Ostomy Swimwear - Peer Advice

Based on the discussions from the MeetAnOstoMate Discussion Forum, here is a summary of advice and insights on ostomy swimwear:

1. Embrace Your Ostomy:
- Embrace your ostomy and be confident in your own skin.
- Use your ostomy as an accessory and rock your body with confidence.
- Consider wearing a swim wrap, swim cover, two-piece, or tankini with a skirt for easy access and to hide the ostomy.

2. Swimwear for Men:
- Look for specialized swimwear for ostomates, such as high-waisted men's swimming trunks or swimwear from companies like Glitter Beach Swimwear.
- Consider using a stealth belt for discreetly concealing the ostomy bag while swimming.

3. Ostomy-Friendly Clothing:
- Vanilla Blush and OstomySecrets.com offer great clothing options for people with stomas.
- Loose-fitting clothing is preferred for casual wear, and yoga pants are a favorite.
- Clingy fabrics tend to show the outline of the ostomy, so they are best avoided.

4. Swimwear for Women:
- High-waisted two-piece swimsuits, board shorts, and swimsuits with ruching, overlays, skirts, or patterned prints can effectively camouflage the ostomy bag shape.
- Regular one-piece swimsuits with busy floral patterns or patterned ones can make the ostomy less noticeable.

5. Tips for Swimming with an Ostomy:
- Ensure good supplies and a good fit to the stoma to prevent issues in the water.
- Use a belt for added security while swimming.
- Start with short swimming sessions and gradually increase the time to build confidence.

6. Waterproof Solutions:
- Use a new wafer the night before swimming to ensure it adheres well.
- Consider using a wrap with a pouch from Ostomy Secrets or a Stealth Belt for water sports.

7. Protective Covers for Swimming:
- Some individuals use sticky pieces over the filter before swimming to prevent water leakage into the pouch.
- Vanilla Blush swimwear designed for ostomates and the Dry Pro ostomy and stoma protector with a watertight vacuum seal are recommended for protective covers.

8. Clothing Tips for Ostomy:
- Consider loose-fitting and comfortable clothing, especially during the initial recovery period.
- Seek advice and support from others who have gone through a similar experience.

9. Securing Your Bag for Pool Time:
- For women, a tankini or a bandeau (tank top) over the bag can be helpful.
- Swimsuits with gathered fronts can effectively hide the bag.

Check out these links for more information:

• Embracing Your Ostomy: Swimsuit Season Confidence! (April 22, 2013)
• Swimming with an Ostomy: Tips for Men (May 13, 2010)
• Seeking advice on ostomy-friendly clothing (August 11, 2020)
• Best swimwear for ostomy bag? (August 19, 2020)
• Looking for Ostomate Swimsuit in England (April 27, 2011)
• Swimming with an Ostomy: Worried about leaks and embarrassment (May 27, 2013)
• Swimming and Hiking with an Ostomy: Need Advice! (April 14, 2013)
• Swimming with an Ostomy: Tips and Gear Recommendations? (February 11, 2011)
• Swimming with an Ileostomy: What to Wear? (November 24, 2013)
• Swimsuit recommendations for hiding ostomy bag? (January 23, 2010)