Breast cancer survivor extends a sporty offering to women
Set to launch her own sports bra line through David Jones stores in October, the breast cancer survivor said she developed the brand after struggling to come to terms with the disease.
"I had a look online and in-stores for sports bras designed for women who have had a mastectomy but there just wasn't anything suitable for me in Australia. So I decided to develop my own type of sports bra instead."
Manufactured from sports lycra, the bra features an integrated system which draws perspiration away from the body and includes padding around the shoulder straps for added comfort. The product also allows women to insert prosthetic breasts through discreet pockets under the arm and a reinforced elastic that does not roll around the bust line.
"It is impractical and most uncomfortable to simply place [the breasts] in an ordinary crop-top or any style of bra as it makes you perspire and it moves around because there are no pockets to hold it in place.
"I used to wear a crop-top bra before surgery and found it very comfortable and supportive to wear. I just had to figure out how to keep the prosthesis in place with a particular lining and keep it secure."
Developed over a six-month period of "trial and error", Mason said creating the bra was an exercise in patience.
"At first, it was getting the right shape to suit all sizes. Then it was sourcing the correct material, then it was about finding an elastic that would not roll or was too tight and restrictive."
Produced in Australia, the Anna Mason Sports Bra retails at $90 and will compete alongside mastectomy lingerie brand Anita and nightgown label Secretly Hidden. It will be offered in a palette of white, charcoal and latte and in sizes small, medium and large.