If you care for someone with a mental or physical disability or have special needs yourself, finding proper clothing can sometimes be a struggle.
Clothes need to be functional, comfortable, and easy to put on and remove, but you may also want clothes that fit your personality and are fashionable.
That’s why it’s time to consider adaptive clothing for disabilities instead of traditional options, and you don't have to give up your style to do so.
Adaptive Clothing for Disabilities
Because 1 in 4 Americans have special needs, many children and adults see getting dressed for work, school, or a social event as a dreaded activity.
Unfortunately, finding comfortable fabric, buttons that clasp easily, and items that can be fitted to hide incontinence supplies are usually hard to find.
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However, more and more brands from stores, such as Target and Kohl’s, are starting to recognize the need to be more inclusive with items suited for children with sensory issues, people who use wheelchairs, seniors who have incontinence, and more. These brands are now creating adaptive clothing lines that everyone in the special needs community can use.
The movement is growing so rapidly that Runway of Dreams kicked off New York Fashion Week by having models with various disabilities strut down the runway! This event helped bring awareness to the need for acceptance and inclusion of the disabled in the fashion industry.
Having adaptive clothing is excellent, but having more style options and more types of comfortable pants would benefit Jessika Kattah, a T-2 paraplegic, and many others. She would also enjoy discovering larger sizes as most adaptive clothing manufacturers focus on smaller sizes.
What Types of Adaptive Clothes Are Available?
The clothing options available for people with special needs are growing, so you have lots of options for choices. Adaptive clothing gives the wearer comfort, ease of use, and style.
Velcro Shirts
There are a variety of velcro shirts that attach at the shoulders or on the sides to make putting them on and undressing simple. Velcro clothing for seniors is an excellent option because they don’t have any traditional buttons or zippers that require fastening. Those with Parkison’s, arthritis, and more can easily attach the shirts shut or pull them off. Velcro pants are available as well.
Elastic Waistbands
Khakis, jeans, dress pants, casual pants, skirts, and swimsuits with elastic waistbands make these clothing items soft and comfortable. They stretch to avoid squeezing and can easily be pulled up or down without any fasteners to worry about.
Seated Jeans
Seated jeans take special needs clothing for wheelchair users and those with incontinence to the next level. They are taller in the back and shorter in the front, with a cut specifically for sitting. The added fabric helps conceal pull-ups, plus some brands have pull tabs to pull them on and off easily.
Sensory Clothing
Sensory Clothing for kids includes a variety of soft fabrics without tags to be comfortable and soothing. For example, many children like to avoid pants with zippers, button-down shirts, or the feel of jeans. Instead, you can find soft pants, pants with elastic waists, pants without buttons, and more. If your child likes tight clothes, you can find compression items or weighted garments.
Snap-Back Items
Some dresses and shirts snap in the back to help caregivers dress those with disabilities. They are also easier for people who use wheelchairs based on their abilities to dress themselves.
Side or Back-Flap Pants
To make pants easier to use, a variety either zip up or fasten with velcro on the side so they don’t have to be pulled up. In addition, some pants open in the back to simplify changing someone with incontinence.
Slip Proof Velcro Shoes
Slip Proof Velcro Shoes – There are shoes and slippers made for everyday use that are comfortable and easy to wear with non-skid soles to enhance stability. They fasten with velcro strips, so they aren’t too tight to put on and don’t have to be tied.
Ponchos
Staying warm and dry is essential during any outdoor activity, so don’t forget ponchos. They’re extra long to keep those seated in wheelchairs dry and won’t bunch up in the back. In addition, there are rainproof and fleece options available that remain dry during every season.
Where to Find Adaptive Clothing
Some of the places you can find adaptive clothing include:
- Target: Target carries adaptive and sensory-friendly clothes and even some adaptive home products.
- Tommy Hilfiger: Tommy Hilfiger has a line of adaptive clothing for adults and children.
- Nike: Nike carries a line of shoes called FlyEase. These are easy to put on shoes for those with special needs.
- BILLY Footwear: BILLY Footwear carries shoes for children and adults that are easy to put on and take off.
- Kohl's: Kohl's sells adaptive clothing for children and adolescents under different brand names.
How Aeroflow Urology Can Help
If you or a loved one is living with special needs and managing incontinence, you may be able to get catheter or incontinence supplies at a low cost through Aeroflow Urology.
To see if you qualify today, fill out our eligibility form. Once approved, our Continence Care Specialist will reach out to you and help you fill out all the necessary paperwork. Then, after you choose your supplies, we’ll send them right to your door every month.
Information provided on the Aeroflow Urology website is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or care from a healthcare professional. Aeroflow recommends consulting your healthcare provider if you are experiencing medical issues relating to incontinence.
