A composite week-by-week diary of what real total-hip-replacement patients describe wearing in the first seven days — built from recurring themes in patient recovery threads, AAOS post-op guidance, and HSS rehabilitation protocols. The clothing changes daily; the constraints (no bending, no twisting, no crossing legs) don’t.
The first seven days post-hip-replacement involve a wardrobe that changes by day: hospital gown and grippy socks on day 1, loose pull-on pants and a button-front shirt by day 2, layered comfort pieces by day 3, and slowly more “real clothes” by day 7 — but always with the same constraints: nothing requires bending, twisting, or putting weight on the operative hip. Below: each day, what works, what fails, and the small wins.
Day 1 — The hospital
You’re still on a catheter for at least the first 6-12 hours. Most likely outfit: hospital gown, grippy socks the nurses give you, the surgical compression sleeves on your calves. By evening: nurses get you up to the chair, you might add hospital pajama pants if anyone helps, but mostly the gown stays. Don’t try to “dress” today — focus on staying hydrated, breathing exercises (the spirometer is your friend), and the first short walks with the walker.
Day 2 — The first real outfit
Catheter usually comes out. PT visits twice. The walker becomes your constant companion. Outfit:
Day 3 — Coming home
Discharge day. The discharge outfit matters: it’s the outfit you wear in the wheelchair to the car, into the house. Practical version: same loose pull-on pants, button-front shirt, slip-on shoes, button-front cardigan or zip-front jacket layered if cold. Anti-slip socks for inside the house. The hospital provides the abduction pillow (between knees during transit and at home for sleeping).
— composite of recurring sentiment in hip-replacement diaries
Day 4 — First full day home
Sleep was OK or terrible — the abduction pillow takes adjusting to. PT visits or you do home exercises. The outfit settles into a pattern: pull-on pants, soft tee or button-front, slip-on shoes for any walks (even to the bathroom), socks otherwise. By afternoon, you’re tired enough to want pajamas back on. Don’t fight it.
| Time | Typical outfit |
|---|---|
| 7am-10am | Pajamas with raised toilet seat & shower bench |
| 10am-2pm | Pull-on pants + soft tee (PT, lunch, walking practice) |
| 2pm-6pm | Mixed — depending on visitors, naps, fatigue |
| 6pm-bedtime | Pajamas back on; abduction pillow ready |
Day 5 — The first sponge bath
Most surgeons say no shower until incision dressing is removed at the post-op visit (usually day 10-14). Sponge bath today: warm washcloth, soap, basin, dry. The button-front pajama top makes this easier than a pullover. Shoulders and chest first, lower body second. Skip near the incision; it stays dry until cleared.
Day 6 — Walker confidence builds
Walks get longer — short loops around the house, maybe to the mailbox. The walker stays. The clothing stays the same. Some patients try to wear “real” pants today; most still prefer pull-ons. Pull-on pants with a soft fleece interior become the default for cool weather.
Day 7 — The post-op appointment
Outfit for the appointment: same pull-on pants (your surgeon needs to see the incision), button-front shirt, slip-on shoes, light jacket. The surgeon’s office has a chair without arms in some clinics — a folding fabric stadium seat in your bag becomes the unexpected hero. Bring the walker.
What didn’t work
What worked unexpectedly
The 5-piece week 1 wardrobe
Patients consistently describe the same 5-piece set: 2 pairs pull-on pants, 1 button-front pajama set, 1 zip hoodie, 1 pair slip-on shoes. Plus 5 pairs side-snap or loose underwear and 2 button-front shirts. The Inspired Comforts post-surgery collection covers most of these; anything missing fills in from your existing closet.
FAQ
Sources
- AAOS — Total Hip Replacement Exercise Guide · Total Hip Replacement
- Hospital for Special Surgery — Total Hip Replacement
- Mayo Clinic — Hip Replacement Surgery
