Diabetes affects every facet of daily life—diet, sleep, and exercise, to name a few. It can even affect clothing choices. Whether your pump is a lump underneath your clothes or tied to you 24/7 by a tube, chances are you’re very aware of how some clothing better suits your pump than others.
When the warmer weather arrives and we swap our coats and jeans for lighter clothing, it can be difficult for your pump and your fashion sense to peacefully coexist. You want to buy the super cute dress you saw in the store, but you know it doesn’t have a sensible place to put your pump. That’s where pockets, and other creative solutions, come into play. Check out the variety of dresses below that feature pockets for your pump in addition to spring trends, or try one of the do-it-yourself methods detailed below. Remember that you don’t have to sacrifice your unique sense of style because of your diabetes: It’s possible for them to come together in hip harmony.
1) Boho Chic
This dress has a cool blue palette and is certainly on-trend with its ombré pattern. Its long-sleeves, coupled with discreet pockets, make it easy and stylish to conceal any kind of insulin pump. Bonus: It’s totally affordable, with a bargain price tag of $30.
2) Playful Romper/Jumpsuit (for those not fond of dresses!)
Dresses and skirts just not your thing? Don’t discount rompers or jumpsuits, which more often than not feature pockets as part of the standard design. They’re easy to style, too, and can be made casual with a pair of sneakers and a cardigan or dressy with high heels and chunky jewelry. Try this jumpsuit with an interesting vine print and smocked waist or this romper adorned with pastel flowers.
3) Simple and Sweet
This dress is available in seven different colors and stands out for its trapeze shape, a style that’s flattering on nearly every body type. It’s free of fussy ruffles or frilly lace, making it easy for you to dress it up or down to suit your preferences. The boldness of the honey yellow shade allows the dress to speak for itself and is an ideal sheath for those unafraid of color.
4) Flower Power
Spring weather often signifies the start of growing gardens and blooming flowers, and this is true for the fashion world, too. There are tons of dresses out there with floral prints, but I especially like this one for the one-shoulder detail and pops of bright color that stand in contrast to the navy bodice.
5) Quirky Cute
Modcloth.com is a treasure trove filled with vintage and fun fashions. This dress exemplifies its spirit with white accent piping and patchy pockets. The vibrant red color helps make the frock especially fanciful and makes it a great addition to a fearless fashionista’s wardrobe.
As fun as the prospect of shopping for new clothes might sound to some, others might prefer to think more outside the box and find a way for pre-existing closets to accommodate insulin pumps. You may decide to take a do-it-yourself approach by reinventing the use of a wardrobe staple: the tube sock. Cut it up and tie it around your thigh, garter-style, for a quick fix. For those athletes out there who simply struggle to make their pumps or CGMs portable, the Myabetic Dexcom armband is a fantastic find that won’t require you to make one single adjustment to your attire. Or if you don’t mind getting a little more intimate with your insulin pump, consider purchasing underwear that’s specifically designed to hold your pump securely. The following article features five brands that make panties for your pump. You can also try clipping your pump to your bra, as long as you don’t mind potential beeps and bleeps emitting from your chest!
Whether you choose to put your pump in a pocket, garter, or even your panties, know that these options make it easier to maintain your pump’s portability and wear clothing with confidence.
Note: If you use a pump with tubing, consider cutting a small hole into pockets so you can run the tube through it, making it easily accessible and more comfortable for you to wear.
I sense I might be a tad underdressed if I try one of these fashions. Or maybe overdressed? I will ask my wife what she thinks.
Ok I had a good eye roll.
This is great, Molly! I loved your fashion selections. I’m a regular Lindy swing dancer, so dresses are a fun departure from my typical jeans + Keds outfits. I also enjoyed the Miabetic armband. One suggestion: I didn’t see a fashion selection for the male diabetic, so you might want to add something for men/boys. (Me: Athletic Type 1 Female, 30+ years)