It is only normal to be concerned about what you can wear after you have had stoma surgery. You may opt for looser clothing for the first couple of weeks as you start to get used to wearing your pouch, but the good news is that after some time, you should be able to wear your normal clothes again.
This article explores clothing tips to help you comfortably embrace fashion and, if you are seeking discretion, provides tips on how you can use your clothes to help conceal your ostomy pouch.
Casual clothing and layers
Opting for a relaxed fit when choosing your clothes can often help to conceal your ostomy pouch. Looser garments tend to provide the additional space that can help your clothes to hang naturally over the pouch and reduce the visibility of an outline.
Remember, it is possible to reconcile a relaxed fit with needing to dress for corporate environments. Layering your attire with a jacket can offer an additional level of discretion if you want to conceal your pouch when at work.
It is important not to feel your fashion adventures are stifled because of your stoma. If desired, tight-fitting clothes and denim may still be worn. If this is the case, you may wish to use a support belt for additional support.
Choosing your colors
You can wear whatever colors you would like when living with an ostomy pouch. You should not need to worry about your pouch being visible. In fact, SenSura® Mio is specifically designed to be invisible under clothes, even under white. If you have a black pouching system, however, you may want to consider whether this can be seen through your shirt material.
Some people living with an ostomy may find that they prefer to wear darker colors as this helps to hide the presence of a pouch. If you are nervous about potential leakage, a dark-colored top may also be a suitable option.
When choosing colors, you may also want to think about including patterns in your everyday style. Patterned shirts, for example, could help with concealing your pouching system and draw attention away from your abdomen.
What’s out there?
There are companies that design specific clothing for people who have an ostomy. It is worth reaching out to your nurse or Coloplast® Care if you want recommendations about companies that may tailor to your needs. Options may include specialized swimwear, underwear, or pants that are designed to go over an ostomy pouch
Hearing from other people who have encountered the same issues can sometimes big help. Someone else may already have a solution to your problem! Don’t forget to tap into that pool of knowledge: reach out to local ostomy associations in your area!
What clothes can help to mask an ostomy pouch?
Check out the following tips to see how you can use your clothing to help conceal your pouching system.
Clothing tips for men
Sometimes, men find wearing higher-waisted pants or pleats can help to give more room around the pouching system. With high-waisted pants (or underwear), some men can keep their pouch below the belt line without the need for additional accessories.
Depending on the location of your stoma, you may sometimes find that wearing a belt is problematic. Some men find that braces offer a good alternative.
Clothing tips for women
Dresses can be a great choice when living with an ostomy. Dresses allow you to avoid having a waist band, which can add pressure to your stoma. For fitted dresses and clothing, some people like to wear supportive underwear underneath, some of which are specifically designed for people who have an ostomy.
Wearing a thin vest or top underneath other clothing can help to keep your pouching system flush against your body. This can help conceal the outline of your pouch and help your clothes fall naturally.
It is entirely up to you whether you prefer to wear your pouching system on the inside or the outside of your underwear. It all depends on what feels best for you. If you prefer to keep it in, higher elastic underwear is likely to be more practical to ensure it is fully tucked away. If you prefer your pouch to be on the outside, you should be free to wear all styles of underwear.
Living your best life with an ostomy
Although it can be difficult, don’t worry too much about whether your pouch is obvious or not. Try to remember: most people aren’t looking for your ostomy pouch!
And don’t forget, our Coloplast® Care Advisors are available for you if you have more questions about clothing options when living with an ostomy.
