A hospital gown closes along the side and across the rear of the shoulder of the person wearing the gown. The side closure combined with different arm closures allows the gown to be used by the patient and the medical staff in different ways. The gown can be placed onto the patient without requiring the patient to sit up. The gown can be draped over the patient like a blanket. The gown can be removed from a patient while the patient is lying down in bed. The side opening of the gown allows the gown to be placed over a patient who is lying on his back without immediately wrapping the gown around the patient's body. When the patient is up and walking, the side closure and a long waist tie provide modesty.