The recovery period following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery presents unique challenges for daily activities, including getting dressed. Swelling, limited mobility, and the necessary use of a knee brace require a complete re-evaluation of one’s wardrobe. Understanding which garments prioritize comfort and safety is paramount to navigating this recovery, making the process of dressing less frustrating.
Immediate Post-Operative Needs
The first week after surgery is characterized by significant pain, swelling, and severely restricted movement, often requiring the patient to remain non-weight-bearing. Clothing during this initial phase must prioritize accessibility for medical checks and minimize the need to manipulate the operative leg. For the trip home, adaptive clothing is highly beneficial, such as pants with full-length snap or Velcro closures running down the sides. These garments can be put on and removed while lying down, which avoids the painful maneuver of lifting the stiff leg through a pant opening.
Loose-fitting athletic shorts are another excellent option, as they accommodate the bulky post-operative dressing and brace without constricting the incision site. Clothing should be easy for medical staff to move aside to check the surgical wound, drainage sites, and monitor for signs of excessive swelling. Choosing a button-down or zip-up top rather than a pull-over shirt also simplifies dressing, reducing the need for upper body contortions.
Daily Wear and Accommodation for the Brace
Once the initial recovery phase passes, the months-long requirement of wearing a functional knee brace becomes the primary clothing consideration. The brace’s rigid structure and straps necessitate pants with an exceptionally wide leg opening, especially at the ankle, to allow the garment to slide easily over the device. Wide-leg sweatpants, oversized athletic pants, or track pants with zippers that open fully at the bottom ankle are highly functional choices.
The material itself should be stretchy, breathable, and soft to prevent irritation where the fabric meets the brace straps or the skin. Many individuals find that purchasing pants a size larger than normal helps accommodate both the brace and any residual swelling. Garments that require a significant effort to pull up, such as tight leggings, skinny jeans, or pants with restrictive non-elastic waistbands, should be avoided entirely. These items introduce unnecessary risk of falling and can compress the leg uncomfortably.
Essential Footwear and Stability
Footwear is a safety mechanism during ACL recovery, especially when using crutches or a cane, as it provides the only stable point of contact with the ground. The most important features are a low, flat heel, a secure fit, and a non-slip sole to prevent falls on various surfaces. Athletic sneakers, particularly those with good arch support and a firm base, are the preferred choice for stability and balance. To minimize the effort of bending over to tie laces, slip-on shoes or sneakers with a hands-free closure system are highly recommended.
A long-handled shoehorn is an inexpensive tool that allows for easy donning of footwear without stressing the recovering knee. Sandals, high heels, or backless shoes should not be worn because they compromise stability and increase the risk of a fall.
Clothing for Physical Therapy
Physical therapy (PT) sessions require clothing that allows the therapist full visual access and manual manipulation of the knee joint and surrounding muscles. The goal is to see the joint’s axis of rotation and muscle activation during exercises. Athletic shorts are the most practical item, as they ensure the entire knee and thigh are visible for accurate assessment of movement patterns and swelling. If shorts are not suitable due to weather or personal preference, loose-fitting athletic pants or capris that can be easily rolled up well above the knee are necessary. The top worn should be non-restrictive.