No padding. No apologies.

By Elizabeth Babcock, Founder, Fabulessly Flat

My name is Elizabeth, and on Jan. 9, 2019, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer. Twenty days later, I underwent a bilateral mastectomy without reconstruction, a choice that reflected both medical necessity and my own sense of empowerment. Choosing to remain flat became a defining part of my healing, identity and advocacy.

In the years since my surgery, I’ve engaged with numerous swimwear companies to encourage designs that honor women who choose to remain flat. While many brands offer swimsuits designed for prosthetics, there is still a significant gap in the market for women who do not want or need a padded bra area. That gap is what ultimately inspired my next chapter.

In December 2024, with the encouragement of my best friend, I made the decision to launch a swimwear company dedicated to this underserved community. My initial reaction was, “I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor, not a swimsuit designer.” And yet, here I am, building something that matters.

What I’ve learned along the way has been both validating and motivating. Out of the 100,000 women who undergo mastectomy each year in the United States, nearly half do not pursue reconstruction. This reflects both medical realities and a cultural shift toward recognizing “going flat” as a valid, empowered choice. To honor that choice, I launched an apparel line while swimwear development continues. The apparel is not just a placeholder, it’s a celebration of strength, authenticity and unapologetic beauty.

The brand, Fabulessly Flat, is built around a simple message: No padding. No apologies.

We create clothing that fits your body and your story—soft, secure and beautifully designed for women who have had mastectomies. From the beach to everyday wear, our mission is to redefine fashion with comfort, confidence and unapologetic authenticity. We celebrate every woman’s journey post-mastectomy with sleek, supportive styles that embrace her strength.

To bring this vision to life, I am collaborating with Kaleb Duncan, a recent graduate of Louisiana State University who earned his degree in Textile Apparel Merchandising. His expertise in garment construction and industry trends has been invaluable as we move toward producing swimwear that truly meets the needs of flat women.

I am also working with the Central Louisiana Business Acceleration System, which is helping me learn how to turn this dream into a sustainable reality. Their guidance has been essential as I navigate product development, business planning and the entrepreneurial side of launching a fashion brand.

As we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, my hope is that Fabulessly Flat will help amplify a message that too often goes unheard: women who go flat are confident, beautiful and deserving of fashion that honors their bodies, not in spite of their journey, but because of it.