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What is Adaptive Clothing and Who Can it Help?


various items of adaptive clothing for men and women

While many of us take simple movements like dressing for granted, it's not as straightforward for everyone. Adaptive clothing is designed to make this daily routine more accessible.



What is Adaptive Clothing?


Adaptive clothing is specialised garments created specifically for individuals with disabilities, mobility challenges, or specific medical conditions.

  • Designed for ease of use: Makes daily dressing simpler and more accessible.

  • Features: Includes magnetic closures, Velcro, and other user-friendly adaptations.

  • Benefits: Ideal for those with arthritis, dementia, and other disabilities, enhancing their dignity and independence.

Who Does Adaptive Clothing Benefit?


Adaptive clothing makes dressing easier for both individuals and their caregivers, being beneficial for those with:

  • Arthritis

  • Parkinson's

  • Dementia

  • Spinal cord injuries

  • Health recently undergone surgery

  • Paraplegia or quadriplegia

  • Wheelchair users

  • Anyone who has a limited range of motion which makes getting dressed difficult and frustrating

What are the Different Adaptive Clothing Styles?


Adaptive clothing caters to various needs, offering styles designed for comfort, functionality, and ease of dressing. Here are some common adaptive clothing styles:

Open-back tops and dresses

​These allow for easy dressing, especially for individuals who remain seated or have limited overhead arm movement.

Side-zipper pants

Designed for those who may find it challenging to pull traditional pants up from the feet.

Magnetic button shirts

They look like regular shirts but have magnetic closures instead of traditional buttons, aiding those with limited dexterity.

Velcro-closure shoes

Allows for easy on-and-off, especially useful for those with swollen feet or limited hand movement.

Wheelchair-friendly clothing

Cut and designed to be more comfortable and functional for those in seated positions.

Anti-strip jumpsuits

Designed to prevent undressing at inappropriate times, often used for individuals with Alzheimer's or dementia.

Swimwear

Specially designed one-piece suits or swim diapers for adults with incontinence issues.

Compression wear

​Useful for individuals with circulation issues or lymphedema.

Leggings and pants with abdominal access

For those with stomas, feeding tubes, or catheters.

​Sensory-Friendly

​Clothing designed for those with texture sensitivity.


Adaptive Clothing For Seniors


Adaptive clothes for seniors make dressing easy and comfy. Examples include:

  • Soft tees: Breathable material that's gentle on the skin.

  • Magnetic button shirts: No need to fumble with traditional buttons.

  • Elastic waist pants: Easy to pull on and off.

  • Velcro shoes: No laces to tie, just stick and go.


Men's Adaptive Clothing


Men's adaptive clothes offer ease and style. Examples are:

  • Velcro shirts: Look like regular shirts but fasten with Velcro.

  • Adjustable waist trousers: Fits comfortably, even as weight changes.

  • Side-zip pants: Helps with easy changing.

  • Magnetic tie: Looks traditional but snaps on easily.


Women's Adaptive Clothing


Women's adaptive clothes can be both stylish and practical. Some options are:

  • Arm-lift blouses: Helps with raising arms.

  • Magnetic dresses: Looks regular but uses magnets for closures.

  • Sensory-friendly skirts: Soft and tagless for comfort.

  • Elastic waist leggings: Stylish and easy to wear.


Adaptive Clothing for Adults with Disabilities


Clothes for adults with disabilities are comfy and easy to wear. Choices include:

  • Open-back tops: No need to lift arms overhead.

  • Elastic band shorts: Simple to put on and take off.

  • Tagless tees: No scratchy tags.

  • Soft-seam socks: Minimizes skin irritation.


Adaptive Clothing for Adults with Special Needs


Special clothes for unique needs. Here are a few:

  • Sensory-friendly shirts: Soft and tagless.

  • Weighted vests: Helps with sensory processing.

  • Soft-seam leggings: No irritating seams.

  • Velcro-fastening jackets: No tricky zippers.


Adaptive Clothing for Wheelchair Users


Clothes designed for those in wheelchairs offer comfort and dignity. Some examples are:

  • Back-open shirts: Easy to put on while seated.

  • Side-open pants: Simplifies dressing and undressing.

  • Seated-fit dresses: Designed for a seated body shape.

  • Wheelchair ponchos: Protects from the rain while in a wheelchair.


Adaptive Footwear and Accessories


Beyond clothing, the adaptive range extends to footwear and accessories like bibs for adults with special needs. Look for slip-on shoes with Velcro and easy-grip zipper pulls in adaptive accessories.


Browse online at Adaptive Clothing Australia today


Looking for adaptive clothing? From magnetic shirts to easy dresses, we can help you find what you need.


Shop a range adaptive clothing ready-to-wear options or learn about our customised adaptive clothing service - perfect for updating your favourite clothes to suit your needs.

Our caring and experienced team are here and ready to help! Contact us on info@adaptiveclothingaustralia.com


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