It is "a long loose piece of clothing worn in a hospital by someone doing or having an operation". It can be used as clothing for bedridden patients. Patient gowns worn by patients are designed so that hospital staff can easily access the part of the patient's body being treated. The patient gown is made of fabric that can withstand repeated laundering in hot water, usually cotton, and is fastened at the back with twill tape ties. Disposable patient gowns may be made of paper or thin plastic, with paper or plastic ties.