Swimsuits to Wear With a Stoma Bag

Here at Capriosca Swimwear, we are regularly educated by our customers about their swimsuit needs. We have had many requests over the years for mastectomy, maternity, and accessible swimwear for post-surgery. Limited mobility and changes to the body can greatly impact the choice and availability of stylish and supportive swimwear.

The Capriosca Swimwear mission is to create swimwear that fits and supports women of all shapes, sizes, and needs. Our latest customer request was for ostomy swimwear. While we are certain our customers have bought our swimwear for this purpose before, we have only recently received feedback about how it has worked. 

We received an informative email from a customer detailing her experience wearing our swimwear with her stoma bag. The email was very complimentary as well as educational, and it forced us to dive a little deeper into the world of ostomies.

We had to learn some new vocabulary...

Q: What is an ostomy?

A: An ostomy (or stoma) is an artificial opening in an organ of the body, created during an operation such as a colostomy, ileostomy, or gastrostomy. It helps to reroute waste and the way it exits the body.

Q: What is a stoma bag?

A: A stoma bag is a small, disposable bag worn outside the body to collect waste. It is adhered to the skin over the stoma (or ostomy).

Q: What is an ostomate?

A: The term “ostomate” is used to describe an individual who has undergone an ostomy.

Woman poses on a boat wearing a vintage style one piece swimsuit in black textured fabric

Look fabulous and feel confident in a stylish swimsuit to wear with your stoma bag 

The lovely email we received from our customer, Lynda:

“I received my beautiful costume. I had chatted prior to ordering to get advice on whether this particular style would be suitable for me, as I have a permanent Ileostomy. I explained how important fit was and also the fabric concealing my Stoma Bag. I was recommended to stick to the size I had thought and they assured me if it wasn't suitable I could return it.  

Well, I certainly won't need to do that. 

It fits my body shape perfectly. I couldn't be happier. 

With the Ruching on both sides across the abdomen, means anyone with a Stoma Bag could confidently wear this swimsuit.  Stoma bags are worn on the left or right side of the abdomen, depending on the operation involved. I shall certainly continue to purchase from you.  

I highly recommend this for Ostomates.” 

Lynda had purchased the Navy and White Dots Vintage Skirted One Piece. This swimsuit is fully lined with ruching across the front of the body. The fabric is navy with a small white polka dot print. The combination of these features help to hold the stoma bag in place and also minimise its appearance. 

As part of the deep dive into ostomy swimwear, we discovered that many more of our swimsuits are suitable to wear with a stoma bag. 

Features to look for:

  • Ruching through the midsection
  • High waisted bikini bottoms
  • Form fitting one pieces
  • Dark colours or printed swimsuits
  • Loose fitting tankini tops with tummy control pants
  • Swim dresses

Our picks for the best ostomy swimwear styles

Ruched One Pieces

RETRO SKIRTED | FRILL SLEEVE | TWIST FRONT BANDEAUUNDERWIRE

Woman poses on a boat wearing a navy and white polka dot vintage style one piece swimsuit

Feel supported in a figure hugging one piece with ruching to fit and disguise your stoma bag

 

Ruffled Front One Piece

3 TIER ONE PIECE

The ruffles of our 3 tier one piece conceal your stoma bag with style 

 

Swim Dresses

WIDE STRAP WITH PANT | WIDE STRAP WITHOUT PANT | FRILLED | UNDERWIRE

A swim dress flares out from above the belly to completely cover your stoma bag

 

Loose Fitting Tankini Tops

3 TIER TANKINI TOP

Pair a concealing 3 tier tankini top with a high waisted pant for a comfortable and supportive swim set 

 

Extra High Waisted Bikini Bottoms

RUCHED BELLY PANT

Our extra high waisted belly pants feature ruching across the lower midsection to hold your stoma bag in place

Chlorine Resistant Styles for the Pool

Many of our lovely customers use the local pool for exercise and fun. Water-based activity is great post-surgery or any time. If you love to get in the pool for swimming laps, aqua aerobics or just for fun, remember to invest in chlorine resistant swimwear. 100% polyester swim fabric isn't affected by chlorine and heat, so it will keep its shape, colour, and elasticity. If you wear a stoma bag and you use your local pool, consider these fabulous chlorine resistant swimsuit styles.

Chlorine Resistant Loose Tankini Tops

3 TIER TANKINI TOP

Swim with confidence in a chlorine resistant ruffle tankini top and high waist bikini bottom 

 

Chlorine Resistant Zip Front One Pieces 

FRILL SLEEVE | SHORT SLEEVELONG SLEEVE

Our zip up chlorine resistant one pieces feature a ruched stomach panel to keep your stoma bag in place and under wraps

 

Chlorine Resistant Underwire One Piece

UNDERWIRE ONE PIECE DD/E & F/G

The chlorine resistant underwire one piece supports your bust while ruching and a firm fit keep your stoma bag in place

 

Chlorine Resistant Strapless One Piece

TWIST FRONT BANDEAU ONE PIECE

Choose a versatile style like the chlorine resistant twist front bandeau and feel fabulous at the pool 

 

Chlorine Resistant Swim Dresses

WIDE STRAP WITH PANT | WIDE STRAP WITHOUT PANT

Chlorine resistant swim dresses are ideal for wearing with your stoma bag

We would love to hear from you if you have worn our swimwear with a stoma bag. Your feedback will help us create a more accessible range of stylish and supportive swimsuits for all women. 

Alternatively, if you have a specific need and would like some style and fit advice, please contact us on our online chat. 

For more on speciality swimwear solutions, read our blog on the best mastectomy swimwear to wear with our without prosthetics.  

 

 

October 02, 2024