Savvy Ostomates know that looking and feeling great in clothes requires a mix of function and fashion. As for function, the goal is to keep your pouch flat and secure against against your body and to select clothing styles that won’t block outflow, create bulges or leaks.  As for fashion, certain cuts and styles are better at concealing your pouch without compressing it. Here are a few of our “dress for success” tips:

Pants

• High-waisted pants should fully cover your stoma and pouch with a comfortable fit– one that’s not too snug. If you have to buy them a size bigger to accommodate your pouch, use a belt to draw in the waistband. Throw on a cropped sweater or tuck in a favorite tee or long-sleeve top.

• Low-waisted pants should fit under your pouch and stoma. Wear a belly band, wrap or ostomy belt to conceal the pouch and to provide extra protection. Layer with a camisole underneath a chic top or sweater.

• Style Suggestion: Palazzo Pants. Palazzo Pants are pull-on pants with a wider leg and a drawstring waist. Available in a variety of fabrics, colors and patterns, they can be casual or dressy. Pair with a stylish tunic or soft sweater.

Leggings

• High-waisted leggings are ideal for style, comfort and support. Some women prefer to wear maternity leggings because they have a soft wide band at the top. Pair leggings with a floating top, short dress or long sweater.

 Dresses 

Having an ostomy shouldn’t limit the dress styles that you like to wear.

•  For a loose, flowing fit, one flattering option is a dress with an empire waist. This style of dress features a fitted bodice that drapes out under the bust line as opposed to the waist. The effect is slimming and lengthening.

• Prefer something more fitted? A form-fitting dress should have enough stretch to cover your pouch as it fills or a feature like rouching (gathered folds) at the waist. Wearing stretchy shapewear or an ostomy wrap underneath can help conceal and support you pouch.

Interested in more lifestyle tips? Check out other ostomy blogs in Know & Tell.

Specific product and purchasing details can be found on our Ostomy Life & Style Solutions page.