(18-25yo)
Continue your own clothing style.
You may need to experiment to see what works/looks the best.
Covers or wraps can be used when active.
Wear whatever is comfortable for you.
Some people find it difficult to completely conceal their ostomy appliance under certain types of clothing. Here are some ideas that may help:
You can wear the same clothes as before unless your stoma is above your waistline, then may consider pouch cover.
You may choose to wear clothing that does not tuck in or is snug.
Spandex support garments, bike shorts, high waisted underwear can help support your ostomy while wearing tight fitting jeans or tops.
Empty the pouch regularly. A full pouch is much harder to hide than an empty one.
Wearing a pouch cover can add a personal touch and some teens even recommend adding colored duct tape to the cover.
Many companies have many options.
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
Parent Stories
These webpages are funded by a grant from Hollister Incorporated.
Contact Us
United Ostomy Associations of America
P.O. Box 2293
Biddeford, ME 04005-2293
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.
