work clothing tips!

[Minigoose]

Hi girls,

I had surgery 7 weeks ago and went back to work last week! I work with little ones, sometimes doing home visits, office working, etc.

My dilemma is, my gorgeous bloated (and very sore) stomach, does not like fitting into anything of mine. For reference I’m quite small, so lots of clothes don’t suit me!

I can’t fit into my work trousers, or my jeans, and anything elasticed - the pressure hurts my stomach! This has come as a bit of a shock, and I’m struggling with this change! So any ideas/suggestions/advice for outfits, clothes, etc that I could wear to work (especially out on visits) would be so appreciated!! (Also to mention I’m still on a medically induced menopause so hot flushes are real, so I’m not a fan of thick clothing atm!)

I have to be honest, I’ve been very lucky so far with not bloating too much, so haven’t had to get clothes for it yet! Also, just to comment (incase anyone is about to ask) I’ve been surviving in shorts or dresses so far, as it’s obviously summer, and I haven’t left the house much since!

[CitizenErased]

Sorry to hear you're struggling! I get this too when I'm bloated. It's so sore. I basically live in jeggings (Halara do some good ones, but they can be a bit pricey so I usually wait until they have a sale to buy them – I got two pairs for 45 quid the other day). If you really can't take any pressure, they also have a 'crossover' style that is looser around the middle and more forgiving for bloating. They also have some more work appropriate styles if you need them.

Then in the winter I love a thin jumper dress and some soft tights or high-waisted tights that go all the way over my stomach so they don't cut in. Sooo comfy. And they look awesome with a pair of docs 😊

[BloomingMarvellous]

I use BAM Enduro leggings but they do other items. The leggings are forgiving size wise and the fabric is very soft as well as long lasting. Being bamboo they regulate temp well

[Star30]

Hi, I work in paediatrics with Early Years children and a lot of my home visits involve being on the floor and interacting and engaging with the children at their level. With working for the NHS I am suppose to wear the awful dreaded blue trousers which have absolutely no give at all and cut you straight across your tummy! My tummy is constantly swollen and sore so I just wear my own trousers now. The best work trousers I have found are from simply be, they look like normal fastening trousers at the front but are elasticated all the way around the back and I just sized up to give me the extra space, come in different leg sizes too. If I’m having an admin day in the office I usually wear floaty dresses and will wear tights for cooler months. Again with tights I go for a longer leg so they pull up right under my bra rather than sitting on my tummy and this seems to help. I have to say though as soon as I get home or if I am not going anyway I live in my PJs as this is the only thing I am comfortable in if I having a bad flare up and bloated tummy! Take care ❤️

[gardentink]

The Lucy&Yak Alexa style trousers are comfy on the stomach. They’re got a really deep waistband with lots of elastic (like shirring). You can usually pick them up on vinted, or there’s a resale page on Facebook. There’s also lots of other trouser styles, and the L&Y community page on Facebook are really lovely and can offer advice

They also do some great, loose dresses that work well and you can layer underneath in the cooler months.

Their dungas are also really comfy and have no waist seams, but if your job requires you getting down to the floor a lot, I find the straps on the shoulders get annoying and dig in when doing that.

[Amyrebecca246]

Luckily my job doesn't require a uniform so I can pick what I'm wearing. I tend to do jeggings and leggings quite a lot with loose tops. I'm not sure if they still do then but I got some trousers from Morrisons which look like fairly smart black trousers but are actually soft like jogging bottoms with a thick, high waistband that I love.

[Whoosh451]

can be a bit of a faff when you need the loo but I live in some zip up soft loose jumpsuits from warehouse when I’m swollen! So comfy, nothing round the middle and still look kind of smart. They don’t cling either so the swelling isn’t too obvious- it’s like being in pjs!