Open Back Shirts for Seniors: Ease Dressing with Adaptive Styles

Certified Senior Advisor®
Senior Home Safety Specialist®
20 years of medical equipment experience
Compassionately helping seniors and their caregivers solve challenges of aging
Updated:

Elderly loved ones can dress themselves comfortably and retain independence by choosing open back shirts featuring stretch fabrics and discreet closures like shoulder snaps, Velcro, or zippers that allow slide-on arm access without raising hands overhead.

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Open Back Shirts for Seniors

Struggling to find the right open back shirts for your elderly loved one? You want them to dress independently while maintaining coverage and comfort.

The key is finding adaptive styles with easy-access closures placed strategically at the shoulders or back. This allows sliding arms through sleeves without raising them overhead.

  • Look for soft, stretchy fabrics that feel gentle on aging skin.
  • Well-fitted designs ensure the open back lies flat without gaping or riding up.
  • Discreet shoulder snaps, Velcro, or zippers make these shirts accessible without looking medical.
  • Quality brands like Ovidis, Silverts, and Tommy Hilfiger offer fashionable options.
  • Focus on ease of wear and breathable fabrics to keep them comfortable all day long.

With the right open back shirt, you can help your senior retain their dignity while simplifying getting dressed.

What Are The Best Open Back Shirts For The Elderly? 

Here are some of the best open-back shirts for the elderly that you should consider. 

Open Back Adaptive Top for Women - Black | Gianna | Adaptive Clothing

1. Ovidis Gianna Adaptive Top For Women

$54.99

Finding the right open back shirt can be a game-changer for seniors with limited mobility. The Ovidis Gianna Adaptive Top makes getting dressed dignified and painless.

This fashionable floral print top has discreet shoulder snap closures for slide-on arm access without raising hands overhead. The stretch knit fabric is soft and comfortable against aging skin. The knotted V-neck and 3⁄4 sleeves provide stylish coverage.

For those with arthritis, dementia, or wheelchair users, the Gianna Top eliminates the struggle of pulling shirts over the head. Caregivers can also dress their patients easily thanks to the full open back overlapping design.

While sizing and availability may be limited, the Gianna Top offers quality, machine-washable fabric requiring no ironing. The look is chic, not medical. It retains independence and confidence for seniors, allowing them to dress themselves with ease.

For its accessibility, comfort, and stylistic details, the Ovidis Gianna Adaptive Top solves key challenges of open back shirts for the elderly. It promotes dignity and simplifies daily dressing with its thoughtful adaptive style.


Adaptive Polo Shirt - Ralfie | Blue Stripes

2. Ovidis Ralfie Adaptive Polo Shirt For Men

$54.99

For elderly men needing accessible clothing, the Ovidis Ralfie Adaptive Polo is an ideal option. The polo features shoulder snap closures allowing slide-on arm access without raising hands overhead.

The soft, stretchy, wrinkle-free fabric ensures all-day comfort for seasonal layering. The quality material is gentle on aging skin and requires minimal care – just machine wash and dry.

Discreet design details give this adaptive polo a classic, non-medical look. The full overlapping back panel makes self-dressing simple for those with limited dexterity or wheelchair users.

The Ralfie Polo succeeds in preserving dignity and independence for handicapped seniors. Caregivers can also dress patients with ease thanks to the smart shoulder snaps.

For its breathable fabric, subtle adaptive details, and easy on/off access, the Ralfie Adaptive Polo solves key challenges of open back shirts for elderly men. It promotes confidence and simplifies getting ready while maintaining a stylish, tailored appearance.


Joe & Bella Adaptive Everyday Shirt product

3. Joe & Bella Women's Everyday Long Sleeve Top

Use Code "Grace" to Save 15%!
$68.00

I recently tested an innovative solution for senior women who require dressing assistance but want to maintain dignity – the Joe & Bella Adaptive Long Sleeve Shirt. This is a side opening shirt which offers the same advantages as garment.

This shirt looks like a normal stylish blouse but has full side snaps allowing it to open completely for easy sliding on and off.

According to my hands-on testing, the stretch fabric glides smoothly over the skin without painful overhead arm movements. The discreet side snaps allow the shirt to appear fashionable when worn while accommodating my limited mobility.

Overall, I highly recommend this affordable adaptive shirt as a dignified alternative to open back shirts. Its side snaps facilitate assisted dressing by caregivers without compromising my comfort or style. The side snap closure also means more independence since you don’t need assistance fastening like I would with an open back design.

The adaptive shirt improves older women’s quality of life by enabling easy on/off while maintaining a flattering, normal appearance. You can dress independently while the side snaps provide access when needed for caregiver assistance which helps you maintain your dignity.


4. Joe & Bella Men’s Everyday Polo

Use Code "Grace" to Save 15%!
$68.00

Based on my personal use and testing, I highly recommend the Joe & Bella Men’s Everyday Freedom Polo Side-Opening Shirt as an alternative to open back shirts for elderly men needing dressing assistance.

After testing this innovative polo, I found it allows for easier, more dignified dressing while maintaining a classic style.

The game changer is the hidden snaps running along the left side seam. Unfastening them opens the shirt fully like a robe for quick arm access without painful overhead lifting. Once arms are in, I simply snap the polo back up starting from the hem.

The snaps are discreet, so the shirt looks like a normal polo when closed. The stretchy fabric also glides smoothly over skin for easy dressing. The roomy cut lets hands slide through the sleeves with no difficulty.

In my experience, this polo enables elderly men to dress independently or with just minimal assistance. It provides an excellent alternative to bulky open back shirts. For senior men needing help dressing, I highly recommend this innovative Joe & Bella everyday polo.


Silverts Open Back T-Shirt Drifit (Black) Men's T Shirt

5. Silverts Open Back T-shirt

$28.00

The Silverts Open Back DriFit T-Shirt solves key challenges for seniors needing adaptive clothing. Its moisture-wicking fabric and open back slide-on arm access promote cool comfort and dignity.

This short sleeve tee is made of 95% polyester and 5% spandex for easy machine washing and wrinkle resistance. The DriFit material wicks moisture to keep skin dry on hot days.

The open back overlaps and secures discreetly with shoulder snaps to avoid pressure points. This allows wearers to slide their arms in without raising them overhead. Ideal for those with limited mobility.

While sizing is limited, the Silverts Open Back Tee succeeds in reducing dressing struggles. Its quality fabric and subtle adaptive details help maintain independence and confidence for seniors and disabled adults.

For its breathable DriFit material, shoulder snap access, and overlap coverage, the Silverts Open Back T-Shirt simplifies dressing with accessible style. It’s an ideal warm weather option for elderly needing care and comfort.


Tommy Hilfiger Men's Adaptive Pocket T Shirt with Magnetic-Buttons at Shoulders, Light Grey Heather, Large

6. Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive Pocket Tee Shirt

$23.50
as of 09/25/2023 8:25 pm

The Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive Pocket T-Shirt blends everyday style with thoughtful design for men needing dress accommodations. This soft cotton tee features a classic chest pocket and regular fit.

The key feature is magnet closures discreetly sewn into the shoulders, resembling traditional seams. This allows easy overhead dressing without restricted arm mobility.

The strong embedded magnets align for secure closure after donning. For those requiring dressing assistance, the magnetic shoulders simplify access without compromising coverage.

While intentionally designed for accessible wearing, this tee appears like any contemporary casual shirt. It’s machine washable cotton knit requires no special laundering.

Offering a smart fusion of adaptive design and casual style, this Tommy Hilfiger tee makes daily dressing dignified and simple for men with limited mobility. It fulfills clothing needs without sacrificing personal fashion.


Women’s Open Back Adaptive Warm Winter Weight Top for Seniors - 3/4 Long Sleeve Scoop Shirt - Navy MED

7. Silverts Warm Winter Weight Top For Seniors

$32.98
as of 09/25/2023 8:25 pm

The Silverts Adaptive Open Back Top is thoughtfully designed for women needing accommodations for restricted arm mobility. This 3/4 sleeve scoop neck shirt is crafted from soft, winter-weight polyester to provide warmth and comfort.

The key feature is the full overlapping back that secures with two snap closures per shoulder for easy on/off without raising arms overhead. This allows independent or assisted dressing while avoiding discomfort.

The shoulder snaps are discreetly placed to resemble seams, maintaining a stylish look. The relaxed fit and embroidered neckline provide feminine detailing without an institutional appearance.

While intentionally created for accessible wearing, this top looks like any fashionable knit shirt. It’s machine washable and available in an array of beautiful modern colors.

Offering the perfect balance of comfort, adaptability, and dignified style, this Silverts top aims to simplify dressing for women with limited arm mobility or needing dressing assistance.


Adaptive Camisole - Cami | White

8. Ovidis Adaptive Camisole

$19.99

The Adaptive Camisole from Ovidis is thoughtfully designed for women needing accommodations for limited arm mobility. This soft, stretchy knit camisole makes an ideal foundation layer providing extra comfort.

The signature feature is the full overlapping back secured by snap closures at the shoulders for easy overhead dressing. The open back allows caregivers to assist with dressing without manipulating painful limbs.

While providing needed accessibility, the camisole appears like any contemporary layering piece with its delicate straps and cropped hem. The light cotton-poly blend offers exceptional comfort against sensitive skin.

This camisole can be worn discreetly underneath regular shirts and blouses for a seamless adaptive solution. It’s machine washable and requires no special laundering.

Offering a smart fusion of accessibility and versatile style, this camisole from Ovidis simplifies dressing for women with mobility restrictions. It fulfills clothing needs without sacrificing comfort or personal fashion.


What Are Open Backed Shirts For The Elderly?

Open-backed shirts are adaptive clothing for seniors and the elderly that opens at the back without necessarily forcing your loved one to lift their hands or move around. They snap at the shoulders or may have Velcro closures or zippers for the best results.

They are useful in many ways since it’s easier for your loved one to dress and undress without needing help.

How Are Open Back Shirts Used In The Care Of The Elderly?

Are you wondering whether an open-back shirt is the right clothing for your elderly loved ones? Well, here is what you need to know about open-back shirts and how they can be used in the care of the elderly. 

  • Since they are easy to put on and take off, you don’t have to force your elderly loved one to wake up from bed or lift them up to wear the shirt. As such, dressing is pain-free and comfortable for everyone.
  • If your loved one has any medical exams, these shirts allow the doctors to access whatever part of the body they need to examine without forcing your elderly loved one to remove their clothes completely.
  • They are comfortable since they are made of the best materials to ensure your loved one can sleep in the clothes or spend the whole day with them without necessarily being forced to change.
  • Your elderly loved ones can feel confident about dressing themselves because such a simple task may be tough, especially for people with limited mobility.
  • Your loved ones don’t have to feel embarrassed wearing old clothes. Rather, these open-back shirts are designed with beautiful pieces to make them look like normal clothes.
  • Finally, since independence and dignity are important for your loved one, they can dress on most days without their caregivers’ help.

What Types Of Open Back Shirts Are Available For The Elderly?

If shopping for the best open-back shirts for your loved ones, you should consider those with the following features. 

Velcro Closures

These are located at the shoulder or the back. As such, they are easy to remove and put on without making things harder for your loved one. Even better, your loved one should be able to put on the open-back shirts independently.

Learn more about adaptive clothing with velcro closures here.

Snap Closures

Since they are found at the shoulder, removing these clothes for your loved one is easy without necessarily forcing the elderly person to stand up or move around. You will simply put the shirts around them to make things easier.

Zippers

Open-back shirts made out of zippers make things easier for your loved one. They should be able to zip up or down depending on the occasion.

A helpful alternative to open-back shirts are open back gowns for elderly people who spend much of their time in bed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Do You Put An Open Back Shirt On An Elderly Person?

Putting on an open-back shirt is simple because you have to slide your arms inside the sleeves and snap the closures at the shoulders without needing your elderly loved one to lift or lower their arms.

2. Why Do Some Elderly People Take Their Clothes Off?

If the clothes are uncomfortable or hard to wear, they will simply remove them and opt for something better. On the other hand, if they feel it’s too hot and cannot find the right clothes for the weather, they will likely remove their clothes.

Final Thoughts

Take time to find the right open-back shirt for your elderly loved ones using the tips mentioned above. Make sure they are comfortable and easy to wear or remove without any hassles.

Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®
Senior Home Safety Specialist (SHSS)®
Assistive Technology Professional

Scott Grant has spent more than 20 years serving seniors and the elderly in the home medical equipment industry. He has worked as a manufacturer's rep for the top medical equipment companies and a custom wheelchair specialist at a durable medical equipment (DME) provider in WV. He is father to 4 beautiful daughters and has three terrific grandkids. When not promoting better living for older adults, he enjoys outdoor activities including hiking and kayaking and early morning runs.

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