Infusion days can involve a lot of waiting, sitting, monitoring, and medical care. Whether you’re receiving chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hydration, antibiotics, iron, biologic medications, IV fluids, or another type of infusion, what you wear can make the day a little easier.
For someone going through their first infusion, clothing may not be the first thing on the preparation list. But once you’re sitting in an infusion chair with an IV in your arm or a port accessed in your chest, you may quickly realize that the shirt you chose matters.
The goal isn’t to find a special “infusion outfit.” It’s to choose clothing that gives your care team access to the area they need while helping you stay comfortable, warm, and able to move around as much as possible.
Important: Infusion treatments vary widely. Always follow the instructions provided by your medical team, including instructions about food, fluids, medications, skin care, compression garments, and what you should or should not wear during treatment.
What Is an Infusion?
An infusion is a way of delivering medication, fluids, blood products, nutrition, or other treatments into the body through a vein or another type of access. IV therapy may be used for many different reasons, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, antibiotics, fluids, electrolytes, nutrition, and other medications.
Some people receive an infusion through a temporary IV placed in the hand or arm. Others may have a longer-term access such as a port, PICC, or another central venous catheter.
Your treatment may take minutes, several hours, or sometimes much longer. Cancer treatment infusions, for example, can involve several medications or fluids before the primary treatment begins, and some appointments can last most of the day.
That means your clothing needs to do more than simply look good.
1. Choose Easy Access Over Complicated Layers
One of the most important things to consider is where your care team needs access.
If you have a port in your chest, a shirt with a wide neckline, buttons, snaps, or an opening designed for chest access may be easier than a traditional crewneck shirt.
If you receive treatment through a peripheral IV in your hand or arm, short sleeves or sleeves that can easily move above the IV site may be helpful.
The American Cancer Society specifically recommends clothing that allows easy access to the arm or chest for people with an IV or port, such as short-sleeved or button-up shirts.
Before your appointment, ask:
- Where will my IV or port be accessed?
- Will I need blood work before treatment?
- Will the access remain in place for several hours?
- Will I need to keep my arm in a particular position?
- Will I need to walk around while connected to an IV pole?
- Will I need access to both sides of my chest?
Knowing these details can help you choose clothing based on your actual treatment rather than guessing.
2. Think About the Infusion Chair
Infusion appointments often involve sitting or reclining for extended periods.
That makes comfort important—but comfort can mean different things to different people.
For some, soft and loose clothing feels best. Others prefer clothing that feels more structured and secure. If you have sensory sensitivities, neuropathy, swelling, pain, or areas that are sensitive after surgery, seams and waistbands may matter just as much as the fabric itself.
Consider:
- Soft fabrics
- Non-restrictive waistbands
- Minimal irritating seams
- Pants that allow comfortable sitting
- Layers you can easily remove
- Shoes that are easy to put on and take off
You don't have to wear pajamas to be comfortable. A soft pair of adaptive pants and a favorite T-shirt can be just as practical while still feeling like you.
3. Bring a Layer
Infusion centers can feel chilly, and you'll likely be sitting relatively still for a significant amount of time.
The American Cancer Society recommends bringing a jacket or blanket if you tend to get cold. MD Anderson also recommends warm, comfortable clothing and suggests a zippered or button-front sweatshirt because it can be worn without interfering with an IV.
A good infusion-day layering piece should ideally be:
- Easy to put on and remove
- Loose enough to accommodate IV tubing
- Easy to open around a port or central line
- Comfortable while sitting
- Not so bulky that it interferes with your IV or medical equipment
A zip-front hoodie or adaptive sweatshirt can be particularly useful because you don't necessarily have to pull it over your head.
4. Consider Adaptive Clothing for Port Access
For people who have a chest port or central line, traditional shirts can create an awkward choice: lift the shirt, stretch the neckline, partially undress, or try to work around the clothing.
Adaptive clothing offers another option.
For example, Spoonie Threads' Raglan Access Tees feature discreet shoulder openings designed to provide access to ports and central lines while allowing the wearer to remain dressed. The tees are available in adult sizes and are designed for treatment days as well as everyday wear.
The design can be useful for people who want chest access without having to remove their shirt during treatment.
Other adaptive options may include:
- Chest access shirts
- Port-access tops
- Side-opening tops
- Button-front shirts
- Zipper-access tops
- Open-back garments
- Adaptive layers
The best option depends on your treatment, access site, mobility, personal preferences, and what your healthcare team recommends.
5. Don't Forget the Sleeves
Sleeves can become surprisingly important on infusion days.
If you have a peripheral IV, tight sleeves may make access difficult or become uncomfortable once the IV is in place. A loose sleeve that can be moved above the IV site may be more practical.
On the other hand, if you have a chest port and tend to get cold, longer sleeves can provide additional warmth while leaving the chest accessible.
This is one reason adaptive clothing can be useful: the goal isn't necessarily to have less clothing around the treatment area. It's to have access where you need it while keeping the rest of you covered and comfortable.
6. Choose Pants for Sitting, Not Just Standing
The pants that feel great when you're standing in front of the mirror may feel completely different after two or three hours in an infusion chair.
Look for:
- A comfortable waistband
- Stretch or flexibility
- Enough room for sitting
- Easy dressing if mobility is limited
- Pockets for personal items
- Access features if you use medical equipment around your abdomen or legs
If you have abdominal sensitivity, recent surgery, a feeding tube, an ostomy, or another medical need around the waist, consider whether a traditional waistband will put pressure on the area.
Adaptive pants, wide-leg styles, stretch waistbands, and other modified designs may give you more options.
7. Wear Shoes You Can Live In
Infusion day probably isn't the day to test out a brand-new pair of shoes.
Choose something you've already worn and know is comfortable.
Slip-on shoes can be especially helpful if bending, standing, or managing footwear is difficult. If your treatment causes fatigue, neuropathy, swelling, or other symptoms that affect your feet, talk with your healthcare team about appropriate footwear for your situation.
And remember that some infusion appointments involve walking between registration, labs, treatment rooms, bathrooms, and other areas of the facility.
Comfort matters from the moment you leave home until the moment you return.
8. Dress for Your Body That Day
One of the biggest mistakes people can make is choosing an outfit based on what they think they should be able to tolerate.
Instead, think about what your body needs that day.
Maybe you need loose clothing because you're experiencing bloating.
Maybe you need layers because temperature changes are difficult.
Maybe you're dealing with fatigue and need an outfit that is easy to put on.
Maybe you're recovering from surgery and need to avoid pressure around a particular area.
Maybe you simply want to wear your favorite color because having something that feels familiar makes the appointment a little easier.
There is no single “right” infusion-day outfit.
9. Pack a Small Comfort Bag
Clothing is only one part of preparing for a long infusion appointment.
The American Cancer Society suggests bringing items such as water and snacks when appropriate, entertainment, lip balm, a notebook, a jacket or blanket, and other personal comfort items.
Depending on your treatment plan and your care team's instructions, you might also bring:
- Headphones
- Phone charger
- Tablet or e-reader
- Book
- Water bottle
- Approved snacks
- Medication list
- Questions for your care team
- A small blanket
- Hand lotion or lip balm
- Mobility aids
- Personal medical supplies
If you're a caregiver, consider making a reusable infusion-day checklist so you don't have to remember everything from scratch each time.
10. Let Your Care Team Know If Something Doesn't Feel Right
Clothing can improve accessibility and comfort, but it can't replace medical guidance.
During an infusion, tell your nurse if you feel unusual, uncomfortable, or unwell. The American Cancer Society specifically advises patients not to assume that a new or concerning sensation is simply “normal.”
Your care team can also tell you whether a particular garment, compression item, sleeve, or other accessory is appropriate for your treatment.
This is especially important if you have recently had surgery, have a newly placed port or catheter, have a wound or dressing, or are experiencing swelling or skin changes.
Infusion-Day Outfit Checklist
Before heading out, ask yourself:
Access
- ☐ Can my care team easily reach my IV, port, or catheter?
- ☐ Can I keep the rest of my body covered if I want to?
Comfort
- ☐ Will this feel comfortable after several hours of sitting?
- ☐ Are the waistband and seams comfortable?
- ☐ Can I adjust my layers easily?
Mobility
- ☐ Can I dress independently or with the amount of assistance I need?
- ☐ Can I comfortably use my mobility aid while wearing this outfit?
Practicality
- ☐ Do I have somewhere to keep my phone and essentials?
- ☐ Are my shoes comfortable?
- ☐ Do I have a layer in case I get cold?
Medical needs
- ☐ Does this work with my port, IV, PICC, ostomy, feeding tube, pump, or other medical equipment?
- ☐ Have I checked with my care team if I have questions about what is appropriate?
The Bottom Line
Infusion days can already require a lot of planning. Your clothing shouldn't create another obstacle.
Whether you choose a favorite button-up shirt, a soft sweatshirt, stretchy pants, or adaptive clothing specifically designed for medical access, look for pieces that make it easier to receive care while maintaining your comfort, privacy, and personal style.
For people who regularly receive infusions, small changes to clothing can become part of a larger routine that makes treatment days more predictable. And sometimes, something as simple as knowing exactly what you're going to wear can take one more decision off your plate.
Adaptive clothing is one option—not a requirement. The right outfit is the one that helps you feel comfortable, prepared, and like yourself.
Helpful Resources
- American Cancer Society: What to Expect on Your First Day of Chemo
- American Cancer Society: Getting Chemotherapy
- American Cancer Society: IV Lines and Ports
- MD Anderson: Packing for Your First Visit
- Spoonie Threads Raglan Access Tees
FAQ: What to Wear for Infusion Treatment
What should I wear to my first infusion?
Choose comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area where you'll receive treatment. For an arm IV, short or loose sleeves may be helpful. For a chest port, consider a button-up, zip-front, or adaptive top that allows chest access.
Can I wear a long-sleeve shirt to an infusion?
Yes, depending on where your IV or other access is located. Make sure the sleeve can be comfortably moved away from the treatment area and won't interfere with your IV or other medical equipment.
What should I wear if I have a chemo port?
A top with easy chest access can make treatment more convenient. Button-front shirts, zip-front tops, and adaptive port-access shirts are all options. Your care team can tell you what will work best with your specific port and treatment.
Do infusion centers provide blankets?
Many infusion centers have blankets, but policies and availability vary. Bringing a lightweight layer or blanket can give you another option if you become cold.
Are adaptive clothes only for chemotherapy?
No. Adaptive clothing can be useful for many medical situations, including infusions, dialysis, post-surgical recovery, feeding tubes, ostomy care, ports, PICC lines, mobility limitations, and other medical needs. The appropriate garment depends on the person's specific needs.
What should caregivers consider when choosing an infusion-day outfit?
Think about access, comfort, mobility, temperature, and how much assistance the person needs with dressing. If the person has a port, IV, feeding tube, ostomy, or other medical equipment, choose clothing that accommodates those needs without creating unnecessary pressure or difficulty.
