The hospital gown has been much-maligned.

So, in response, textile companies are coming up with innovative replacements that are more functional and stylish, as well as offering better access for medical personnel.

Of course, the biggest obstacle is cost, and with many hospitals financially floundering, spending double the money on hospital gowns is pretty low on the priority list.

Some, like patient Duncan Cross, doesn’t feel we need to replace gowns. Instead, he says, “The solution to this problem isn’t fancy new gowns; it’s the clothes most patients already have. When I’m in the hospital, I usually wear a t-shirt and pajama bottoms – usually old or ugly stuff I don’t mind trashing.”