A one-arm wardrobe needs: 6-8 oversized button-front shirts, 4-5 pull-on bottoms, 2-3 zip hoodies, slip-on shoes, no socks higher than ankle, NO pullovers, NO t-shirts that go over the head. Size up at least one size — the sling adds bulk. Front-zip everything. The Inspired Comforts post-surgery line is built for exactly this; generic options work too.
The wardrobe rules for a one-armed month
Rule 1: Front-opening only
Anything that goes over your head is OUT. Crew-neck t-shirts, sweatshirts, dresses with side zips — all impossible with a sling. Replace with: button-front shirts, zip hoodies, snap-front polos, robe-style cardigans.
Rule 2: Size up
The sling under or over your shirt adds 4-6 inches of bulk. Size up at least one. Two sizes is better. Get a few items in your normal size for after the sling comes off (week 4-6).
Rule 3: Pull-on bottoms
You can’t button a button or zip a zipper one-handed. Joggers, elastic-waist pants, drawstring shorts, leggings, palazzo pants — anything you can pull on with one hand.
Rule 4: Slip-on shoes only
Velcro, slip-on, slides. NOT laces.
Rule 5: Sock height matters
Crew socks need both hands. Ankle socks slide on. No-show socks if you’re flexible.
The 30-day shopping list
| Item | Quantity | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Oversized button-front shirts | 6-8 | You wear one all day; need rotation |
| Pull-on pants/joggers | 4-5 | Same logic; allows for laundry cycle |
| Zip-front hoodies | 2-3 | Layering for cold rooms |
| Loose t-shirts (size up, for under shirts) | 3-4 | Worn under button shirt; shoulder access if needed |
| Slip-on shoes | 2 pairs | One indoor, one outdoor |
| Ankle socks | 10 pairs | Daily change; easy on/off |
| Bra (front-close, sports bra) | 3-4 | For people who wear bras: front-close OR sports with no underwire |
| Sleepwear (button-front) | 2-3 | For nights in the recliner |
The pieces patients say “saved them”
Things to avoid (don’t even try)
- Pullover sweaters (one-handed yarn-wrestling)
- Crew-neck t-shirts
- Skinny jeans
- Lace-up shoes
- Anything with back zippers
- Sports bras you have to step into and pull up
- Tight watches and bracelets on the operative arm (swelling)
The bra question (honest)
For people who wear bras: this is genuinely difficult for 4-6 weeks. Options:
- Front-close bra (front-zip or front-hook)
- Soft sports bra (no underwire, no closure) you step into via the legs (some people manage this; others find it impossible one-armed)
- Camisoles with shelf bras
- Going braless under a loose top — many patients do this for the first 2-3 weeks
The Inspired Comforts adaptive bra line includes mastectomy/post-surgery bras that work one-handed.
Frequently Asked Questions
From the Inspired Comforts collection.
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Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons — orthoinfo.aaos.org
