This week is London Fashion Week, a time for celebrating and showcasing all the latest fashions from the top brands in the industry. So, we thought now would be a great time to discuss fashion for people with stomas and how you can still wear the clothes you love.
Having a stoma certainly doesn’t mean that you have to change your own personal style. While you may feel like wearing big baggy clothes for a while after your surgery, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t go back to wearing the clothes that make you feel great once you’re recovered from surgery. In fact, wearing all the clothes you used to can really help you feel like your old self again.
Looking good begins with self-confidence
Before we get into our top fashion tips for ostomates, it’s really important to mention self-confidence and how it can have a huge impact not only on how you feel but also how you look.
The way other people see us is based on how we look and feel. So, once you can begin to feel good about your stoma in private, you can show this confidence in public.
You can find out more about mental health and coping with a stoma here.
Our top fashion tips for ostomates
Below are some of our tips for feeling confident in the clothes you wear, as well as some ideas for types of clothing that can help you feel more comfortable and keep your stoma secure and discreet.
Don’t get rid of your old clothes
Firstly, don’t throw any of your old clothes away just because you don’t think you’ll ever be able to wear them again. You may be surprised what you can still wear despite having a stoma. Plus, as we mentioned above, wearing the same clothes you used to can help you feel like your normal self again. So, don’t give any of your old clothes away unless you’re 100% sure you won’t wear them again.
Consider wearing loose fit clothes
In the first few months after stoma surgery, it’s normal to feel a little self-conscious and insecure. If you find yourself in this stage, you could try wearing some slightly looser clothes that distract from the abdomen. Floaty dresses, skirts and loose fit t-shirts are all great options for women. For men, you may opt for loose trousers, tracksuit bottoms, jumpers or loose t-shirts. The key is to find the clothing items that make you feel confident and comfortable.
Wear darker colours
Some people find that wearing dark clothes makes them feel safer and less self-conscious whilst they are still getting to grips with their stoma, just in case of any leakages. Colours like black, dark blues, reds and purples are all great options, you can always add some colour to your outfits through your accessories if you want to brighten up your look!
For men, wearing darker trousers is often preferred as well as darker shirts and t-shirts. However, as you begin to feel more confident with your stoma, you’ll find that you’re more comfortable wearing lighter clothing again.
Opt for high-waisted clothing
High waisted jeans, trousers and skirts all work well for people with stomas since they can help keep stoma bags secure and discreet. Plus, high-waisted clothing is in fashion at the moment so you’ll be able to find lots of different styles and colours to suit your personal tastes.
Many men find it really helpful to wear fairly high-waisted boxers to disguise their stoma bag. Additionally, wearing a fitted vest under your shirt can help disguise any lumps from your stoma bag.
Make sure your clothes are easy to fasten
While this is a given for men since all trousers fasten from the front, many women’s clothes do fasten from the back. Front fastening trousers or skirts generally make it easier to care for your stoma and change your bag in public, so it’s a good idea to avoid anything that’s difficult to fasten from the back.
Wear the clothes you feel most comfortable in
Remember, it’s all about confidence! If you want to wear a tight dress, then do it. If you feel more confident in loose fitted clothing, then stick to that! You shouldn’t let anyone try to tell you what you can or can’t wear, after all, our fashion reflects our identity and you shouldn’t change that for anything.
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Related products
Mini bags
We offer a range of mini bags, both closed and drainable that sit closely to your body and are soft and comfortable to wear.
Order your free samples here.
Primo®
Designed with patients and Healthcare Professionals, our Primo® mini closed bag give you the perfect fit with outstanding adhesion and assured security.
Order your free samples here.
Easylease® Spray
Easylease® spray is no-sting and perfect to help remove your bag easily and painlessly, without leaving any sticky residue. With antiseptic tea tree oil.
Find out more here.
