It seems to me that the majority of information I’ve been able to find online about ostomies and clothing says one of two things: 1) You can still wear the same things you did before your surgery, or 2) Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing.
I found the first statement to be false (I can’t wear tight, form-fitting dresses without me being totally self-conscious about the outline of my ileostomy), and the second statement to only be applicable to the time right after surgery. There is a happy medium and it is very possible to wear fashionable and body conscious clothing without feeling exposed. I’ve had my ileostomy since I was 26, and now am 38. It’s taken some time, but I have developed an eye for what will work best on me and am still learning new things and having ‘breakthrough’ moments, such as when I discovered the right pair of jeans!
Maybe those of us who have cracked the ostomy fashion code can share tips here? That’s my goal. Or, at the very least, I can chronicle such fascinating discoveries such as which pantyhose work best, for me at least. There really is such as thing as being ostomy chic, even though I know most of us would never use that label publically. So, why not talk about it here? Please join me.
Ostomy Chic 