So you finished your shoulder surgery, and now you are stuck with this annoying sling. Doing most things with one hand will be a challenge, dressing is not different.
Comfort should be part of the top criteria when picking out clothes to wear during this time. There are different clothing options you can wear after shoulder surgery with an amputee sling.
The best clothes to wear after shoulder surgery with a sling is a large sleeveless shirt or a rob if you are staying indoors. While an elasticised track pants or elasticised dresses can be functional if you to go out.
Because of the constraint the shoulder sling will pose, we recommend loose-fitting apparel. Below we have discussed other wardrobe options while you recover from your surgery. So let’s ease any tension you have about appropriate wardrobe options.
What Are The Best Clothes To Wear After Shoulder Surgery?
Ladies may find bras inconveniencing and may choose to wear a sports bra, strapless, or bra with front fastening. Customized camisoles that have bras tops inside is a great idea. Pajama tops and sweaters are also comfortable.
For the first few weeks, track pants or pants with elastic waists, t-shirts with crew necks are recommended. Consider simple fitting, slip-on shoes. Comfort and ease should guide you while picking what to wear.
How Can I Modify My T-Shirt After Shoulder Surgery?
DIY (Do It You Self)
You can modify some of your regular clothing by cutting out your sleeves. You may alter T-shirts by removing the sleeve completely. This modification would help relieve the pain and allow more movement in your arm.
You can cut out A little piece of fabric from under the sleeve of your sweatshirt sleeve. This would give the illusion of a bigger armhole. These seams of the bigger hole armhole and sleeve can be hand-stitched to prevent fraying of the fabric.
Store-Bought
Cutting up a bunch of your clothes might not be easy to do if you are not creative. You could get new clothes and save yourself the hassle of amendments. Opt for shoes with easy fastenings, for example; opt for velcro sandals and zips instead of shoes with lace fastening.
Elastic laces are a lifesaver. Maternity jeans have elastic bands; they have room and are easy to wear. The camisoles with built-in bras are practical choices.
Best Shirt Options To Wear After Shoulder Surgery
- Loose-Fitting Sweatshirt– these are easy to wear because they have a lot of room for movement.
- Large Cotton T-Shirts– these have space, and the fabric choice makes it better. The cotton feels delicate and soft against the skin.
- Pajamas Tops– these are made with comfort in mind since they are originally meant for sleeping. They are made from different fabrics ranging from silk to cotton. You can get the one most convenient for you.
- Sweaters– you can get a large fluffy cardigan to keep you warm and stylish.
- Button-Down Cardigans– the front fastening style of this style of clothing is its selling point. It is easy to wear, comfortable and keeps you warm.
- Strapless Top– for the ladies, you can opt for strapless tops.
What Alternative Clothes Can I Wear After Shoulder Surgery?
Activewear
Pants and skirts
Get loose pants and skirts with elastic bands at the waist. You can easily pull up the pants or skirt can be pulled up easily. Buttons, zip, and strings are not easy to fasten with a sling.
Sleepwear
Lots of sleepwear have elasticized bands. This means it is easy to wear without thinking about strings or other fastening. These are usually really comfortable.
Tops
A large t-shirt with a front opening and wide necks are nice. Shirts with crew necks may be considered. Get the t-shirt a couple of sizes bigger.
Coats
Opt for oversized coats with hoods. The hoods are a plus because you may not have to struggle with an umbrella while it rains. Be careful while you walk in a crowd, as wearing a coat that covers your sling. The coat makes you vulnerable to bumps from a clueless passer-by.
Shawls
The shawl is another alternative to a coat, although it may be less effective. The shawl or cape can keep you warm if your coat is too bulky or heavy for you. They come in different fabrics, opt for light-weight ones.
Bras
Briefs
Go for free underpants because it could be inconvenient having to adjust or pull at skimpy panties with one hand. Boxer wears are really nice. They give room for air and help reduce friction between the crotch and thigh area.
Footwear
Flip flop and sandals with velcro are fast and easy to wear. Slip-on shoes and sneakers with elastic laces are also recommended. Light-weighted boots with zip fasteners are easy to wear
Bags
Carry what you need. During your healing process, minimize hand luggage, so you do not have a sore arm or elbow. The key is finding a bag that fits the proportions you like and is also made from a piece of lightweight fabric.
How You Dress With A Sling
Let us do a recap; we have talked about different clothing options and how to DIY some outfits. Let us conclude by sharing free tips to help you wear those comfortable outfits white your shoulder injury and sling.
Following your shoulder operation, you would be stuck wearing a sling for 4 to 6 weeks. You may need help in wearing or removing your clothes. Even after you do not need the sling, your shoulder needs to heal. Here are a few precautions you should follow:
During Dressing
The arm must remain in the same position. It must not go lower than the position it is in the sling. Your arm must be relaxed as your helper take complete care of it.
The helper is the professional here, so allow them to do the job.
Getting Dressed
Clothing with a front opening is your best option. Dress your injured arm first. Sit or stand with your arm hanging outward.
Slide your injured arm into the clothing first using your other arm. Once the arm is in the sleeve, pull the clothing around your back and put it in the other arm. You must any buttons or zips must be done only with your uninjured arm. Once you have worn a shirt on your upper body, put the sling back on(source).
Conclusion
Shoulder surgery may be painful but can be managed. Wearing tracksuit bottoms and shorts sleeved clothing with a wide armhole is most convenient. You can choose to buy new clothes or alter your old clothes. Comfort should guide you while you pick out your outfits.