For most people, swimming in the ocean or pool is all summer long. But if you’re in the top 30 percent of people with ulcerative colitis (UC), a swimsuit can be a source of concern. You may worry that your bag will leak or burst into flames, or that other people’s eyes will lower to see it. The good news is that we’ve come a long way in waterproof and ostomy-friendly swimwear, not to mention aesthetic design. Read on for styles ranging from understated to bold that will make your summer look like a duck in the water!
“Most bags and adhesives are now waterproof and more convenient than when they were originally designed,” says Vanessa, a triple board certified gastroenterologist, internist and medical doctor from Hialeah, Florida Mendez. “There are so many ways to leave your bag unnoticed, even in a bathing suit.” Heck, you don’t have to hide your bag at all. “There is more body positivity and more people are opting not to hide their stoma,” says Ostomysecrets’ Sarah Biggert, an ostomy herself. “It’s a personal choice, no matter what you choose, there are good options.”
A pair of basic black or blue pants is a must for stomists applying the KISS swimsuit rule (keep it simple, honey). The Nike Content 9-inch Men’s Swim Shorts (Kohl’s, $52) are available in a few inches larger so you can wear them just above the waist to cover your stoma. The elasticated waistband and drawstrings let you adjust the fit of the suit over the bag. To make you feel even more secure, Ostomysecrets also makes a gender-neutral swim cover that hides and supports your appliances no matter where your stoma is.
“There is no specific swimsuit style for a patient with an ostomy,” says Michelle Halperin, Family Practice Nurse and Stoma Care Nurse at NYU’s Langone Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center in New York City. “Wear what is comfortable for you and still make sure the device is sealed.” The popular retro-chic Miraclesuit Shimmer Shadows Surplice (Nordstrom, $92) underwire bikini top and Norma Jean bikini bottoms (Nordstrom, $96) offer protection and control with supportive Miratex fabric. And who will notice the creases on the front of the suit on your bag?
Especially for those unfamiliar with ostomies, the quickest and easiest way to hide your bag at the beach is to wear a T-shirt over your swimsuit. But what happens when it comes to water? We’re in love with the Rodeo Rash Guard Short Sleeve Tee in Caviar (Reef, $30), which is cool, loose, sushi-friendly, and made from ocean-safe rash guards. It covers your stoma no matter where it is located. There is also a gorgeous blue version if you want your shirt to match the waves.
If you want to cover your bag completely, a one-piece suit is the way to go. But if you’re worried it might still be visible under your suit, try some distraction tricks: Striped and wrinkled fabrics are great for distraction, and this one-shoulder striped jumpsuit (J. Crew, $138) is just that. , and other. Bare shoulders are another smart way to keep prying eyes off your bag. The costume is also sold in seven colors, as well as an extended torso version.
Even if your bag and adhesive are waterproof, wearing a wet swimsuit all day can affect your bag’s bonding time. Swimwear made from quick-drying materials can help you get a little more time before you need to change gear. The Chubbies The Quick Dips 5.5″ Men’s Lined Swim Shorts (Nordstrom.com, $79.50) are crafted in a preppy pink and pineapple accents and are made from a quick-drying polyester/spandex combination. Another big plus: they come with compression shorts so you can tuck your bag inside and feel safe.
All eyes will be on you in this lovely halter neck suit, but rest assured no one will be looking at your bag – they will be busy admiring the graphic prints, special tops and crew necks in the background. The Iris Smocked Halter One-Piece Swimsuit (Anthropologie, $118) is made from a durable nylon/spandex blend with removable padding. (You might want to wear this as the costume is a bit small.) Pair it with a flowy white skirt for the perfect pool party ensemble.
Don’t let your stoma get in the way of swimming in style. Choosing these bottoms was a bold move, not only because I was looking at my graffiti prints, but also because they don’t completely cover your bag. Are you ready to dive into the water with confidence? Designer Patrick T. Cooper invites his customers to “live life to the fullest” with his bright and colorful creations, and Drops of Color (Patrick T. Cooper, $49.99) is like an invitation to a personal spray can. The quick-dry fabric and mesh basket lining make them ostomy-friendly.
If you really wanted to show your body, but don’t think it’s possible, think again. Strategically placed straps make the statement piece last, even with an ostomy. The criss-cross swimsuit (Zara, $47.90) is not for the faint of heart: it features a plunging neckline that exposes the cleavage, high hips, and a wide open back above the waistline. It’s the perfect suit if you’re ready to show off your body (but not necessarily your bag) as the front panel sits high above your belly button for superior stoma coverage.
If you like taking out your bag, putting on a chic “swimsuit” is fun too! While mainstream retailers generally don’t stock pouches for bathing cases, there’s a veritable treasure trove on Etsy. One store we love is Bag Girl, which has everything from a simple version of the “little black bag” to the bright and colorful watercolor swimsuits with ostomy sleeve pockets you see here (Etsy, $25.20). “I’m glad people are starting to talk about it and be honest,” said owner April Wilson.
Stoma prevalence in UC patients: BMC Gastroenterol. (2021.) “Ileostomy or ileal sac anastomosis for ulcerative colitis: patient involvement and decision needs.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8451075/
Cheryl Kramer Kay is a senior writer, editor and live broadcaster with 25 years of (sip!) beauty, fashion and lifestyle stories. She is currently the beauty director of NextTribe.com.
Post time: Aug-11-2022