Monokini: The High Fashion Swimsuits Developed For Breast Cancer Survivors [Photos]

Women who have survived breast cancer are sometimes faced with the dilemma of wearing swimsuits that are designed for those who have not had to go through a mastectomy. Well, a group of Finnish designers are looking to change all of that with the introduction of the Monokini 2.0.

Specifically designed for breast cancer survivors, these swimsuits are made to encourage women to be proud of their scars- not ashamed of them- as they show that they have fought and won the battle.

“Monokini 2.0 is a social art project that re-examines popular culture’s narrow view of a woman’s ideal appearance,” says the swimsuit website.

“We strive to expand what is accepted and considered beautiful by designing a swimwear collection for women who have gone through breast cancer. Swimwear is conventionally designed for women who haven’t suffered a mastectomy. The fact is that many women who have had one breast removed due to breast cancer don’t wish to have breast reconstruction surgery, they wish to continue their lives with one or no breasts at all.”

Initially developed by survivor Elina Halttunen, these inspirational swimsuits are the result of Halttunen feeling uncomfortable in a traditional bikini and seeing the need for a better fitting option.

“The idea of Monokini 2.0 was born out of a need for clothing down as much as possible during a persistent heat wave,” she said.

“Having only one breast made finding fitting bikinis difficult, therefore I fashioned my own Monokini. Having done that, I thought that maybe there would be others out there like me, women who wanted swimwear that would not make them feel that they were missing a breast. Besides, being one-breasted creates great possibilities for cool swimwear design.”

The project will be open to crowd funding beginning tomorrow and will give supporters the opportunity to contribute to the development of this new clothing option for breast cancer survivors that features contributions from multiple designers.

“The one thing I don’t like about fashion is the distorted body image it gives to women. Fashion is supposed to represent who you are in a positive and comfortable way. These women are so beautiful, so brave and so strong. I wanted to make an outfit that would represent that in the photo,” says designer Outi Pyy.

What do you think of these swimsuits developed for those women that have fought and won the battle against breast cancer? Would you wear one of these high fashion Monokini 2.0’s?

(H/T Bored Panda)