Peds YA - Clothing, Accessories, & Pouch Covers - United Ostomy Associations of America

(18-25yrs)

Clothing, Accessories, & Pouch Covers

Clothing & Concealing the Appliance Under Clothing

Your ostomy is a part of you that helps keep you healthy, and there’s no need to hide it unless you want to. Many people with ostomies wear whatever they like and feel proud of their bodies just as they are!

For those times when you prefer more privacy or are still adjusting to your ostomy, here are some clothing options that might help:

Experiment with different styles of clothing to find what makes you feel most confident
Empty the pouch regularly – this helps it lay flatter against your body
Try fun ostomy pouch covers – you can purchase decorative ones or make your own to express your personality
Consider loose or layered clothing options for days when you want more coverage
For swimming, both one-piece and two-piece options can work well – some people like to use waterproof covers for extra security

Remember: The most important thing is finding options that make YOU feel comfortable and confident. Your ostomy is nothing to be ashamed of, and many people choose to wear whatever they like without worrying about concealment.

Accessories, Pouch Covers, & Wraps

There are many options for covering and/or supporting your pouch to help you to feel more confident.

An ostomy wrap or ostomy band offers both support and will conceal the ostomy appliance. They are worn around a person’s abdomen and often will have one or two inner pockets in which to place an ostomy appliance.
A pouch cover fully encloses the ostomy pouch and provides a customized pocket for drainage. It is usually worn vertically, and comes in a wide range of fabrics, colors, and designs.
Experiment and find what works for you.

Smells, Noises, and Bulging

Talk with your WOC nurse about your concerns and what options are available.

When in bathrooms, turn on bathroom fans. You can use potpourri or wax melts in the bathroom to help keep the bathroom fresh. Also, there are small items such as ‘Just a drop’ and lipstick size sprays to carry.

You may try perfume or cologne – keep it away from actual ostomy site.

Check out products available to help with the smell.

Practice caring for your ostomy and always keep supplies close.

The worst is when the pouch is sliding off and you must wait until you get home to do anything about it. Grab some paper towels or stuff with lots of toilet paper until you get home.

It is not uncommon to be worried and embarrassed about the noises coming from your bag.

Remember that every sound your body makes is natural and you should not be ashamed or embarrassed.

If your pouch begins to bulge, excuse yourself and go to the bathroom to let the air out or empty it.

Work with your college or university and acquire accommodations to allow for bathroom breaks whenever needed.

Have a plan and be prepared.

Hope, support, and finding community

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United Ostomy Associations of America
P.O. Box 2293
Biddeford, ME 04005-2293

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Call us toll-free at: 1-800-826-0826.
Our Information Line hours are Monday-Friday, 9am to 3pm EST. If you have an emergency, please dial 911 or contact your local medical professional.

Please understand that UOAA is a private, nonprofit, advocacy and informational organization. We are not a medical facility and we do not have medical or legal professionals on staff. Therefore, UOAA does not provide Medical, Mental Health, Insurance or Legal Advice. Visit UOAA Virtual Ostomy Clinic provided by The Wound Company for non-emergency, virtual ostomy support.