2020 Stoma Friendly Summer Styles & Hacks

Hi all! So seeing as we’re slowly (slowly) regaining a part of ‘normality’ I thought I’d focus my post for this month on summer styles with a stoma to give some ideas, hacks and inspiration for outfits this summer whether you’re venturing out and about or, holidaying from your garden. I recently posted on Instagram about my struggles and worries of returning to wearing ‘normal’ clothes and knowing what to wear having spent the last few months in comfies so, a common theme with the styles I’ve picked to share is not only are they stoma friendly & look great but importantly, are comfortable because lockdown has taught me that comfort really is key!!

1. Co-ord’s

I love matching sets for a number of reasons beyond looking stylish. Often, there are multiple matching pieces that go together so, you can pick & choose which will work for or, suit you best as well as add layers, for example, a throw over or matching bottoms for those times you’d prefer to be a little more covered up. They also usually come in a range of patterns which is great for extra ostomy disguise! This range by In The Style has some particularly great pieces:

Bikini Bottoms

Bikini Top

Shorts

(I’m wearing a size 10 in both)

2. Floaty dresses

I’m really enjoying this style. This summer, I braved buying a white one… I wasn’t nervous about this because of the shape or style but, because of the length paired with the colour, I thought that if I were to have a leak, this dress certainly wouldn’t be the most forgiving! So, I’ve been pairing it with a little pair of shorts underneath which has worked fabulously for extra security and peace of mind!

Dress (I’m wearing a UK size 8)

For the shorts, my current favourites are the ‘Dreamy’ style from Gymshark – they have a great stoma friendly waistband and are super comfortable. (Side note; This collection often sells out quickly however, many different activewear ranges have similar styles. Cycling shorts are a good alternative too – whatever you feel most comfortable in & works for you.)

(I wear a size Small)

3. Midi Skirt

I like to pair this style with a bodysuit or even a swimming costume for a flattering fit and extra support! Things to look out for in this style of skirt for extra stoma friendliness/disguise include; pleated, patterned & nice quality fabrics.

Skirt (I’m wearing a UK size 10)

4. Midi Dress

I find the thought of workwear with a stoma pretty daunting but what can go wrong with a floaty, patterned midi dress? I like to bring this style in above my stoma bag at the waist with a belt – this, not only creates a flattering fit but, creates a focus point away from the bag although it’s equally as cute without too.

Dress (I’m wearing this in a UK size 10)

5. Dress

This is possibly one of my favourite versatile styles to dress up or down at the moment. Use as a little bikini throw over or, dress it up for drinks. Similar suggestions to other styles go here with regards to possibly opting for pattern, using a belt or layering with other pieces.

Dress (I’m wearing a size Medium, however, could size down with this one)

6. Shorts

I don’t know about you, but when I’m sunning it up in the garden, comfort is key. There is no way you’ll find me in a pair of denim shorts! I’ve always found discovering comfortable but cute stoma friendly shorts a struggle. My recent faves are these Adidas basics, they are high waisted, comfortable, have a super-stretchy big waistband and come in lots of colours!

Shorts (I’m wearing a UK size 12)

7. Aura Swim

This is one of my all-time favourite pieces from the Aura swim collection – as well as it being a perfect ostomy friendly one piece, you can style it in so many ways always with that piece of mind knowing that your stoma will be concealed & comfortable. This piece, as well as some gorgeous new styles are available to pre-order now!

(I posted a little styling video for this one piece when it was first launched last summer which you can find here)

Paperbag Denim Shorts

Leading on from the previous, my favourite way to style my Aura one piece is with some nice shorts. I am really enjoying the paper bag waist style at the moment, particularly those that are elasticated too! This particular pair of shorts are the perfect combination of everything stoma friendly if you ask me… They are high waisted, elasticated, not too revealing, comfortable, have pockets & belt loops, fairly affordable and have a paper bag style waist which I feel is a perfect distraction and cover-up for a potentially full bag.

Shorts (I’m wearing these in a UK size 10)

I hope this little piece has helped or given some inspiration in some way. Also, please do let me know your favourite stoma friendly styles at the moment too!!

Amber x

Follow Amber on Instagram

Check out Amber’s Inside Out podcast series here