A hospital gown is designed to prioritize patient care, hygiene, and immediate medical access. Its structure, typically tying at the back, allows staff to quickly examine or treat any part of the body. While the gown is a medical necessity, patients often worry about balancing this requirement with personal modesty. What you can wear underneath depends entirely on the purpose of your stay, such as general recovery or an invasive procedure.
Daily Wear: Rules for Undergarments During a General Stay
For patients admitted for observation, recovery, or non-invasive treatments, standard undergarments are usually permitted. Wearing your own underwear provides comfort and a sense of normalcy during a hospital stay. The choice should be simple and functional, prioritizing safety and ease of care.
It is recommended to wear cotton underwear without metal components like underwires, snaps, or decorative metal. Cotton is breathable and minimizes the risk of skin irritation. Excessive or layered undergarments may be discouraged, as staff must be able to access the patient quickly in an emergency. For women, a soft, wireless bra or a sports bra is the most acceptable choice.
Mandatory Removal: Preparing for Surgery and Medical Procedures
When preparing for surgery, certain diagnostic imaging, or other invasive procedures, the rules change and require the complete removal of all clothing, including undergarments. This mandatory removal is a safety measure rooted in infection control and procedural requirements. Any foreign material, even clothing, can introduce bacteria to the sterile field, increasing the risk of a surgical site infection.
The presence of metal in undergarments, such as elastic bands or closures, can interfere with advanced medical equipment. During Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, metal can heat up rapidly, potentially causing burns, or distort the resulting images. For surgeries involving electrosurgical units, which use high-frequency electrical current to cut tissue or stop bleeding, metal can act as a conductor, posing a risk of electrical burns to the patient. Therefore, patients are required to be completely nude beneath the provided gown for operating rooms and certain diagnostic tests.
Essential Non-Clothing Items: Socks, Slippers, and Accessories
While clothing under the gown is often restricted, non-clothing items are sometimes permitted or even required for patient safety and comfort. Fall prevention is a major concern, so patients are often provided with specialized non-slip socks. These socks feature treads on the soles to provide superior grip on smooth hospital floors, reducing the risk of slips and falls.
Patients are advised to remove all jewelry, watches, and piercings before a hospital stay. These items can harbor bacteria, interfere with imaging equipment, or become a safety hazard if they catch on equipment. Glasses and dentures are usually kept with the patient until just before a procedure and returned immediately afterward, as they are essential for communication and comfort. Any valuables that are not medically necessary should be sent home for safekeeping.