By Aasra Editorial Team | India's First Adaptive Clothing Brand
When a parent comes home from hospital, or a family member is confined to bed, one of the first practical questions is what they should wear. Most families search for a "patient dress" or "patient gown" and find two very different things: disposable hospital gowns sold to hospitals in bulk, and ordinary nightwear that was never designed for someone who cannot lift their arms or stand to dress.
This guide explains the types of patient dress available in India, which one suits which situation at home, and what to look for for male and female patients.
What a patient dress needs to do
A good patient dress solves four problems at once:
- Dressing with minimal movement. After surgery, a stroke or a long illness, raising the arms overhead or stepping into trousers may be painful, unsafe or not allowed by the doctor.
- Access for care. Caregivers need to reach wound dressings, drains, a catheter or an injection site without undressing the patient completely.
- Comfort in bed. Someone who lies down for most of the day needs soft fabric with no thick seams, knots or buttons pressing into the skin.
- Dignity. A patient who is fully covered, and dressed in clothes that look like normal clothes, is often more willing to sit up, eat and receive visitors.
The three main types of patient dress
1. Hospital-style patient gown (back opening)
This is the gown most people picture: a loose, knee-length garment that ties at the back of the neck and waist. Hospitals use it because nurses can examine the back, chest and abdomen quickly. Many hospitals provide these gowns during admission, and disposable versions are sold for single use.
At home the back opening causes problems. The back is exposed whenever the patient sits or stands, the ties come undone, and for someone lying in bed the loose fabric bunches underneath them and rubs against the skin. If you are comparing styles, our guide to back-open nighties and what to use instead goes into this in more detail.
2. Front-open patient dress or nighty (for women)
A front-open patient nighty looks like everyday nightwear but opens fully down the front. It can be laid flat, put on with the arms resting at the sides, and closed from the front. For female patients at home this is usually the most practical choice, because it gives front access for dressings and changes while keeping the back and legs covered.
Aasra's front-open patient nighty closes with soft velcro from neckline to hem. It is 100% cotton and comes in sizes S to 2XL.
3. Side-opening shirt and pyjama sets (for men and women)
For many patients, and especially for men, a two-piece set is more comfortable than a gown. The shirt opens down the sides so the arm goes in without being lifted, and the pyjamas open along both sides so they can be put on while lying down, without stepping in or bending the hip or knee.
- Aasra's men's side-opening T-shirt opens down both sides with velcro. Sizes M to 2XL.
- Aasra's men's side-opening velcro pyjamas open along both sides and have an elastic waist. Sizes M to 2XL.
- For women, women's side-opening velcro pyjamas follow the same design. Sizes M to 2XL.
Patient gown vs front-open nighty vs side-opening set
| Back-tie gown | Front-open nighty | Side-opening set | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dressing effort | Low, but ties are fiddly | Low, no arm lifting | Low, can dress lying down |
| Caregiver access | Back, and chest if loosened | Full front | Sides of upper and lower body |
| Coverage and dignity | Back exposed | Fully covered | Fully covered, looks like daywear |
| Comfort in bed | Bunches underneath | Good | Good |
| Best for | Hospital wards, examinations | Women at home after surgery or when bedridden | Men and women, leg or hip surgery, stroke, long-term bed rest |
Choosing a patient dress by situation
After surgery
Match the opening to the surgery. Chest, breast and shoulder surgery need a front or side opening at the top. Hip, knee and spine surgery need lower wear that opens at the sides so the patient does not bend or step in. Our post-surgery clothing collection groups these together.
Bedridden patients
For someone who stays in bed most of the day, choose garments that can be changed without rolling the person more than necessary, in soft cotton with flat seams. Our bedridden care clothing collection and our guide to clothes for bedridden patients cover this in detail.
Patients with a catheter or urine bag
The clothing should not press on the tube, and the bag should be easy to check and empty. Trousers with a side opening make this much simpler. Aasra's catheter pants for men and catheter pants for women have a side zip. See our catheter home care clothing guide for more.
After a stroke
When one side of the body is weak, dress the weaker arm or leg first and undress it last. Side and front openings make this far easier than pull-over clothes. Browse our stroke recovery clothing.
Going to hospital
If a family member is being admitted, it helps to pack front-opening clothes for the stay and for going home. Our guide on what to pack when a parent is admitted has a full list.
How many to buy, and caring for them
- Buy two or three. Patient clothing is changed and washed often, especially after spills, leakage or dressing changes.
- Close the velcro before washing. This keeps lint out of the hooks so the closure keeps its grip.
- Choose cotton. It is gentle on skin that is in contact with the bed for long periods, and it handles frequent washing.
- Size up if there are dressings or swelling. A little extra room makes it easier to dress over bandages, a brace or a drain.
Ordering a patient dress from Aasra
Aasra's patient clothing is made in 100% cotton, and current prices are listed on each product page. The front-open nighty comes in sizes S to 2XL, and the other garments in M to 2XL. Shipping is free on prepaid orders, and cash on delivery is available with a ₹150 shipping charge. Orders dispatch within 2 business days and usually arrive in 3 to 5 business days in metro cities, 5 to 7 in other cities. If you are unsure of the size, message the team on WhatsApp at +91-9211084452 before ordering, because size exchanges must be requested within 2 days of delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a patient dress?
A patient dress is clothing designed so a person who is ill, recovering from surgery or confined to bed can be dressed with little movement, and so a caregiver can reach dressings, drains or a catheter without fully undressing them. Hospital gowns, front-open nighties and side-opening shirt and pyjama sets are all types of patient dress.
What is the difference between a patient gown and a patient dress?
A patient gown usually means the hospital-style gown that ties at the back. It gives staff quick access but leaves the back exposed and bunches under a person lying in bed. For home care, most families prefer a patient dress that opens at the front or sides, which covers the body fully and still gives access.
What should a male patient wear at home?
A side-opening shirt and side-opening pyjamas work well for most male patients, because both can be put on without lifting the arms or stepping into the trousers. Aasra's men's side-opening T-shirt and side-opening velcro pyjamas both come in sizes M to 2XL.
Can a patient with a catheter wear normal clothes?
Usually yes, as long as the clothing does not press on the tube and lets the urine bag hang freely. Loose trousers with a side opening make it easier to check and empty the bag. Aasra's catheter pants for men and women have a side zip for this.
How much does a patient dress cost in India?
Disposable hospital gowns are cheap but are meant for single use. Reusable cotton patient clothing for home care from Aasra is priced per piece (see each product page), with free shipping on prepaid orders and cash on delivery available.
Patient clothing for home care
Front and side openings, 100% cotton, made for dressing with minimal movement.
Free shipping on prepaid orders · Cash on delivery available · Sizes S to 2XL