What clothes to wear with a stoma

With a stoma, there are very few restrictions on what you can wear. Just be careful to avoid especially tight clothing that may restrict the flow of body waste into your pouch.

There is no reason why people with a stoma cannot enjoy the beach or a pool. But swimwear might be the exception to the ‘wear what you like’ rule. Depending on the position of your stoma, you may not be able to wear some types of bathers, such as a bikini or briefs. The choice of course, is yours.

Some people select a bold-patterned swimsuit that helps distract from any bulges that may be caused by the pouch. Women also find beach wraps and throws useful over their swimsuit.

If you can’t find a swimsuit that you like, there are special suppliers that make bathing suits for special needs.

Underwear is available for both men and women that is designed to sit under or completely over the pouch. Underwear that sits on top of the pouch can reduce its capacity dramatically and leaks are more likely to occur.

Check with your Ostomy Association or your Stomal Therapy Nurse to ask if they know of any suppliers.

What clothes to wear with a stoma

Hints and tips about clothing.

For Men

• You should be able to wear the same type of clothing you wore before your surgery.
• Trousers with waistband pleats will give more room across the stoma bag area and can be bought from most stores.
• Tight-fitting clothes can still be worn.
• A belt can sometimes cause a problem if it goes across the stoma - braces are better.
• Some companies design specific clothing for men with a stoma, such as swimwear, underwear and high-waisted trousers.

For Women

• You should be able to wear the same type of clothes you wore before your surgery.
• Underwear should go either under or completely over the stoma bag.
• Tight-fitting clothes can still be worn.
• You can still wear a support girdle after stoma surgery.
• Some companies design specific clothing for women with a stoma, such as swimwear, underwear, nightwear and high-waisted tights.