Stoma swimwear

Hi HepzibahJayne57 

I have 2 permanent stomas (urostomy and colostomy) but I just use normal swimwear-I’ve never bought any specialist ones. I find it easier to wear tankinis now, as it’s easy to get changed. I buy my tankinis in normal shops-specialist swimwear designed for people with stomas tends to be very expensive and I haven’t found it necessary. I just buy tankinis with tummy support and they work well.

Sarah xx

Many thanks. I did get upset a couple of days ago, I went swimming and felt if I did have a stoma it would have shown through that costume. However just been to a freeport, looked at some costumes and you are right tankinis probably would work better. I might as yet be worrying needlessly.  

I have bought a mix of them-black and also patterned and I don’t feel it’s noticeable that I have 2 bags. The patterns cover up a lot! I have never used a swimming costume since having stomas, and it’s so easy to whip the bottom part off when you come out of the water.

Obviously I make sure my bags are completely empty before I swim, and my colostomy bag is black anyway. I think we might assume we need specialist clothing, but I haven’t found that at all. All of my underwear comes from normal shops too-and works fine with 2 bags.

I hope if you do need a stoma, you’ll find something suitable for you to get back to swimming again. All the best for your upcoming surgery.

Sarah xx

Many thanks for your kindness.

Hi. As Sarah says, just normal swimwear is suitable and there are lots of styles with ruching at the front for example. There are a couple of suggestions on this link and I think 1 is to the Vanilla Blush site who do underwear for people with stomas. Don’t know how tall you are but some tankinis can be a bit short in the body so you could look in the Tall range for extra length?

https://www.healthandcare.co.uk/blog/best-ladies-ostomy-swimwear-for-summer.html

https://www.vblush.com/en/catalog?text=Ladies+Swimwear&sort_by=number&sort_order=DESC&f%5B0%5D=category%3Aswimwear&f%5B1%5D=type%3Ajunior&f%5B2%5D=type%3Aladies

I ordered  a swimsuit from vamilla blush

It was lovely but far too thick over the abdomen because of the pocket to hold a stoma bag.I also found it large around the hips but v small over the bust

This is obviously a personel view

BUT..when I rang I was told that they dont take returns

Kath

Wow-no returns?? I’m sorry it wasn’t suitable Kath, but it’s an added blow to find you can’t return it. I’m going to stick to Matalan, but thanks for the warning. I’ve not felt the need to have a pocket for my stoma bags. 

Sarah xx

I dont feel the need for a pocket either.

I will stick to the high street in future

Kath

No returns is poor - most swimwear has a protective gusset cover and I certainly keep my underwear on when trying on something like that. There’s so many lovely swimsuits nowadays and, as you say, the pouch is well supported so no need for a special pocket x