How Kim Kardashian’s new SKIMS nipple bra empowers breast cancer survivors

Faking the nip can be just as good as freeing it.

Kim Kardashian’s latest SKIMS launch, a padded push-up bra with faux nipples, has caused waves online since its campy advertisement hit social media last week, with some customers applauding the perky design, while others clutched their pearls.

Some pearl clutchers have deemed the “Ultimate Bra” totally inappropriate while others have praised the perky design, which offers an effortlessly braless look without sacrificing ample support.

But the piece of lingerie — which is nearly sold out a mere day since its debut — is more than just for sex appeal or shock factor.

For some breast cancer survivors, the nipple bra offers them a chance to, at least temporarily, have nipples — “the thing that they miss the most in their femininity,” according to people on Instagram.

The SKIMS founder’s social media advert made heads turn after it debuted last week.
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Initially billed for its sexy shock factor, breast cancer fighters and survivors are rallying around the collection as a way to reconnect with their physical femininity.
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“I have stage 4 breast cancer, mastectomy last May. Reconstruction in January,” Philecia La’Bounty commented on an Instagram post from SKIMS announcing the launch. “I can’t wait to buy one and have nipples again. Thank you.”

Under another SKIMS post, the 36-year-old, who is battling stage 4 breast cancer for the second time, wrote that “having an affordable, painless, easy” way to have nipples is “amazing.”

“The PTSD from having your body mutilated from cancer is traumatic and not a choice for many people,” she told USA Today.

“When you remove your nipples, you’re not just taking away the aesthetics. You’re taking your intimacy; your ability to feed your child; your ability to feel sensations.”

“When you remove your nipples, you’re not just taking away the aesthetics. You’re taking your intimacy; your ability to feed your child; your ability to feel sensations,” said La’Bounty.
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Pearl clutchers couldn’t help but voice their distaste for the nipple-bearing bra online.
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After having a mastectomy, the removal of one or both breasts, or a lumpectomy, which only removes the tumor but not all the breast tissue, can result in nipple loss.

While nipple reconstruction is an option — as are silicone prosthetics or tattoos — it can be costly and doesn’t guarantee they’ll look realistic, according to USA Today.

La’Bounty, who had a double mastectomy in May that left her without breasts and nipples, explained that she opted out of nipple reconstruction, and described wearing the adhesive nipples as “forcing myself to be someone that I’m not anymore.”

So, when she saw the new SKIMS bra with the illusion of nipples, she was thrilled.

“I’m excited to see how that will make me feel and maybe I’ll put on a little outfit for my partner. I just want that ‘wow’ moment back,” said La’Bounty.
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“I’m really excited to try this bra on and look the way that I did before cancer forced me to take my breasts away,” she told the outlet.

“I’m excited to see how that will make me feel and maybe I’ll put on a little outfit for my partner. I just want that ‘wow’ moment back.”

The Post has reached out to SKIMS for comment.