place, she explained.
"But who wants to wear a bra to bed? I searched high and low, in all the shops and on the internet, for a nightie I could wear without a bra underneath, and there was simply nothing around," she added.
"The key thing about the [SECRETLY HIDDEN] nightgowns is that are easy to get on and off as women initially have restricted movement of the associated arm after breast surgery. They also provide breast support via concealed pockets within the bust," she explained.
The inaugural collection, launched last month, comprises four styles of 100 per cent cotton nightgowns in sizes eight to 18 and cup sizes from A to DD. Prices range from $85.00 for a short nightgown to $89.00 for a calf-length nightgown.
SECRETLY HIDDEN SLEEPWEAR is manufactured in Australia and is available through selected specialist boutiques nationally, via mail order or online at secretlyhidden.com.au.
"The nightgowns make a perfect gift for anyone recovering from breast surgery. It's very important to have something positive, comfortable and beautiful to wear after going through something so tough," Gaffney explained.
Gaffney will expand the range to offer pyjamas and negligees early next year, and aims to launch swimwear and lingerie lines within the next 12 months.