Perk By Kate launches a bra line for breast cancer patients and survivors

Sexy, feminine lingerie labels are a dime a dozen, but one that makes such lingerie for breast cancer survivors and patients? Now that’s something truly worthy.

According to Kate Low, founder of local brand Perk By Kate, she got the idea to design this special line after her label launched a campaign with Estee Lauder as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month last year, where sales proceeds were donated to breast cancer research. “A customer who had survived breast cancer commented that while the initiative was well meaning, it would be so much more impactful if we made comfortable and good-looking bras that can help in the recovery process, both physically and mentally,” shares Kate. 

The Recovery collection was conceptualised from Kate’s heartfelt conversations with customers who shared their stories. She realised there was a lack of lingerie options in the market for women in the process of breast cancer recovery -- bras that not only support the physical aspects of recuperation, but also uplift women emotionally with designs and fabrics that are appealing.

Imbued with the signature Perk by Kate aesthetic, the six-piece collection was created to support women through their recovery process following a mastectomy or breast reconstruction surgery, It features five different bras with elements that support any post-surgery recovery, as well as a pyjama set.

The discovery and sampling process took four months, but Kate was not alone. She had the guidance of breast reconstruction surgeon, Dr Chia Hui Ling from SW1 Plastic Surgery Clinic, as well as feedback from customers who are breast cancer survivors.

Key features of the bras include:

• Front-hook mechanism for ease of wear: As movement of arms will be restricted after surgery, a front-hook mechanism ensures that the bra is easy to put on and remove, making it more accessible for wound care at the same time.
• Soft, breathable fabrics for comfort: The bras are made with minimal seams and soft, moisture-wicking materials like cotton and microfibre for cooling effects. Soft bands and straps are also incorporated to ensure that they do not dig into the skin.
• Thicker straps and wider side panels for support: Full coverage cups, with wider side bands and light compression give more support and pressure (if needed) on the surgical site. The non-wired, wider side panels also provide good lower breast support, where it is needed most.
• Adjustability to aid recovery: As swelling may fluctuate over the course of recovery, the roomier cups and adjustable straps and closure help ease the discomfort and pains of post-surgery scars and lumps.

These components of the ideal post-surgery bra, as advised by Dr Chia, are spotlighted in the Essential Recovery Soft Bra, one of the key pieces in the collection. Made in a soft cotton jersey material, the Essential Recovery Soft Bra also comes with an inner pocket for prosthesis or extra padding.

“A good bra is crucial for post-mastectomy or reconstruction surgery recovery – not just physically, but also emotionally. It is our hope to make the recovery process for women going through breast cancer more comfortable. More than that, it is also our heartfelt desire to remind these courageous women that they deserve to feel beautiful both inside and out, and we hope that our lingerie can do that for them,” says Kate. 

By women, for women

To raise awareness for breast cancer and champion inclusivity, Perk by Kate worked with an all-female photography team, Nicole Ong and Sharon Leisinger, for its first #PERKSQUAD campaign featuring breast cancer survivors.

The campaign, titled “The Light In Their Hearts”, spotlighted six diverse, inspiring women, all customers of the brand, in a stirring ode to the quiet, enduring strength and certain beauty of femininity that has overcome all the hard times. The Light in Their Hearts collection was curated with existing Perk by Kate pieces, with 10% of the proceeds going towards breast cancer research and education.

Vivienne Wong, who participated in the shoot, says: “It feels wonderful to be seen and included. Even before, I felt that Perk by Kate was already my ally throughout my breast cancer journey, and this initiative only reinforces my view. Perk by Kate has a lot of personal meaning for me – the Harper bra from their regular collection was the first no-wire lingerie I tried after my surgery and putting it on really reminded me that I deserved to look and feel beautiful.”

Kate added: “The photoshoot was particularly meaningful because this was something they would have never done on their own. They did so because they wanted to stand up for breast cancer and help in the cause of raising awareness. They survived and now, they are activists in their own ways. They stand for strength, hope and recovery.”

The Perk by Kate Recovery Collection retails from $69.00. As part of their corporate social responsibility efforts, women who’ve been diagnosed with or are recovering from breast cancer will get a complimentary piece of lingerie from the collection.

As Perk by Kate’s manufacturing workshop was on a two-month lockdown, the launch of the Recovery collection will be delayed. To register interest in the collection, kindly email hello@perkbykate.com and the team will be in touch.