POST SURGERY DRESSING GUIDE

Having surgery is never easy so reducing any extra stress where possible, including throughout daily dressing can make a huge difference.

Adaptive clothing can help to manage post surgery symptoms and make the process of dressing much more comfortable. Discrete adaptations to clothes can transform lives, give back confidence, provide dignity and help to maintain independence. 

The Post Surgery recommended clothing range for both women and men has been designed to provide style without the struggle for self dressing and also to ease the process of assisted dressing. 

Here are some of our top tips for easier dressing;

*click on images to enlarge

Front Opening Designs

To avoid uncomfortable overhead dressing post surgery, fully front opening options, such as shirts, t-shirts and nightwear are best. 

The Able Label offers a vast range of front opening designs with secure VELCRO® Brand Fastening / Fasteners designed to open and close with ease requiring less strength.

Short sleeve styles are often the preferred option as for many long sleeve styles can be difficult to dress arms into. For comfortable layering, short sleeve styles provide ease of movement and a more casual feel.

Suggested Products:

Womenswear -  Tabatha Short Sleeve Pure Cotton VELCRO® Brand Fastening / Fasteners Tee  Front Opening Bras

Menswear - Henry Short Sleeve VELCRO® Brand Fastening / Fasteners Casual Check Shirt 

 

Front Opening & Easy-Fastening Bras 

For women, bras can prove particularly tricky, as they traditionally fasten at the back. Front opening bras make it a lot easier to reach and see the fastenings, especially after shoulder surgery. For added ease of dressing, choose bras with VELCRO® Brand Fastening / Fasteners which can be touched closed. Popper fastenings are also available in front fastening designs. 

Certain bra styles also include optional pockets within the cup, such as The Able Label comfi bras.

Soft natural fabrics such as pure cotton ensure a gentle feel against your skin. Whilst specific post surgery bras can also include technology such as anti-bacterial, thermo-regulating X-STATIC silver fibre technology to help with regulating temperature. 

Unpadded and non-wired is recommended for ultimate comfort, with no digging in or pressure applied in certain areas. 

Suggested Products:

Womenswear -  Silver Post Surgery Bras  Front Fastening VELCRO® Brand Fastening / Fasteners Bras   Popper Front Fastening Bras   

Loose & Wide Fitting Shapes

Looser fitting styles with wider openings will make dressing much easier, and more comfortable. Relaxed clothing can provide all day comfort and prevent any irritation of tight clothing. 

Wide opening sleeves such as raglan sleeves are perfect for comfortable daytime dressing, with more room for arms. Sleeveless styles are even more ideal if you would prefer avoiding sleeves all together!

For night-time dressing, nightshirts and nightdresses avoid the struggle of trousers and provide easy movement, making getting ready for bed that bit more relaxing. 

Suggested Products:

Womenswear - Blanche Cable Knit Sleeveless Poncho   Flora Wide Leg Pull On Trouser

Menswear - Anthony Brushed Cotton VELCRO® Brand Fastening / Fasteners Placket Nightshirt 

Comfortable Stretch Fabrics

For greater well-being and comfort, choose fabrics which move with the body rather than against. Super stretch fabrics including jerseys, and viscose with elastane, help make getting in and out of clothes much easier. Stretchy fabrics also give an easy feel and comfort of movement all day. 

To keep feet happy, warm and to avoid swelling, choose gentle fabric socks such as bamboo for a soft comfortable fit.

Suggested Products:

Womenswear - Palazzo Printed Pull On Trousers   Molly Jersey Waterfall Cardigan   Imogen Jersey VELCRO® Brand Fastening / Fasteners Shirts

Menswear - Pete Short Sleeve VELCRO® Brand Fastening / Fasteners Polo Top     Bamboo Gentle Grip Mens Socks

Extra Tips For Easy Dressing >

Dress in a seated position or with the support of a rail or handle, in front of a mirror if possible.

Choose comfortable and well fitting clothing with front opening options.

Allow enough time for dressing each day to make the experience more comfortable and relaxing.

Use dressing aids for extra help e.g. long handled shoe horns

Before dressing, ensure clothes are arrange in the order you would put them on and make sure the fastenings are undone and and that the clothes aren't inside out.

Welcome help from a carer or loved one if needed, even if just to lay clothes out ready the night before.

Wash VELCRO® Brand Fastening / Fasteners adapted garments with fastenings closed to maintain strength and to avoid the VELCRO® Brand Fastening / Fasteners becoming damaged.

 

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