Wear a two-piece outfit with a top that’s easy to remove, and avoid deodorant, lotion, powder, or perfume on your chest and underarms before the appointment. You’ll usually be asked to undress from the waist up and wear a gown, so skip dresses, jumpsuits, and lots of jewelry if you want the process to be easier.

Quick Scoop

  • Best choice: A two-piece outfit, like a shirt with pants or a skirt, because you only need to remove the top.
  • Avoid: Dresses and jumpsuits, since they often have to come off completely.
  • Skip products: Deodorant, lotion, perfume, cream, and powder can interfere with the image and are commonly discouraged.
  • Jewelry: Leave necklaces and long earrings at home so they don’t get in the way.
  • Comfort tip: Wear something loose and simple so you can change quickly and feel less stressed.

What works best

A plain top with easy access is usually the simplest option, especially if you want to get in and out quickly. Many people choose slacks, leggings, or a skirt with a button-up or loose T-shirt because it makes the gown change easier. If you’re heading to your first mammogram, that practical approach is usually the least annoying one.

What to avoid

Try not to wear underarm deodorant, body lotion, perfume, or powders on the day of the exam unless the clinic tells you otherwise. These products can leave residue on the image and may need to be wiped off before the scan. It’s also smart to avoid complicated outfits that force you to fully undress.

Simple outfit example

A good example is:

  • A loose top.
  • Pants or a skirt.
  • Minimal jewelry.
  • No deodorant or lotion that morning.

Extra note

Some centers provide wipes if you forget deodorant, so don’t panic if it happens. The main goal is just to make the imaging as clear and comfortable as possible.