Welcome to part two of the lady’s guide to dressing with an ostomy!
Here’s where the fun begins! This article will focus on clothing options for everyday wear.
Miss something or want to skip ahead?
PART 1: Intro, clothing accessories.
PART 2 (You are here): Clothing options for everyday wear.
PART 3: Clothing for intimacy, swimming, and more.
Table of Contents
Intro
One of the most asked questions about having an ostomy is whether you’ll need to alter what you wear and how you wear it.
Fortunately, many ostomates don’t need to replace their clothes after surgery. There may be some adjustments, but for the most part this won’t be something you’ll need to worry about all the time.
You’ll see in the examples below just how expansive your options can be! The ladies below are a mix of new ostomates and ostomy veterans, but all have found ways to fit their favorite garments into their lives (no pun intended!).
Dresses
From long, flowing dresses to tight, short ones, know that your ostomy won’t limit you!
If you’d like to some extra comfort, check out this tip:
For dresses that aren’t stretch material, I ensure they are fitted, but with an extra 1″ around the belly. I have tried on dresses in stores about brought an ostomy bag that I stuffed with cotton with me to place over top of my bag, just so I can see how noticeable it would be when filled.
I have had a few dresses altered to accommodate this. Buy a dress that fits, then have the hips let out just a bit to give extra room.
Amanda Andrew

“This blue dress probably had a maternity band or pants under it, and the pleats really help.” – Karin Miller
PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Kahn of f-64.com

“The dress is a casual sundress with a jean jacket and some cowboy boots! I always choose dresses with a tighter waist and flows out to help hide even an extremely full bag! Works every time!” – Neonerinn

“My favourite style of dress is the Skater Dress. This is because it goes in at the waist and then flows outwards. It flows over your pouch therefore concealing it with no need for any under garment.” – Bethany Purnell

Amy is wearing a dress by Athletica.

Keely Wells is wearing a dress by Asos

“This is me in a formal dress while celebrating my wedding anniversary… If you find a dress with ruching, it hides the bag lines, making it much easier to wear a very form-fitting dress.” – Anonymous

“I wear the same clothing I wore before surgery (2.5yrs ago) I still wear tight/fitted clothes. Dresses like this one are made with a bit of stretch so it will not interfere with my bag filling.” – Amanda Andrew

Wearing a purple dress.
Credit: Bethany Purnell.

Wearing Dress by Wayne Cooper
“I was recently invited to a friend’s 40th birthday dinner. I wore this dress by an Australian designer, Wayne by Wayne Cooper. Whilst many of his designs are form-fitting, this dress is loose and flowing, yet flattering with its high-low hem and exposed back zip.
I could comfortably wear this dress without a belt or any other kind of support around my stoma, and I felt secure, relaxed and sexy the whole night! It was also very easy to manage when emptying my ostomy bag throughout the evening!” – Laura Zappulla

Wearing a white and purple dress.
Credit: Bethany Purnell

Wearing a maternity dress.
“The only thing is to hem the front since there’s no belly to pull up the front.” – Amy

“Dresses that aren’t stretch material I make sure it is fitted, but with an extra 1″ around the belly.” – Amanda Andrew

“This dress is more formal. It’s very lacy and form-fitting around the top and then gets flowy right below my ribs which conceals the ostomy well.” – Katrina

Credit: Karin Miller

Credit: Laura Zappulla

Credit: Karin Miller
And for you gals who will be getting married soon, know that you’ll look beautiful on your special day! Have a look at what these brides have been able to show off!

“I had it fitted with enough room around the hips/ waist that my bag could fill up without causing a problem. The lines of the dress and the bead work help to distract the eyes and hide the area.” – Amanda Andrew

Credit: Alison of Empowering Patients.
While trying out wedding dressing, Alison of Empowering Patients did nothing special to cover her ostomy and it remained concealed.

FYI: Thaila Skye had TWO stomas when this photo was taken, yet she can still rock this beautiful dress!

This photo was taken by Adam Butler on Koh Lanta in Thailand, where Laura Zappulla of the website Stomalicious was married in early 2015! She’s wearing a beautiful, non-traditional wedding dress that easily conceals her pouch!
Thaila Skye also has some great tips on getting married with an ostomy in THIS video.
Shorts
From denim and beyond, shorts can be comfortable and cool in hot weather.
You’ll find that most traditional and high waist shorts will cover some or all of your pouch, but low-rise shorts will reveal your entire bag; feel free to use pouch cover if that makes you more comfortable.

“I’m wearing ‘cotton’ shorts and because they are soft they and more comfortable, and allow output to fall into the pouch with no problem.” – Bethany Purnell

“My favourite style of shorts are High Waisted Shorts. They go above my ostomy, and therefore, conceals it.” – Bethany Purnell

Keely Wells is wearing high-waisted shorts by Topshop.

Credit: Bethany Purnell

“This bathing suit is a one piece with high-waisted shorts.” – Karin Miller, wearing a bathing suit from Old Navy.
PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Kahn of f-64.com
Skirts
Skits are awesome, and you can look great in one with an ostomy!
The length of your skirt doesn’t matter as much as where the waistband is, and if it can come over your appliance, it will be well concealed.
Have a look at the styles below – you’d never know an ostomy bag was under there!

“Skater Skirts are also my favourite style of skirt to wear. These are the same as the Skater Dress as it flows out over your pouch.” – Bethany Purnell

Karin wearing a plaid skirt.
PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Kahn of f-64.com

“Maxi skirt with tank top tucked in and cardi.” – Katrina

Keely Wells is wearing a skirt from Miss Selfridge.

Credit: Bethany Purnell.

“For this blue/white outfit, I wore a target maternity band underneath the shirt and skirt. Another option would have been my Ostomysecrets wrap.” – Karin Miller.
PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Kahn @ F-64.com

Close up of how Karin wears the maternity band under her skirt and shirt.
PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Kahn @ F-64.com

Credit: Bethany Purnell

Credit: Bethany Purnell

“For this dark suit, the skirt comes up and sits at my belly button so just the very top part of that bag was showing (see next photo).” – Karin Miller
PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Kahn @ F-64.com

Close up of Karin’s dark suit.
As you can see, the pouch can be covered by a high-waisted skirt.
PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Kahn @ F-64.com

Credit: Bethany Purnell
Tops
From form-fitting to loose, you’ll be able to find the right top for any occasion.
Many women prefer loose-fitting or flowing tops, as it helps with concealment as the pouch fills.
I choose patterns to hide but also statement items like big jewelry or awesome shoes to draw attention else wear and feel more comfortable! I also dyed my hair red for that reason too! Keeps attention else wear! I’m always wearing my ostomy belt by ostomy secrets to help conceal and give support!
Neonerinn

“Here’s a cream top with a cami underneath. I normally wear a cami that is tight fitted so it holds the bag closer to the tummy.” – The Front Butt YouTuber

This is Laura Zappulla’s “must-have” leggings and singlet attire.

“The stripped shirt is a casual shirt with wide sleeves. Button up. I’m wearing yoga pants and a pink tank underneath for a little pop of color!” – Neonerinn

In this photo is Bethany Purnell.
Because blouses are not form-fitting, they can even conceal a full pouch.

Credit: Laura Zappulla

Keely doesn’t remember if this outfit was from Topshop or Urban Outfitters, but it looks great!

“Stripy cowel neck t-shirt (my favorite, this is the closest that i come to a patterned top, and it confuses the eye so that you can’t see any tummy or bag around my tummy).” – Sue Hill

Credit: The Front Butt YouTuber

“This outfit is black dress pants with a grey crop sleeve silk top with some 4 inch heels and a chunky necklace to draw attention to the neckline.” – Neonerinn

“Blouses are perfect and light weight for the summer. They’re very loose and flow over your pouch.” – Bethany Purnell

Credit: Bethany Purnell

“I love jumpers, especially oversized jumpers. They are perfect for the winter times. Also, because they are so loose-fitting, there’s no worry about your pouch showing.” – Bethany Purnell
Trousers / Pants
It seems that you gals prefer either low-cut (under the stoma) or high-waisted trousers (over the stoma), and regardless, you wear them well!
There are many options here, and you can get some great ideas by checking out the photos below. Also note that you can have your trousers adjusted, or you may opt for maternity pants, which have a stretchy band across the entire front and are a popular option among ostomates.

“Upon returning to work after my loop colostomy (6 months ago), I struggled to get back into my uniform. I did request to wear work issue maternity trousers, although good and adapted for me initially (the “bump” material was to big but I had it altered to suit me). The material is not that great for the coming winter months though so went back to my normal work trousers.
I normally wear TML lightweights or Artkis trousers, but decided to speak to a seamstress to see if she could alter my trousers (pictures attached). As you can see the alterations are ideal. She used stretchy material with and without a zip. Feel totally confident and comfortable wearing my work trousers.
My next mission is to do something similar with my own personal trousers and jeans.
I’ve also purchased supporting maternity tops to wear underneath my tops so that it keeps my stoma secure and the bulge isn’t overly noticeable.” – Tracy J Ross

Keely Wells is wearing trousers by Miss Selfridge

“I normally wear TML lightweights or Artkis trousers, but decided to speak to a seamstress to see if she could alter my trousers. As you can see the alterations are ideal. She used stretchy material with and without a zip. Feel totally confident and comfortable wearing my work trousers.” – Tracy J Ross

“These are pretty much the same as Leggings but not as comfortable. They do give a bit more support to your pouch.” – Bethany Purnell

Credit: Bethany Purnell

“Maternity jeans – only downside to no button and zipper is jeans slide down in crotch a bit since no pregnancy belly. Upside – So COMFORTABLE, and if shirt rides up you’re covered.” – Amy

“Maternity jeans and a maternity top that doesn’t look like maternity clothes.” – Amy

Note that Sue is wearing a Comfizz wrap underneath the built-in band for extra support.

Sue Hill is wearing maternity work trousers(high soft fabric band which goes over the top of the tummy and bag).

“Leggings are perfect because they are a very stretchy material. You’re able to pull them up over your pouch and that helps conceal and supports it.” – Bethany Purnell

Credit: Bethany Purnell
We Aren’t Done Yet!
As you can see, everything from casual wear to business attire is possible with very little modifications to your wardrobe.
But what about lingerie or swimwear? I haven’t forgotten about that!
In part three you’ll find many examples of what lady ostomates wear at the beach, during intimacy, and even while pregnant!
Hi Cheryl, I hear your blight, now bear in mind this comes from a guy living in the UK. I tend to buy my clothes from small independent shops. The service is more personal and many have in-house alterations or use a local seamstress. I have had many a pair of pants sorted out. Just a thought 💭😀
What about dresses for older plus-size ladies? I have purchased tops that look great on medium-sized ladies. You know the small breasts, short sleeves, they have no butt and a flat stomach. If I look for plus-size there is usually so much fabric it looks like a tent. I’m not a seamstress but I want to look nice! My dream dress would use less material, not so short sleeves, and not so many colors but flowers, tie-died, swirls, designs, and come down a little longer. I am what they call a big-boned lady with about 30 extra pounds. I’m sure many plus-size ladies would be very appreciative!
Hi,
Google for side gathered and wrap dresses and see if any look like what you are trying to find. both of those styles help to distract the eye with out being to baggy.
Its a bit of a pain to google for clothes, but once you find a source or brand that works for you then you can stick with it.
I shop on online resale shops and spend too much time doing so, but I do save money when trying new styles or brands of clothing.
I also use the google search photo tool to find similar items ( right click on an image then select search image with google)
Here are a couple of ideas:
https://www.avenue.com/plus-size-dress-marina-217149magentafestivalfl
and
https://www.jcpenney.com/p/robbie-bee-plus-short-sleeve-medallion-puff-print-sheath-dress/ppr5008277872?pTmplType=regular&country=US¤cy=USD&selectedSKUId=22427400042&selectedLotId=2242740&fromBag=true&utm_medium=cse&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Sheath%20Dresses&utm_content=22427400042&cid=cse%7Cgoogle%7CWomens%7cSheath%20Dresses_22427400042&kwid=productads-adType%5EPLA&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlv2f0b7P_QIVuxqtBh1e8wyUEAQYBSABEgLhXPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
and
https://www.avenue.com/plus-size-dress-linda-217146seafoamfestivalb
and
https://www.macys.com/shop/product/city-chic-trendy-plus-size-color-wrap-print-dress?ID=14441888&pla_country=US&CAGPSPN=pla&trackingid=424×1052346714&m_sc=sem&m_sb=Google&m_tp=PLA&m_ac=Google_Womens_PLA&m_ag=GGL_PLA_Womens_Catchall&m_cn=RTW-PLA-Womens-Catchall-GS&m_pi=go_cmp-12520766312_adg-116481418982_ad-505347536134_pla-306854907574_dev-c_ext-_prd-9346639949664USA&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4NfutcHP_QIVvhCtBh3F9wG6EAsYCSABEgLSSPD_BwE
unfortunately my stoma sits on a 4 inch length and width hernia and skinny so its a lot harder to dress ; plus on the other side I have a tube from my kidney with a bag down my leg .
So far I don’t go out that much unless I have a long coat on ; dressing is really a problem
Deb, I had a hernia until recently, when it was repaired, so I understand your frustration in trying to dress. What I found worked best for me was to dress in layers. I found that a loose fitting longer cardigan and/or a pashmina or long scarf helped disguise the hernia. That isn’t always easy to do in hot weather. I also found that wearing my purse on the hernia side, especially with a cross-body strap helped, and wearing a short necklace that draws the eye upwards can camouflage somewhat. Hope that helps. Are you thinking about a hernia repair anytime soon?
Laurie
This is Sally, you mentioned that you had a hernia removed. Was that a bad surgery? I know my colostomy surgery was awful. Did the surgery help on your stoma???
@llholiday yeah, I have bought many clothes that looked so good on the rack, but not on me! Why did it take me so long to realize that I’m not built like a coat hanger? 😕
Laurie
Ack. Bought a dress yesterday, a poufy style that would hide my stoma. It looked so cute on the rack. I think I look like a toadstool in it and will probably return it and go back to my uniform of leggings and blousy tops.