Wear loose-fitting clothes that give your doctor easy access to your joints. A short-sleeve or sleeveless top, paired with shorts or pants that pull up past the knee, covers most of what a rheumatology visit demands. The goal is simple: your rheumatologist needs to see, touch, and move your joints without fighting your clothing to do it.
Why Clothing Matters at This Appointment
A rheumatology visit is more hands-on than a typical checkup. Your doctor will likely examine multiple joints, checking for swelling, warmth, tenderness, and range of motion in your hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, ankles, and feet. If your sleeves won’t roll past your elbows or your pants are too tight to pull above the knee, the exam gets harder for both of you. If your garments are too tight or bulky, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown, which most people would rather avoid.
In some cases, you may be asked to undress down to your undergarments for a comprehensive musculoskeletal exam. It’s uncommon for more intimate areas like the genitalia, breasts, or rectum to be examined, so wearing comfortable, full-coverage underwear and a sports bra or bralette (if applicable) is a practical choice that keeps you feeling less exposed.
Best Tops for Joint Access
Sleeveless tops or shirts with sleeves that roll up easily are ideal. Your doctor needs to examine your shoulders, elbows, wrists, and hands, and a fitted long-sleeve shirt makes that difficult. A tank top, loose t-shirt, or button-up shirt all work well. Front-opening styles like cardigans or zip-ups are especially helpful if you also need blood drawn, since the phlebotomist needs clear access to the inside of your elbow. Tight cuffs that restrict arm access slow everything down.
If you run cold (and clinic exam rooms often hover around 72 to 78°F), layer a cardigan or zip-up hoodie over a tank top. You get warmth in the waiting room and quick access when the exam starts.
Best Bottoms for Knee and Hip Exams
Shorts are the easiest option. If you prefer pants, choose something with a loose, stretchy fit that you can pull up well above the knee, ideally to the hip. Athletic pants, joggers, or loose-fitting capris all work. Avoid jeans and other thick, stiff fabrics. Beyond being hard to roll up, jeans are also a problem if your doctor orders an X-ray on the spot, since the thick denim interferes with imaging and you’d have to remove them entirely.
Elastic waistbands beat belts, zippers, and buckles. If your doctor needs to check your hips, lower back, or sacroiliac joints, metal hardware across your pelvis creates issues for any imaging that might be ordered.
Shoes That Help (Not Hinder) Your Visit
Your rheumatologist may watch you walk to assess your gait, and your feet themselves are often part of the exam. Wear shoes that slip on and off easily so you’re not wrestling with laces while your joints are stiff or swollen. Avoid high heels, which change your gait pattern and shift forces through the knees in ways that make it harder for your doctor to see how you naturally move. Flip-flops are also a poor choice because your toes have to grip to keep them on, which limits normal foot motion.
A supportive, flat shoe with a roomy toe box is your best bet. If you use orthotics or custom insoles, bring them along. Your doctor may want to see what you’re currently using and whether it’s appropriate for your condition.
If You Might Need Imaging or Blood Work
Many rheumatology offices have X-ray or ultrasound capabilities on site, and blood work is common at both initial and follow-up visits. Planning your outfit around these possibilities saves time and hassle.
For imaging, avoid metal anywhere near the area being examined. X-rays cannot be performed if there’s metal in the region under investigation. That means no metal zippers down the back of a top (if your spine might be imaged), no belt buckles across the pelvis (if hips are the concern), and no underwire bras if your thoracic spine or ribs need a look. Soft, metal-free clothing lets you stay in your own clothes rather than changing into a gown.
For blood draws, loose sleeves or stretchable fabric at the elbow make the process quick. A sleeve you can push up to mid-bicep is all you need. After the draw, that same loose sleeve slides comfortably back down over the bandage without pressing on it.
What to Wear for a Virtual Appointment
Telehealth rheumatology visits are increasingly common, and your clothing choices matter even more on camera because your doctor can’t physically examine you. They’ll ask you to show specific joints, demonstrate your range of motion, and point out areas of swelling or pain. Wear a sleeveless top or t-shirt and shorts with no socks or shoes. This gives your doctor a clear view of your shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, ankles, and feet through the camera. Dark or solid colors tend to show joint swelling more clearly on video than busy patterns.
Quick Reference
- Top: Sleeveless, loose short-sleeve, or front-opening shirt. Avoid tight long sleeves.
- Bottom: Shorts, athletic pants, or anything stretchy that pulls above the hip. Avoid jeans.
- Shoes: Slip-on, flat, supportive. Avoid heels and flip-flops.
- Undergarments: Full-coverage, comfortable. Sports bra or bralette over underwire if imaging is possible.
- Metal: Minimize zippers, buckles, belts, and metal fasteners, especially near joints that may be imaged.
- Layers: A cardigan or zip-up for warmth that comes off easily.