Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or jersey, wide necklines, and generous armholes so the sling sits comfortably.
Wearing a sling changes how you dress, reach, and move. Even more so if you’re dealing with a lack of mobility and that uncomfortable recovery pain after shoulder surgery.
Too much pressure on your shoulder or overstretching to dress can cause problems for long-term recovery so it’s crucial to make some changes to best aid the process. The goal now is comfort, safety, and small wins that let you stay independent while your shoulder heals.
What to Wear After Shoulder Surgery
Button-front shirts, wrap tops, and easy cardigans glide on without pulling at your shoulder. Too much pressure or overstretching can slow recovery, so keep dressing gentle and simple
Our Top Recommendation: Adaptive Bras
When you’re wearing a sling after shoulder surgery, it can be difficult to maintain your independence, adaptive bras can be the small change that completely alters how much you need to rely on those around you.
An adaptive bra ensures you can effortlessly put on and take off your bra without straining your recovering shoulder, making it a must-have foundation piece during the healing process.
So, what’s the easiest bra to wear after shoulder surgery?
We’d recommend the Springrose adaptive front-closure bras. These bras were created in collaboration with more than 500 women with limited mobility, making them an ideal solution for anyone wearing a sling after shoulder surgery.
The Springrose Easy-On Mobility Bra uses a Velcro front closure and offers step-in, overhead, and one-handed methods. It’s also available with seamless cups. For fuller busts, the Goddess Lift Mobility Bra (DD-H) adds a magnetic front clip for extra support while keeping the same easy-on design. Both reduce strain and help you dress independently.
Shop adaptive bras from Springrose.
Magnetic or Velcro Button-Downs
Short-sleeve or sleeveless tops with wide openings and simple closures work best. Magnetic or Velcro button-downs, V-neck tees in stretchy knits, and lightweight wrap tops reduce friction and help you dress without lifting your arm.
Strapless and Spaghetti-Strap Dresses
These styles are easier to put on one-handed and won’t restrict your mobility. They usually have larger arm and neck openings, which relieves pressure on your shoulder and limits extra movement while dressing.
Overalls
Overalls with adjustable straps and easy-to-use fasteners (clips or front buttons) are a great option for people recovering from shoulder surgery with a sling. They provide easy access to the affected shoulder while still offering support and stability.
Wide-Leg Trousers With an Elastic Waistband
Elastic waists remove zippers and buttons from the equation, making one-handed dressing safer and faster and reducing the risk of slips or falls during recovery.
Change Your Shoes
Slip-on shoes or Velcro fastening shoes can be the perfect choice if you have limited arm mobility due to shoulder surgery. Try to choose supportive and comfortable slip-on shoes with cushioned soles to help with posture and stability during your recovery.
Make The Most Of Simple Accessories
While comfort and practicality are top priorities, that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your personal style completely. One versatile solution is to make the most of scarves and simple accessories.
Scarves not only add a touch of flair to your outfits, but they also serve a practical purpose by providing extra coverage and concealing your sling.
Adaptive Bras For Comfort And Independence
The Springrose Adaptive Bras were created with input from more than five hundred women with limited mobility. They’re ideal after shoulder surgery: they fasten in the front, use gentle materials, and offer multiple ways on, so you can choose the method that fits your range of motion each day.