“It is amazing what a boost one can get from dressing to feel and look good, especially those of us with ostomies. [When] my clothes fit, I feel beautiful. When I feel beautiful, I am happy and share it with the world.”
—Lynn Wolfson, writing for United Ostomy Associations of America
Those are the words of Lynn Wolfson, an ostomy support group leader in Florida. She doesn’t let her ostomy slow her down. She dresses to feel good!
We’re taking a few tips from Wolfson, as well as some other stylish ostomates, to make a quick clothing “cheat sheet” for people with stomas.
Here’s what to know to dress well with an ostomy.
Keep Your Outfit Free From Odors
A fresh scent is part of how to dress for success.
An ostomy bag has to handle some stinky stuff. Fortunately, you can keep those odors at bay with effective hygiene, sanitation, and an ostomy bag deodorant.
In-bag products like the m9 Odor Eliminator Drops neutralize odors at the source, before they can seep out. Odor eliminators kill odor-causing bacteria, and they convert naturally bad-smelling bodily gases, like hydrogen sulfide, into odorless forms.
Pair it with a room spray, and make your presence feel fresh!
Learn How To Wear Pants With An Ostomy Bag
Choosing pants and trouser styles that adapt readily to an ostomy bag is a smart step. For even more security, try an accessory like a protective cushion or support belt.
Sizing
When choosing pants, it can be helpful to go up one size higher than the size you wore previously. This gives you some extra space, so you’re not uncomfortable as the ostomy bag fills.
Elastic Waist Trousers & Stretchy Materials
Look for pants with an elastic waist, which can easily stretch to adapt to your bag without pulling uncomfortably. You may even find entire pants and suits made of comfortable, elastic fabric. Any pants or jacket made with “stretch suiting” material (stretch polyester, stretch wool, and nylon-blend “ultrastretch” fabrics) could work.
For men, Uniqlo Ultra Stretch pants are popular and reliable, though they cannot be machine dried.
Tie-Waist, High Waisted Pants
Some people with ostomies prefer high-waisted pants with a looser, flowing design that ties at the waist. This way, they can tie the pants securely over the top of the stoma bag, and let the loose fabric drape around it.
Cushioning & Ostomy Support Belts
Support and cushion belts are great for making pants work with your stoma bag.
Accessories like the Brava Ostomy Support Belt help secure your ostomy bag around an outward bodily curve, holding it snug. The belt stretches with you as you move, and it can be easily adjusted with Velcro® loops.
The Corsinel Ostomy Support Belt offers additional cushioning with its Max Support Panel. Its shape adapts to the human body without sacrificing support, and its cushioning panel is designed to “compress the area around the stoma or hernia, reducing bulges and offering support to the [stoma].”
This compression helps keep the stoma from protruding, instead letting it rest comfortably in its place more easily.
Support belts like these can redistribute pressure while helping your ostomy bag stay secure. In the case of the Corsinel belt, wearers also find it easier to create a smooth profile under their clothes, hiding the bag’s bulge.
Select The Best Shirts & Accessories For Ostomy Users
For many people with ostomies, the best shirts are those that hand loosely over the ostomy pouch. Consider smooth fabrics that are less likely to catch or snag the bag.
If you’re wearing a shirt in a way that leaves the ostomy pouch visible, consider a cover that coordinates with the rest of your outfit.
The Ostique Ostomy Pouch Covers come in red, brown, gray, and black, matching professional attire. The Ostique covers are also waterproof, making them ideal for working out, swimming, and ostomy lingerie.
Make Your Ostomy Outfit Comfortable & Stylish
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Edited for content by JORDAN GAYSO.
