The Robe to Wellness

Why do hospital gowns have to be ugly and uncomfortable?

No reason at all, said Dr. Toby Israel, a Princeton-based expert in the field of design psychology.

So after her own battle with breast cancer, she has developed and promoted a designer robe – called the “Robe to Wellness” – for women facing radiation treatment for breast cancer.

Cancer survivors gave input in focus groups at the YWCA Princeton Breast Cancer Resource Center last year, resulting in a kimono style robe with soft fabric and leaf-print designs.

Many claims are implied for the design – notably, that nature motifs like the one on the robe aid in healing.

“The robe’s leaf print wraps women in gentle botanical imagery, allowing them to envision the healing power of nature,” Israel said.

A tall claim, possibly. But this we know: Cancer is ugly. It might help to wear something that isn’t.