How to Dress with an Ostomy

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: September 26, 2022 References

Living with an ostomy is much easier than it may seem at first, especially when it comes to wearing outfits you enjoy! You can still wear many of the clothes you love; you'll just have to change up how you wear them to keep your stoma out of sight. Wearing more patterned shirts, high-waisted bottoms, and taking advantage of accessories like jackets and scarves can keep you looking fashionable in spite of your ostomy!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Wearing Feminine Fashion

1
Wear high-cut, elastic underwear to comfortably cover up your ostomy. If your ostomy bag is lower on your abdomen, you can easily conceal it by tucking it into your underwear. High-waisted underwear will not only keep your ostomy bag concealed, but will also help support it. Elastic underwear offers the best combination of comfort and protection for your bag.^{[1]
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Wear low-cut pants with a belly band if your bag is high up on your waist. High-waisted pants may snag on stomas with higher placement and cause discomfort. Low-cut pants fit underneath your bag and stoma, eliminating any snagging and tugging. Secure your bag and stoma with a belly band to conceal the area and provide extra protection.^{[2]
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- Layer a camisole and a cute cardigan or jacket over low-cut pants to camouflage your stoma area further.
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3
Select high-waisted pants if your bag sits lower on your waist. High-waisted pants will fit more comfortably over your stoma. Pleated pants are best for concealing your bag; the folds will distract from the area.^{[3]
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- Alternatively, try wearing maternity pants. This style of pants features a band that's already attached to the waist and will adequately cover your ostomy bag.
- Choose elastic-waisted pants if you want extra comfort.^{[4]
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- Wear your high-waisted pants with your favorite blouse or casual top. You can wear tighter tops with high-waisted pants, since your pants will provide ample coverage for your bag.
4
Choose loose-fitting shirts and blouses to hide your bag as it fills. Loose shirts make it easy to keep your bag concealed because they're so much roomier than tight-fitting tops. A loose shirt will billow over your entire middle, making your bag indistinguishable. To increase the camouflaging effect and keep everything in place, wear a belly band over your stoma and bag.^{[5]
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- Wearing a belly band underneath a tight shirt will smooth out the area and keep your bag comfortably secured. Pick any color you like, though black, white, and nude shades work best with most outfits.^{[6]
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- Peplum tops will cover up your stoma in a flattering way, but may snag as your bag fills. Counter this by layering a belly band underneath your top.^{[7]
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- Wear a cute tunic blouse with a pair of leggings and comfy ballet flats for a cute, romantic look.^{[8]
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- Layer a fluttery tank top with skinny jeans and sandals to create a simple, warm weather outfit.^{[9]
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5
Wear patterned, high-waisted skirts and shorts to slim your waist area. You want to ensure the waist of your skirt or shorts reaches high up enough to hide your ostomy bag. When you go shopping, try on the skirts and shorts you like to ensure the waist is high enough. Choose a skirt of any length you prefer. Patterned skirts and shorts create a slimming effect on your waist and make your bag harder to spot. Vertical stripes tend to look the most flattering!^{[10]
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- Pair a cute striped mid-length skirt with a baggy sweater, tights, and ankle boots for a casual cool-weather outfit.^{[11]
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- Pair your cutest pair of patterned shorts with a color-coordinated tank top or bodysuit. Try to pick a color that shows up in the pattern on your shorts the least. Bodysuits are great for creating a sleek, tucked in look, while tank tops can be pulled over your waistline.
6
Layer a belly band under a dress to conceal your ostomy bag. Covering your waist with a belly band makes wearing your favorite dresses much easier. Fold your belly band after slipping it on so your ostomy bag can sit comfortably inside the band and stay put.^{[12]
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- For further camouflage and support, wear a stretchy, decorative belt over your dress.^{[13]
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- Alternatively, look for dresses with sashes or waistbands to conceal your stoma and help keep it secure.^{[14]
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- Patterned dresses are another great way to keep your ostomy bag cleverly and fashionably hidden.^{[15]
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Choose biker shorts or yoga pants to support your bag while you work out. These types of bottoms will allow you to keep active, while also keeping your bag out of sight and tucked safely against you.^{[16]
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- Protect your bag with a stoma guard if you plan to participate in contact sports.
- Pair these bottoms with a sports bra, tank top, or other athletic top of your choosing.^{[17]
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- Biker shorts can be worn underneath another pair of athletic pants for more support.^{[18]
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8
Go swimming in high-waisted bikinis or one-piece bathing suits. High-waisted bikinis and one-pieces offer the coverage you need to keep your ostomy bag hidden and in place. Alternatively, if you'd like to wear a regular bikini, cover your bag with a belly band made from the same material as your swimming suit bottoms.^{[19]
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- Boy shorts are also a great, flexible option for swimwear bottoms.^{[20]
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9
Choose any type of pajamas, as long as they're comfortable for you. Most pajamas are stretchy and on the conservative side, making it easy to dress with your ostomy bag in mind. You may also want to put on a wrap at night to keep your ostomy in place as you sleep.^{[21]
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- Consider a baggy nightshirt or matching top and bottoms with a cute pattern.^{[22]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Choosing Masculine Clothing

1
Wear jockey briefs to keep your bag tucked and protected. The way jockey briefs are sewn allows them to hold your bag in position much easier while still fitting comfortably. Look for jockey briefs with elastic around the waist, so they can stretch with your bag as it fills.^{[23]
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2
Pick patterned shirts to draw attention away from your bag. Patterned shirts have gained quite a bit of popularity in men's fashion. You can find shirts in wide range of patterns to suit your personality. Play around with differently patterned T-shirts and button-ups until you find a style you like. You may find people are too drawn in by the unique pattern on your shirt to notice your stoma!^{[24]
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- Layer a flannel button-up over a T-shirt, jeans, and lace-up boots to recreate a classic fall look.
- Wear a T-shirt patterned in florals or tiled graphics (like cars or birds) with jeans or shorts to add more of your own personality to your outfits.
3
Choose pants that are wider by at least 1 size to accommodate your stoma. You'll need to conceal your stoma inside your pants if it sits right above your waistline. Larger-sized pants will provide you with enough room to comfortably support your bag and stoma. Pleated pants tend to be the most effective at concealment. If you'd like, you can also purchase specially made pants for people with ostomy bags. This style of pants comes with a pocket built in to support your bag.^{[25]
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- Wear a pair of low-rise denim jeans or khakis with your favorite patterned shirt! Your pants will support and hide your bag, while a nice patterned shirt will draw attention away from your stoma.^{[26]
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4
Wear a jacket or vest with your outfits to further conceal your stoma. An extra layer of clothing will cover up your bag, making it harder for others to notice even as it fills up. You can wear jackets and vests for a wide array of occasions. However, jackets are best worn in chillier temperatures, while vests are better to wear when it's warmer.^{[27]
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- Layer a simple vest or jacket over a T-shirt with comfortable jeans for a cool, casual look.
- Alternatively, wear a suit vest or jacket over a button-up shirt and tie with matching slacks to create a sleek, formal outfit.
5
Wear suspenders if your belts become too tight around your stoma. Your old belts may not be able to accommodate your ostomy bag as it fills. Suspenders will hold your pants up just as effectively, while also fitting more easily around your stoma. Most suspenders are elastic, so you should be able to find a reliable pair in any size.^{[28]
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- Layer your suspenders underneath your shirt for a more casual look, or over your shirt for formal occasions.
6
Protect your bag with a stoma guard if you play contact sports. While you have no shortage of options for athletic wear with your ostomy bag, you should invest in a sturdy stoma guard to cover your bag, especially if you regularly participate in more intense forms of exercise. A stoma guard will keep your bag safe from potential damage brought by contact sports. You may also wear an ostomy belt if you participate in lower-impact exercise.^{[29]
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Choose high-waisted swim trunks to conceal your bag at the beach or pool. This type of swimwear will make it easier to keep your bag out of sight, especially if it is placed lower on your body. You may want to wear a T-shirt over your swim shorts if your bag is higher up. Don't worry about submerging your bag in the water; they're meant to be water-resistant.^{[30]
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Choose any sleepwear that makes you most comfortable. You don't have to wear anything special as your pajamas. You can stick to plain old underwear or a stretchy pair of bottoms. Most forms of pajamas are loose enough to accommodate an ostomy bag.^{[31]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Accessorizing with an Ostomy Bag

1
Layer your outfits to keep your stoma well hidden. Pair together lots of patterned tops and comfortable bottoms with loose cardigans layered over the outfit. Your stoma may be harder to hide as it fills. Wearing layered clothing and patterns helps to cover the area.^{[32]
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- Wear a thin belt over a top or dress, right under your bust. This will create just enough visual variation in the top half your outfit to help hide your ostomy bag.^{[33]
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Accessorize with scarves and jackets to hide your bag as it expands. As you're out and about, you may encounter situations where you can't get to a bathroom right away but your bag is filling quickly. Wearing a scarf or light jacket will help to cover the area more easily, hiding swollen ostomy bags until you can take care of them.^{[34]
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- Wear a light cardigan or kimono jacket over a tank top and jeans for a fashionably concealing effect.^{[35]
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3
Express yourself with a bold pair of shoes! While it may be harder to wear the clothes you used to enjoy, you can still indulge freely in any pair of shoes you like! Make your shoes the centerpiece of your outfit by picking gorgeous pairs you may not have thought to wear before. Experiment with different colors and types.^{[36]
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- A fabulous pair of shoes will also deflect attention away from your waistline and your stoma.^{[37]
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- Wear a pair of bright red boots to set off an all black outfit!
- Lace-up flats are a fun and flexible shoe style that are suitable for many different settings.
4
Experiment with colorful and vibrant accessories. Hair decorations, jewelry, ties, and other accessories are not only great ways to express your unique style, but can keep attention off your stoma. Play around with a variety of accessories until you find something you like.
- Pair a dark-colored, casual dress with a bright red hat.
- Wear a bright, patterned necktie with a semi-formal or formal outfit.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I lose weight with an ileostomy?

Nicky Ruby

Community Answer

Pay attention to your portion sizes, and remember that weight loss should be a slow and steady process. Cut down sugary and fatty foods and eat healthy fruits and vegetables. Eating in moderation and portion controlling will help you to lose weight. Though it will take time to actually see results, continue to be consistent with your diet. Because you won't be able to exercise due to your stoma, do not let this bring you down. Remember that weight loss is about 70% diet and 30% exercise, and you still have the 70% in your hand.

Warnings

Empty your bag regularly before it fills up completely. This will help to keep your bag less obvious to other people, especially if you've chosen a tighter outfit.

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Remove your belly wrap as soon as it begins to feel uncomfortable.^{[42]
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