Suit Designed for Post-Mastectomy Swim
Question: I have had a radical mastectomy and cannot find a skirted bathing suit with a high front-and-back neckline. The only suits I can find are cut too low--so low that my scars show. I would also prefer a suit that would allow me to wear my bra. Can you help?--B.J.
Answer: The wear-your-own-bra-style suit illustrated here is especially designed for women who have had mastectomies. It is by Ruth Handler for Nearly Me. This skirted style is available in Sizes 10-20 for $76 plus postage. The nylon-and-Lycra fabric is available in navy, jade or red with white. To order, write: Nearly Me, 2245 Pontius Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. 90064.
Q: For years, my aunt has been looking for a slip with a T-shirt top--meaning a round neckline with short sleeves. She gets cold in the winter and says these slips help her stay warmer. Alas, I cannot find them anywhere. Can you?--N.S.
A: Knee-length T-shirts called Tee-PJs are available in 100% cotton knit from Wittmann Textiles, Drawer A, Hobe Sound, Fla. 33455. While the people who make them think of these garments as sleepwear, they could, indeed, function as a slip. The short-sleeve version sells for about $15 and is available in Large, Extra Large and Extra, Extra Large. Colors include white or pastel blue. The long-sleeve version is about $20, same sizes.
Q: I have several miniskirts left over from the ‘60s. They are not the thigh-high variety, but regular sheath styles that end about two inches above the top of the knees. I notice that such lengths are being worn now, but I’m wondering if there is some trick to making these skirts look right for today. My skirts are all wool double knits by Jaeger. Any ideas?--H.K.
A: Your skirts sound just right as they are. The thing that makes anything look fashionable for today is the way the outfit is put together. Wear your short skirts with long sweaters instead of the short, poor-boy styles of the ‘60s and you will look believably 1986. Long jackets also are a part of this long-over-short movement.
