Hospital Gowns: How To Put Them On Properly

Putting on a hospital gown can be a daunting experience, especially if you've never done it before or are using a new style of gown. Hospital gowns are designed to provide easy access for healthcare providers to examine you, run tests, or check your vitals, while also providing patients with as much dignity as possible. In this guide, we'll break down the steps to help you effortlessly put on a hospital gown and avoid the struggle with excess fabric.

Identify the front of the gown and hold it open

Before putting on a hospital gown, it is important to identify its front and hold it open. Hospital gowns come in a variety of styles, and the first step is to determine which type you have. If you are wearing an up-and-down gown, grab it and turn it so that it completely covers your front, unless medical staff has advised otherwise. On the other hand, if you have a wrap gown, slip into it with the gaps facing the front.

When identifying the front of the gown, it is crucial to understand that hospital gowns are designed to be put on backward. Hold the gown in front of you with the opening facing you, ensuring that it is turned right side out. The pattern on the fabric should face away from you, and you should be looking at the inside of the gown. This way, you can slide your arms through the sleeves, and the opening will be at your back.

Some hospital gowns have lower ties that tie in the front to provide more coverage. If you see a tie near your hips at the front, reach behind you to find the second tie near your lower back. Bring the back tie around to the front and tie them together in a bow near your hip. This will give you more coverage at the back.

Before putting on the hospital gown, you usually need to remove your clothes, although in some cases, you may be able to keep your underwear on. If you are unsure, you can leave your underwear on and double-check with the doctor later. It is also important to note that you may be able to wear pants or a shirt underneath the gown, depending on the area being examined. Always follow the instructions provided by medical staff regarding how much clothing to remove.

Slip your arms into the sleeves

Now that you have the hospital gown held in front of you with the opening facing you, it's time to slip your arms into the sleeves. This part is simple, but it's important to remember that hospital gowns are designed with wide openings to accommodate adults of all sizes, so don't be surprised by the amount of fabric.

Go ahead and slide your arms through the sleeves of the gown. Depending on the hospital, your gown may have short or long sleeves. Pull your arms all the way through so that the gown is now hanging off your shoulders with the opening in the back. The gown should now be covering your front, unless your doctor has instructed you otherwise.

If you have upper-body mobility, you can proceed to tie the neck strings behind your head. If your arms are not mobile enough to reach behind your head, don't worry—there's an alternative method. You can tie the strings in front of your chest and then slip the strings over your head.

At this point, you may also want to consider tying the waist strings, especially if you plan on walking around. However, if you'll be lying down, you may prefer to leave the waist strings untied to avoid the knot digging into your lower back.

Tie the neck strings

When putting on a hospital gown, it is important to first identify the type of gown you are wearing. If you are wearing a straight up-and-down gown, grab it and turn it so that it completely covers your front, unless your doctor has instructed you to wear it otherwise. Next, slip your arms into the sleeves and pull the gown up to your neck. If you have upper-body mobility, you can tie the neck strings behind your head.

If you are facing difficulty with your arms or upper body, there is a simple alternative. You can tie the neck strings in front of your chest and then slip the strings over your head. This ensures that the gown is securely fastened without requiring full upper-body mobility.

It is important to note that you should always tie the gown in loose bows to avoid any discomfort or difficulty when removing the gown. Double-knotting the strings can make it challenging to undo the ties later.

Additionally, some hospital gowns have lower ties that tie in the front to provide more coverage. If you notice a tie near your hips in the front, reach behind you to find the second tie near your lower back. Bring the back tie around to the front and tie them together in a bow. This will give you a bit more coverage at the back.

Tie the waist strings

When putting on a hospital gown, it is important to first identify where the ties are located. Hospital gowns come in a variety of styles, and the location of the ties can vary. Some gowns have waist ties at the back, while others have ties that connect in the front near the hip, providing more coverage for the wearer.

If your hospital gown has waist ties at the back, you can choose to tie them in a loose bow if you plan on walking around. This will help to keep the gown securely in place. However, if you intend to lie down, you may prefer to leave the waist ties untied. This is because the knot can dig into your lower back and cause discomfort.

For hospital gowns with front waist ties, the process is slightly different. First, locate the tie near your hips at the front of the gown. Then, reach behind you to find the second tie near your lower back. Bring the back tie around to the front and connect it with the front tie, tying them together in a bow. This type of gown provides more coverage for the backside.

It is important to note that hospital gowns with front waist ties typically have more material than those that tie in the back. This allows for increased coverage and can be beneficial for those who prioritize modesty.

Regardless of the gown style, remember that your comfort is essential. If you feel uncomfortable with the fit or style of your hospital gown, don't hesitate to ask for an alternative. Hospitals usually provide a range of gown options to accommodate different patient needs, including physical abilities and personal preferences.

Ask for help if needed

Putting on a hospital gown can be a stressful and daunting experience, especially if you have mobility issues, arthritis, or other conditions that affect your strength or mobility. If you are struggling, don't hesitate to ask for help. Hospital staff are there to assist you and ensure your comfort and dignity.

If you are having difficulty tying the gown, ask a nurse or doctor to help you. They can also advise you on whether you can wear underwear or pants underneath the gown, as this may depend on the type of examination or procedure you are undergoing. If you are unable to use ties due to physical limitations, consider requesting a gown with poppers, which are easy to secure and can be left on during various tests and procedures.

If you are wearing a straight up-and-down gown, ask for assistance in ensuring the front is completely covered before slipping your arms into the sleeves and pulling the gown up to your neck. With this style of gown, someone can help you tie the neck strings behind your head or, if you prefer, in front of your chest, followed by slipping the strings over your head. If you plan to walk around, you may want to tie the waist strings, but if you will be lying down, leaving them untied might be more comfortable.

For wrap-style gowns, which have two waist ties and no neck tie, you can ask for help in slipping into the gown with the gaps facing the front. Then, with assistance, you can bring the waist ties around to the front and tie them together in a bow, providing more coverage for your backside. Remember, it's important to always tie the gowns in loose bows to avoid any discomfort or difficulty when it's time to change out of the gown.

Frequently asked questions