When you're living with an ostomy, finding the right clothing to feel comfortable and confident can be a bit of a journey. If you're considering shapewear like Spanx or Yummie Tummie to help conceal your ostomy pouch, here are some tips and alternatives that might help:

- Trendy Top layering bands are a popular choice. They come in sizes from 0-8 up to 2X and are available in black and white, though some wish for more colors like tan or navy. These bands aren't too tight, can be easily lifted to empty the pouch, and don't interfere much with drainage. They are priced at about $9.95 at CVS, and you can use a 20% CVS coupon.

- Spanx shapewear can work well under dresses or skirts if you buy them one or two sizes larger than your usual size. Standard-sized Spanx pants might be too tight, causing issues like "pancaking," and they may not cover the stoma adequately.

- Marks & Spencer (M&S) tummy-control vests are another option. Buying them a couple of sizes larger can help keep the pouch flat and smooth out your silhouette without applying too much pressure. Pairing these vests with trousers that have a natural or higher waistline can prevent the bag from bending or sticking out.

- Comfizz waistbands, available at www.comfizz.com, are designed to hold urostomy or ostomy pouches securely and protect the stoma from the waistband of trousers or skirts.

- Ostomy Secrets underwear or panties have been successful for some when ordered in a larger size. This helps eliminate tightness and supports the pouch comfortably.

- Flexees and Olga tummy-control underwear, which you can find at Kohl’s, are recommended in one size larger to provide a smoother profile without squeezing the pouch.

- A general piece of advice is to choose larger sizes in any shapewear to avoid putting pressure on the stoma and to prevent issues like pancaking or output blockage.