How LVAD Shirts, Holsters, & Waist Packs Differ—But All Keep You Safe

Published at: Dec 12, 2025 • Last Updated: Dec 23, 2025

Managing your LVAD device is part of modifying your lifestyle, but did you know that you can decide how you want to carry this life-saving LVAD device? By using the LVAD gear, which is comfortable, secure, and device-compatible, you can live according to your lifestyle.

Each of the LVAD apparel items is specifically designed to hold the controller and batteries, but they may differ in their design, concealment, or level of activity. Let’s talk about some of the LVAD gear products like LVAD shirts, holsters, & waist packs to understand how they are different but the same.

What LVAD Shirts are designed for?

LVAD shirts are specifically designed pieces of clothing. It may look like a normal casual shirt, but it has designated pockets that not only accommodate the batteries and controller but also keep them secure with maximum comfort.

LVAD shirts are designed with smart features like soft fabric and a discreet look so that you can wear them every day and stay comfortable all day. LVAD shirts provide various benefits and can be used for indoor activities or doing simple tasks like walking, lounging, and performing simple daily activities.

How LVAD Holsters & Waist Packs Support an Active Lifestyle?

Holsters and waist packs are most commonly designed for people with an active lifestyle. They offer easier movement without putting the device at risk and also provide some flexibility for an individualized fit.

LVAD Holsters are designed to be worn over or under your regular clothing and have shoulders or chest straps. They are preferred in hot weather and also give freedom to stay active more easily and securely. LVAD Active Pack for HeartMate is designed with features like a dual-lock system, integrated driveline protection, and adjustable straps for a supportive look. It helps you engage in your exercise sessions while keeping the device secure and accessible.

LVAD waist packs are worn around your waist like a belt. You can access your device easily and provide stability while you are walking or busy performing rehabilitation exercises to improve your quality of life. LVAD waist packs, like an LVAD workout support belt from LVADGear, are perfect for outdoors and active low-moderate intensity workouts.

How LVAD Shirts, Holsters, & Waist Packs are Different?

Here are the key differences between the two LVAD products, but with the same purpose:

Feature	LVAD Shirts	LVAD Holsters/ Waist Packs
Design	LVAD Shirts are crafted with internal pockets for batteries and a controller, and proper wire management with hook and loops	LVAD Holsters and Waist Packs have pouches to securely place the LVAD device inside, the lock system, and adjustable straps with belts and buckles.
Discretion	LVAD Shirt offers perfect concealment and can be worn under regular clothing.	Holsters and waist packs are generally worn externally and may look like a small bag or utility belt.
Level of Activity	Securely place the device inside pockets during light activities and resting.	It is suitable to perform moderate to high-intensity activities.
Fit	Made of breathable fabric for daily comfort, but it can feel hot during the summer.	Provides even weight distribution but can be uncomfortable during long sitting.

How do LVAD Shirts, Holsters, & Waist Packs Provide Safety?

All the items of LVAD apparel are made with just one thing in mind, and this is to keep you secure and let you live comfortably every single day. LVAD shirts, holsters, and waist packs are all designed to carry your LVAD device, but each one of them offers different benefits, alongside keeping you secure. Here are some of the ways LVAD apparel keeps you and your device safe:

Secure placement of batteries and the controller inside pockets & pouches, and the added protection of hooks and loops keeps it in place.
The even weight distribution of batteries prevents discomfort and device shifting.
The controller is in easy access, which allows you to check for the alarms and take action accordingly.
Reduced risk of accidental tugging and drops with a secure cable management system.

Tips for Choosing the Right LVAD Accessory for Your Routine

Choosing the right LVAD gear is no hard & fast rule, as it totally depends on your routine, your preferred lifestyle, and the level of activity. Whenever you get to choose between two different LVAD apparel options, look for what you actually need and may benefit from. Here are some of the tips:

If you mostly like to stay indoors and only engage in light activities, an LVAD shirt or LVAD tank top may be the best option for you. But for the outdoor activities and moderate intensity workouts, you should select more convenient options like the LVAD holster or LVAD waist pack, respectively.
Shirts and waist packs are mostly preferred in cold weather conditions, but waist packs can help keep you cool in hot weather.
You need to find out if you are more comfortable with wearing soft fabric or if you need a quick-access and adjustable support for your convenience.
It is always best to have an LVAD collection with mixed options, as many LVAD patients use more than one accessory according to the day.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right LVAD gear is important for both comfort and safety. LVAD shirts, holsters, and waist packs all serve the same purpose of securely carrying your device, but they have different features that make them suitable for different lifestyles. If you prefer indoor activities, an LVAD shirt may be the best choice. For those who are more active, holsters and waist packs can provide the support and accessibility needed for outdoor and workout sessions. Think about your daily activities and what feels best for you when selecting the right LVAD accessory. Keeping your device secure and accessible will help you live more comfortably every day.

FAQs

How to wear an LVAD gear?

LVAD gear is a specialized piece of clothing with pockets to hold batteries and the controller. Wear an LVAD shirt like you wear any regular shirt, but keep the wires organized by using hooks and loops. These shirts conceal the device so that you can wear regular shirts over it.