DISCUSSIONS OF UNDERWEAR FOLLOW BELOW. READ WITH CAUTION.
Ah! What more do I want to talk about then shopping and lingerie! I am someone who used to have an extensive underwear collection (some might say excessive) and I would have pants for every occasion. Since getting my stoma, I have felt really rather limited in the underwear that I am able to have that I feel works with my stoma. All of this is of course personal preference so take it with a pinch of salt if you are someone with a stoma who is looking to me for what to do!
Personally I have found that I prefer high waisted underwear but I have found that some of the underwear that is ‘high waisted’ isn’t quite high enough and this can cause problems and interfere with the bag. This has been particularly noticeable with ‘shapewear’. Shapewear was recommended by my stoma nurse as it gives some support to the stoma but it is ridiculously expensive. While I have found some are ok, I just personally dont feel it is the most comfortable thing to be wearing. So I have found that Marks and Spencer do a set of high waisted pants that are comfortable and seem to do what I need them to do. Now, I am certainly someone who enjoys comfort BUT these pants from Marks and Spencer are 100% Bridget Jones underwear. They are super comfy but not the most elegant things in the world.
This is where Vanilla Blush came in for me.
I ordered a pair of pants on a bit of a whim, saucily named ‘Just One Shade of Grey’, they are a specifically designed stoma underwear that make you actually feel pretty good. They have a higher level of support than the briefs from Marks and Spencer as well as just being generally prettier. What has really impressed me is the underwear from Vanilla Blush has a pocket in it for you to be able to put the stoma bag in. This give the bag increased support as well as separating it from your body so as to minimise the sweat between the bag and your skin. Honestly, Vanilla Blush underwear has been a complete revelation for me.
A small disclaimer – I only wear these pants on special occasions, not for every day use. I also haven’t tried any other underwear made for ostomates.
To those needing underwear for a stoma, I would highly recommend Vanilla Blush and I seriously hope to expand my collection soon. They have been the prettiest and most supportive underwear brand that I have tried and I am seriously impressed.