Setting up your postmastectomy wardrobe can be an important step to take before surgery. Read on for pieces that may make your recovery as comfortable as possible.

Planning and organizing for life after your mastectomy can help put your mind at ease. Postsurgery, you might feel like you don’t have the time and energy you usually do. Even routine tasks like getting dressed may feel more challenging than they may have felt before surgery.

Try setting up your postmastectomy wardrobe beforehand to ensure that you’re as comfortable as possible during recovery. The key is to prepare a collection of functional and fashionable shirts, dresses, pajamas, and more.

A soft and comfortable robe is a must-have item. Bathrobes’ typically wide sleeves may make it easy to navigate around drainage tubes, and you can adjust the slackness of the robe to avoid feeling constricted. The plush material in the robe can also feel good against your skin.

Lifting your arms overhead can be uncomfortable in the weeks after surgery. Consider full-zip shirts or camisoles. Many postsurgical camisoles even have interior pockets to hold a drain, which can improve accessibility during doctor appointments.

Being comfortable enough to get good sleep is important for recovery. A loose-fitting pajama set with a button-up or zipper top is a must. The fabric should be soft, and the pajamas should be easy to get on and off.

Pool cover-ups are great summertime pieces for after surgery. They’re lightweight, easy to move in, and often colorful and stylish. If you need a boost of femininity in your postsurgery wardrobe, slip a cover-up over your favorite camisole.

Comfortable dresses are easy and practical choices. Before surgery, make sure to add a few that have a loose fit and soft fabric. If you can find one with a front zipper or buttons, that’s even better. Dresses come in a range of styles. A dress can feel like a more formal piece compared with clothing like pajamas or bathrobes while still being comfortable. This could be good to have if you want a dressier option.

Getting everything in order before surgery can feel daunting. But stocking your closet with functional essentials can help you recover comfortably without affecting your style.