# Design and Evaluation of Masteromy Bras Using 3D Virtual Prototyping
## 4 General Evaluation  
This study focuses on the design process of innovative and functional mastectomy bras developed to address the physical, aesthetic, and psychological needs of women after mastectomy. Mastectomy bras play a critical role not only in providing physical support but also in improving women's body image and enhancing their social confidence. The designs developed within the scope of this study were evaluated using ergonomic analyses and digital simulations, with key criteria such as prosthesis stability, fabric selection, aesthetic appearance, and comfort taken into account. The virtual prototypes created using CLO 3D software in this study allowed for the analysis of garment body fit and the implementation of necessary design revisions in a digital environment, eliminating the production of physical samples. The fit map analyses provided an opportunity to evaluate the prosthesis stability, ergonomic fit, and aesthetic appearance of the designs in detail. The results of this study demonstrated that wide strap and wing designs enhanced prosthesis stability, while different fabric types influenced user comfort and support. The optimizations in underband and cup designs made contributions to prosthesis stability and the preservation of breast form. Reviews in the literature reveal that current mastectomy bra designs lack aesthetic diversity and are predominantly approached from a medical perspective [45]. This approach creates significant limitations in meeting users' aesthetic expectations and reduces the psychological support potential of these products. Studies in the literature highlight the need for mastectomy bras to offer a wider variety of shapes, colors, and patterns to better align with user preferences [30; 39; 45]. This suggests that current designs are insufficient in terms of aesthetic variety, and elements such as vibrant colors and modern designs,commonly preferred in lingerie, remain underutilized in mastectomy bras. Leading lingerie brands need to adopt an innovative and holistic approach that not only focuses on comfort but also considers psychological contributions. It is crucial for mastectomy bras to move beyond the perception of being purely medical products, to be designed with a commercial perspective, and to be integrated into diverse lingerie collections. In this context, the importance of creating a broader design range that emphasizes women's identity and self-confidence is highlighted. The designs developed in this study incorporate aesthetic elements such as vibrant colors, modern lines, and lace details, demonstrating that such eye-catching or elegant features can also be effectively used in mastectomy bras. With this innovative approach, mastectomy bras are thought to have become products that are not only functional but also offer aesthetic and psychological support. The emphasis on sustainability in mastectomy bra designs creates a positive impact in the globalized market; however, the fact that this approach remains at the discretion of certain brands is regarded as a concerning issue. The rapid adoption and widespread implementation of planet-friendly production processes are crucial for environmental sustainability. Although fibers such as bamboo, modal, linen, Tencel, and organic cotton, which are environmentally friendly and skin-friendly, hypoallergenic, breathable, and capable of managing moisture, are commonly used in loungewear and lingerie [46], their application in mastectomy bras remains limited [30]. In this study, the use of Tencel-polyester-elastane fabric as a sustainable alternative was investigated and compared with the commonly used nylon-elastane blended fabric in the market. Pressure map analysis revealed that the Tencel-elastane blend generated less pressure compared to the nylon-elastane blend and demonstrated superior performance in terms of ergonomic body fit.