A spinal brace (spinal orthosis) is worn over a cotton undershirt. For girls, the brace is worn over the bra and a cotton undershirt. It is sometimes difficult to find seamless 100% cotton undershirts that are long and snug enough, so instructions on how to make your own are provided below.
Instructions for making stockinette undershirts
Stockinette is a seamless, stretchy, knitted fabric used for making undergarments to wear under braces. Its tubular shape is worn around the body. There are two ways to make undershirts from cotton stockinette:
- Cut a piece of stockinette to fit the length from your child’s shoulder to just above their knees. Starting 3½ inches from one end of the stockinette, cut two half-circle slits for the armholes (5 to 7 inches in diameter). The neck can be cut into a half-circle as well, just like a regular undershirt. The raw edges can be turned under and stitched, if desired.
- Cut a piece of stockinette to fit the length from your child’s shoulder to just above their knees. Sew a length of elastic around the opening at one end. When putting the brace on your child, pull the elastic end up high under their arms. Put on and do up the brace, then fold the extra stockinette down over the top of the brace.
Stockinette is 100% cotton and will shrink up to 15 cm (6 inches). Allow for this much shrinkage when cutting undershirts. Before cutting the whole stockinette roll into undershirts, cut 2 or 3 undershirts first and wash them. This will give you an idea of how much shrinkage to expect.
Washing instructions
Place stockinette undershirts in a mesh bag or pillow case for machine washing. Wash in lukewarm or cold water in the washing machine. Use mild, non-perfumed detergent. Do not use liquid fabric softener, as it clogs the spaces in between the fibres that wick away moisture. Use a cool tumble cycle in the dryer or hang to dry. Do not use bleach.
Moisture-wicking undershirts
There are also various readymade moisture-wicking garments that your child can wear under their brace. These seamless, breathable undershirts wick away moisture from the body and keep your child cool. Breathable sports T-shirts are also an option. If they have seams, you may try turning them inside out. Although many moisture-wicking undershirts are made with synthetic materials, or a mixture of synthetic and natural materials, they can still be appropriate for use underneath a brace.
Speak to your child’s orthotist for more information about cotton stockinette or ready-made undershirts.