Bob Beveridge came up with the idea for Hospital Glamour after his wife and co-founder Sharon broke her wrist and found herself wearing an old, frayed hospital gown.
“My wife just wanted to feel more like herself in hospital which made me question why hospital gowns had never been updated over the years or designed better to ensure a bit of dignity,” Mr Beveridge says.
Knowing nothing about fashion, the former sergeant, who spent 20 years in the armed forces working in telecommunications, enrolled in a fashion production course.
“I was a bit of a fish out of water, I was the only male amongst young women who were working on things like bikinis and other young seasonal fashion,” he recalls.
A stylish solution
The gowns, which come in an array of patterns and sizes and retail for $95, offer “full rear coverage” with nylon snaps to avoid interfering with medical imaging equipment and two pockets to keep patients’ hands free.
Unlike the standard one-size-fits-all gowns, the women’s gowns also have a more flattering A-line design that is easy to tie up. They have all been designed to be worn with IV drips and other medical equipment too.
The couple are now planning to expand the range of prints and products, and hope the gowns make a real difference – “it’s about making people feel good, even though they’re in hospital.”
Hospital Glamour sells their range, including bathrobes, accessories and gift packs online. Check out their website here.
