Please note that the following content contains mentions of fertility and pregnancy.
One of the most frustrating things people with endometriosis deal with is the dreaded endo belly.
A flat belly can turn into a very bloated belly in no time at all and make even the most comfortable pair of jeans or pants way too small. So, what’s a friEndo to do?
Let’s be honest, there is nothing better than a pair of sweatpants (or no pants) when you’re bloated and in pain. However, there are more options out there for when you want to dress up a little bit more; whether it’s for work, a night out with friends or your latest Netflix binge session. No matter your gender or how you prefer to dress, we’ve got you covered. With (social-distanced) Halloween just around the corner, there might even be the start of a comfy costume here for however you’ll be celebrating this year.
Cargo joggers
Sometimes when you’ve been wearing the same pair of sweatpants for weeks on end, a slight change is all you need. While they might not fly at your office, cargo joggers are the fashionable cousin to sweatpants and their stretchy waistband will keep you comfortable.
Scrubs
A pair of plain black scrubs can be a comfortable and more dressed up alternative to sweatpants. They can be a great go-to when working a job that requires plain black pants that aren’t sweats or leggings. Look for scrubs with a wide and stretchy waistband that can accommodate even the worst endo belly.
Jeggings
A great pair of jeggings have all the comfort of a pair of leggings but with the casual sophistication of jeans. If you can find a pair without a button to dig into your belly, even better.
TIP: Try sizing up from your normal size to give yourself a little more leeway on bad endo belly days. If you find your pants don’t stay on when you size up, try suspenders instead of a belt.
Maxi Dress
A maxi dress, or any dress that isn’t super fitted, is a great option if you cannot bear the thought of having something pressing against your belly.
Depending on the style, they can be easily dressed up or down. They’re also a community favourite for surgery recovery.
Jumpsuit
If a dress isn’t your cup of tea, try a jumpsuit!
Similar to maxi dresses, jumpsuits can be easily dressed up or down, depending on the occasion, and will give your grouchy belly a break from constrictive waistbands. On a hot summer day or when dealing with hot flashes, a romper can be a cooler option.
Overalls
If dresses and jumpsuits don’t float your bloat but you can’t stand the thought of a waistband pressing against your belly, try some overalls! While not quite business casual, they’re a great option to switch things up at home or on the go.
Maternity Jeans or Pants
The thought of shopping in the maternity section might be triggering for some people with endo, especially for folks struggling with infertility or those who do not want to be pregnant. If you are someone who is comfortable shopping in this area, maternity jeans or pants can be a great option on days when your endo belly refuses to cooperate. They appear to be a regular pair of pants but the stretchy panel in the front can accommodate the most bloated of endo bellies. Paired with a longer top, no one needs to know you’re wearing maternity clothes if you don’t want them to.
Clothes help us express ourselves and they are an outward display of who we are.
Clothes might seem like a superficial thing when dealing with pain or other debilitating endo symptoms but they can have a huge impact on how we feel about ourselves. There’s no reason you can’t have clothes that make you feel good when you look in the mirror, even if you’re dealing with pain, bloating or other unpleasant symptoms. Keep an eye out for sales online or check out your local thrift store if you’re on a tight budget.
If you’re struggling with bloating or pain and can’t seem to find clothes that are comfortable or make you feel good, see what The Endometriosis Network Canada members have to say about their favourites. Do you have a favourite outfit (or another piece of clothing we may have missed) that you think other endo siblings would love too? Join the conversation and let us know by joining The Endometriosis Network Canada Facebook support group.