Dressing for style when you are in an Ostomy

I remember when the Drs. told me that there was a possibility of a colostomy bag to remove the cancer, I had a fit. I said I like to wear bikini’s how can I do that with an Ostomy? It never occurred to me about other clothing. I think saying I wear bikinis was my safety net that it wouldn’t happen. Well here I am 6 years later rocking my colostomy bag and wearing bikini’s, but what about other clothing? Let’s talk about that.

The first few months of coming home I was so afraid of having anything touch my bag. I thought it would get injured if anything bumped me or better yet if I bumped into anything. I wore very loose dresses and pants. I remember one day a few weeks after walking into my closet and falling to to floor crying with the thoughts that I can’t even wear any of these clothes. Back then I had a TON of clothes more than someone needed really. I had taken over the old master bedroom at one point and had rolling racks of clothes by color and the walk in closet was my shoe closet. I look back on that now and wonder what void I was trying to fill by all the shopping (that is for another story). Ladies, I didn’t even think I could wear my stilettos anymore, I was afraid I would fall and again bump into something. There is a mental toughness that we acquire after going through what we go through.

Anyway let’s get back into talking about style! Because 6 years later and I love that I no longer have these fears and where what I want for the most part. The clothing that I wear now is workout clothes like tighter fitting leggings that hold me in. Thank goodness that high rise jeans are back in style, I sometimes miss the low rise ones but there is a way to wear those too depending on how where your stoma is placed. Dress pants and blouses, skirts and shorts, blazers, sweaters and even dress’s can be worn. I have worn a white pencil skirt and also a white sheath dress, now with both of those you could see the outline of my bag, I haven’t worn them again because there are more flattering things to wear. So truly you can just about wear anything. I do tuck my shirts into my jeans and I appreciate having my bag tucked under my clothes. Some people do not like to have their bags tucked under their pants and that is fine too, you can fold down the tops of your pants and have your shirt loose over them, or you can wear loose, flowing dresses like I did in the beginning.

There are plenty of undergarments you can wear as well that will help to secure yourself, like Spanx. Spanx has some great slips, high waisted shorts and even high waisted thongs that will keep you bag tucked in. I have worn those under tighter fitting dressing and they work well. My friend April also known as That girl with a bag on Instagram makes some AMAZING custom bag covers. I have a few of them and wear them when I want to wear my bikini and you would also wear lower rise pants and a crop top and use a bag cover to put over your bag. Ladies have done it and people don’t notice or if they do they have no idea what it is because it blends with the outfit.

So there you have it. You can just about wear anything that you did before! Somethings may take some getting used to and some mental work. You maybe more afraid of what other people think, if they can see it, or some fears of leaks or bumping into something, but walk through the fear and try it anyway. And so you know I am always here for you! Reach out anytime if you have any questions!

xo