Getting dressed is something most of us do without much thought. But when arthritis, limited mobility or difficulty moving the arms and legs makes dressing harder, even a favourite shirt or pair of pants can become frustrating.
Adaptive clothing offers a practical alternative. Specially designed openings and closures can make dressing easier for the person wearing the clothing and for the family member or caregiver helping them.
And practical doesn’t have to mean unattractive.
At Graceful In Place, we’ve selected six pieces from Ovidis Adaptive Wear that combine everyday style with thoughtful dressing features. These garments are particularly worth considering when someone needs assistance getting dressed.
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Adaptive Clothing for Women
Cristy Adaptive Top – Peonies
Who says adaptive clothing can’t be pretty? This floral top combines a feminine look with a practical open-back design. Shoulder snap closures allow a caregiver to help someone put it on without having to pull the garment over her head.
It’s a lovely option for women who need assistance dressing but still enjoy wearing attractive, everyday clothing.
Best for: Women who need caregiver assistance when dressing their upper body.
Arie Side-Opening Adaptive Pants – Black
These comfortable black knit pants are designed to make dressing easier for women who have difficulty moving their legs or standing.
The side openings and fold-down front panel allow a caregiver to help with dressing while the person is seated. The simple black colour also makes them easy to pair with different tops.
Best for: Women who need assistance with lower-body dressing, particularly while seated or using a wheelchair.
Olivia Adaptive Nightgown – Honeysuckle
Comfortable nightwear can make a real difference, especially for women who need help getting ready for bed.
The Olivia Nightgown in Honeysuckle offers a pretty, feminine look with a practical open-back design. Its overlapping back panels and shoulder snap closures allow a caregiver to assist with dressing without pulling the nightgown over the head.
It’s a thoughtful choice for women who want comfortable sleepwear without giving up their personal style.
Best for: Women who need caregiver assistance when changing into nightwear.
View Olivia Nightgown at Ovidis
Adaptive Clothing for Men
Theo Adaptive Shirt – Navy
A classic navy shirt that looks like something you’d wear on any ordinary day. The Theo Adaptive Shirt offers the familiar appearance of a traditional button-front shirt, with a practical open-back design and snap closures.
This allows a caregiver to help someone get dressed without having to pull the shirt over his head or struggle with limited arm movement.
Best for: Men who need caregiver assistance when dressing their upper body.
Jack Adaptive Pants – Black
These classic black adaptive pants offer a practical solution for men who find conventional trousers difficult to put on.
Designed with overlapping back panels and adjustable closures, they allow a caregiver to assist with dressing while the person is seated or using a wheelchair. Their simple black colour makes them easy to pair with everyday shirts.
Best for: Men who need caregiver assistance with lower-body dressing, especially while seated.
Thomas Adaptive Polo – Navy
For men who enjoy a smart but casual look, the Thomas Adaptive Polo offers a familiar style with the added convenience of an open-back design.
Its snap closures allow a caregiver to help with dressing without pulling the shirt over the head. The navy colour makes it easy to pair with everyday trousers, while the classic polo styling keeps the appearance neat and comfortable.
Best for: Men who need caregiver assistance when dressing their upper body but prefer a classic polo shirt.
How to Choose the Right Adaptive Clothing
Before choosing adaptive clothing, think about what makes getting dressed difficult for the person who will wear it.
Does the person dress independently or need assistance?
Some adaptive garments are designed for people who dress themselves, while others are intended for caregiver-assisted dressing. Open-back tops with shoulder snaps, for example, are generally more suitable when someone is available to help.
Does dressing take place while sitting or lying down?
For someone who uses a wheelchair or spends much of the day seated, pants with side openings or overlapping back panels may make dressing easier. The best choice depends on the person’s mobility and how they usually receive assistance.
Is the clothing comfortable and easy to care for?
Check the fabric, sizing chart, waistband and closures before purchasing. Consider how the garment will feel throughout the day and whether it can be washed easily.
Don’t overlook personal style.
Needing help with dressing doesn’t mean giving up the pleasure of wearing clothes you like. Whenever possible, let the person choose the colours and styles that make them feel comfortable and confident.
A Little More Comfort in Everyday Life
Adaptive clothing won’t remove every difficulty associated with limited mobility, but the right garments can make getting dressed less stressful for both the person wearing them and the caregiver helping them.
At Graceful In Place, we believe that staying comfortable and maintaining personal dignity are important parts of aging well at home. That includes being able to wear clothing that feels good and reflects your personal style.
Explore our selected Ovidis garments above, check the available sizes and choose what best suits your needs.