Getting ready for surgery can be stressful. You have so many things on your mind, so much to do. You’ve checked lists and packed your bag, and now it’s surgery day. One final decision remains – what do you wear to the hospital?
Since you’ll want to be comfortable, choose practical clothing with a loose fit. Sweats or loose workout pants are generally a good choice. You may want to consider wearing shorts if you’re having knee surgery.1 Shirts or blouses with buttons in the front are easiest to put on and take off.2 It’s likely that you’ll be asked to change into a hospital gown once you’re in your room, so you may not even need to wear the clothes you arrive in for long.
If you are planning to wear the same clothes when you go home, think
about where your incision will be and the type of dressing that will
cover it. If you won’t be able to use both your hands, consider
slip-on shoes and clothes without ties, buttons or
zippers.1 If you wear eye glasses, be sure to take a case
to store your glasses in during surgery.
If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your surgeon or the
medical center staff. They should be able to answer any questions you
may have.