Buttons, zippers and waistbands are often the first things to fight back. When they do, getting dressed becomes the hardest part of the morning.
These easy-to-put-on clothes are grouped by what is getting in the way: stiff fingers, a wheelchair, or a caregiver doing the dressing.
I have demoed some of these, so tap “See it in action” on those to watch them work before you buy.
If you only try one thing
Start with a magnetic button-down shirt. It looks like any other dress shirt, but hidden magnets close the front, so a stiff or one-working hand can dress it in seconds.
The trade-offs: the magnets mean anyone with a pacemaker or defibrillator should ask their doctor first, and some men like to wear an undershirt with it.
What do you need help with?
Magnetic buttons and side zipsEveryday shirts and pants that close with hidden magnets or full-length zippers.8 products ›
Velcro and snap closuresHook-and-loop backs and sides, and snaps down the back, for dressing seated or with a little help.7 products ›
Wheelchair and seated dressingBack panels, side access and no bulky seams, so you can dress while seated.8 products ›
Arthritis, Parkinson's and dementiaSelf-closing zippers, hidden magnets and jumpsuits that zip up the back.8 products ›
Open-back tops, gowns and sleepwearOpen backs with snap or Velcro closures, so someone can be dressed in bed or in a chair.8 products ›
Pull-on and elastic-waist pantsPants that look like regular pants and pull on with a gentle elastic waist.8 products ›
Socks, bras and shoesEasy-on socks with grip, front-closure bras and adjustable shoes.8 products ›
Where to shop for moreWhole adaptive collections in one place, for when you would rather browse.4 products ›Magnetic buttons and side zips
Everyday shirts and pants that close with hidden magnets or full-length zippers.
- Magnets strong enough to hold, but easy to pull apart with weak fingers
- A full-length zipper with a large pull tab you can grab without pinching
- Fabric that looks like regular clothing, so nothing sets you apart
- A word with your doctor first if you use a pacemaker or defibrillator, since magnets sit in the fabric
- Care instructions you can live with, since some magnetic shirts need air drying and no iron
- An opening that lets a helper close the garment from the front
Velcro and snap closures
Hook-and-loop backs and sides, and snaps down the back, for dressing seated or with a little help.
- Wide hook-and-loop strips that line up easily, even when you can't see them
- Closures placed at the back or side, within reach while seated
- Snaps big enough to press shut with one hand
- Soft fabric over the strips, so the closure doesn't rub skin
- Strips that keep gripping after many washes, not ones that fray and fuzz
- Flat closures that won't create pressure points when you sit all day
Wheelchair and seated dressing
Back panels, side access and no bulky seams, so you can dress while seated.
- A back panel cut higher, so fabric doesn't bunch when you sit
- Flat or covered seams, because bulky ones can press on skin and cause sores
- Side or full-length openings that let you dress without standing
- A rise that is longer in back and shorter in front for seated comfort
- No back pockets, or flat ones, to avoid pressure under the hips
- Warm outerwear that drapes over the chair instead of tangling in the wheels
Arthritis, Parkinson's and dementia
Self-closing zippers, hidden magnets and jumpsuits that zip up the back.
- Zippers that glide and have a self-closing pull, so tiny grips work
- Hidden magnets in place of buttons when fingers are stiff or shaky
- Back-zip or anti-strip designs when someone keeps undressing or fiddling with clothes
- Stretchy, soft fabric that moves with sore joints
- Roomy sleeves and armholes so arms can slide in without twisting
- Clear, simple closures that a caregiver can fasten quickly and calmly
Open-back tops, gowns and sleepwear
Open backs with snap or Velcro closures, so someone can be dressed in bed or in a chair.
- An open back that lets someone be dressed while lying down or sitting
- Snap or Velcro closures that stay fastened through the night
- Soft, breathable knit that won't irritate skin or trap heat
- Smooth seams and no tags, since a bed-bound person lies on them for hours
- A length that stays in place and doesn't ride up or tangle
- A cover-up style that keeps modesty for a person who needs help
Pull-on and elastic-waist pants
Pants that look like regular pants and pull on with a gentle elastic waist.
- A stretchy waistband that is gentle, so it won't dig in or leave marks
- A hidden elastic waist, for the look of regular pants
- Wrinkle-resistant fabric, to save on ironing for you or a caregiver
- A roomy seat and thigh, so pulling them over hips is easy
- A hem that clears shoes to avoid tripping
- Fabric heavy enough to hold its shape but still soft against skin
Socks, bras and shoes
Easy-on socks with grip, front-closure bras and adjustable shoes.
- A wide, stretchy sock top that opens easily, with no tight band at the calf
- Grip pads on the sole, to prevent slips on bare floors
- Front-closure bras with hooks or Velcro, so you don't reach behind
- Shoes that open wide, with adjustable straps in place of laces
- Seamless toes in diabetic socks, to prevent rubbing
- Extra room in shoes for swelling or orthotics
Where to shop for more
Whole adaptive collections in one place, for when you would rather browse.
- A size chart for both men and women, with clear measuring tips
- A return policy that's easy to use if the fit is off
- Collections sorted by closure type or need, so browsing goes faster
- Clear photos that show where the closure sits
- Customer service you can call, if you want help choosing
Department stores have their own adaptive shops too: Zappos Adaptive, JCPenney’s adaptive shop and Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive. Silverts is an adaptive-only store as well.
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