Have a doctor’s appointment coming up? It’s almost like a first date in some respects. You don’t really know if this will be a one time meet or one that will last a lifetime (that may be an overexaggeration, but you get the idea). You may be filled with nerves thinking about all the what-if scenarios and practicing what you want to say over and over again. Usually in a date situation, you want to make a good first impression. You want to get dressed up, groomed and looking your best.
You may think that the same would apply to see this new doctor as you want to make a good first impression. Going to doctor’s appointments though sometimes doesn’t serve the patient well dressed like that. Unfortunately, when you look good and so do your tests, it’s hard to get doctor’s to believe that you don’t feel well (& further investigate) when you have an invisible illness.
When you come in your natural state, not only will they be more likely to believe you aren’t feeling well, but they could also maybe see signs that your body is truly not doing well. Signs that would have otherwise been missed had you decided to wear makeup or presented in the opposite of the stereotypical “sick” person looks like.
Now, this is not true of all doctors. You may hear some doctor’s respond better when you are dressed up and there is merit to that too. In our experience though, when you are undiagnosed (or even diagnosed but still needing help) and they are assessing whether or not you really are sick, allowing them to see what you really look like can truly make a difference in their approach and care. It shouldn’t be this way, but even doctor’s have bias and can forget that there is no standard way a sick person will look.
Here are some examples of what we recommend to wear to your doctor appointment and reasons why.
1 -Sweatshirt
Bring one! It gets so cold in doctor’s offices!
Our sweatshirts and hoodies are perfect for doctor appointment visits!
2 – Shirt
Anything loose fitting, comfortable and easy to take on and off. Make sure that the sleeves are easily rollable in case you need a blood draw or an IV.
We recommend one of our comfy shirts!
3 – Bra
Wear a bralette or something loose and easy to take off/ move around for EKG’s or exams.
4 – Pants
Anything comfortable and easy to put on and take off. Joggers or leggings are a great option! Consider what type of appointment you are having and which specialist you will be seeing – neuro for example may ask you to roll up your pant leg so joggers or sweatpants may be easier than leggings.
5 – Socks
Make sure to wear them as you will have to take your shoes off for height, weight and exams.
6 – Shoes
Make sure to wear them as you will have to take your shoes off for height, weight and exams.
7 – Nail Polish
Don’t wear any if you can help it. They can see signs of nutritional deficiencies and other health markers in your nails.
8 – Hair
Up in a bun (if they already have your height), a braid or any hairstyle with it pulled away from face in a non-distracting way. Try to keep it simple.
9 – Glasses / Contacts
Not a huge difference, but depending on what you will be needing to do you could always just bring your glasses as a backup in case they need you to take your contacts out for a test.
10 – Makeup
Don’t wear any if you can help it. Doctor’s can then see outward signs of your health that would otherwise be missed such as dark eye circles, skin discoloration, breakouts etc.
11 – Jewlery
Leave it at home, it’s easier than having to take it all off at an appointment and then losing it somewhere between the office and home.
12 – Backpack / Tote Bag
Bring a bag big enough to carry all medical files, medical aids, medications, snacks, any medical supplies you will need, your notebook etc.
Conclusion
Hopefully that helped give you some ideas of what to wear to your doctor’s appointment!
At the end of the day, whether you dress up or down, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and get the care you want and deserve – regardless of how you decide to dress.
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