6 Best Adaptive Apparel Brands for Older Women
Are you thinking of switching to adaptive clothing? Are you already wearing adaptive clothing? Perhaps you are caring for someone who requires adaptive clothing? There are many options for adaptive apparel on the market. Let’s take a look at the best adaptive clothing brands for older women.
- Silverts – Pioneer adaptive apparel retailer for men and women for over 90 years.
- Adaptawear – UK-based manufacturer and retailer with casual and dressy clothing for men and women.
- Joe & Bella – Fashionable adaptive clothing.
Continue reading to discover more adaptive clothing brands for women over 60.
Adaptive apparel is clothing that is designed to make it easier to put on and take off – for the wearer or the caregiver. This type of clothing can extend the autonomy of people with disabilities or restricted movement and make it more comfortable for caregivers who help elderly people with mobility issues or who are in wheelchairs to get dressed and undressed.
What Types of Adaptive Clothing Are Available for Everyday Life?
Adaptive clothing today goes far beyond medical wear. It includes stylish, thoughtful pieces that fit into everyday routines while making dressing easier and more comfortable.
Adaptive Bras and Lingerie
Say goodbye to back hooks and fiddly straps. Adaptive undergarments often feature front-fastening clasps, Velcro, or even magnetic closures. Pull-on bras with wide bands and soft, wireless support can make a big difference for women with limited dexterity or shoulder pain. Some designs even offer side openings, allowing caregivers to assist discreetly.
Outerwear with Magnetic Zippers
Getting in and out of coats can be a struggle, especially if you have shoulder issues or stiffness. Adaptive jackets with magnetic zippers or snap fronts can be slipped on with minimal effort, no tugging or pulling required. These designs also look like standard outerwear, offering function without sacrificing style.
Adaptive Dresses
For many women, a comfortable dress can be an easy, all-in-one outfit. Adaptive options include wrap-style fronts, back-snap closures, or stretchy fabric that allows the dress to slip over the head without arm strain. These are especially helpful for women who use mobility aids or who have difficulty raising their arms.
Footwear with Wide Openings and Stretch Panels
Swollen feet, bunions, and balance issues can make standard shoes uncomfortable or even unsafe. Adaptive footwear often includes extra-wide openings, Velcro straps, removable insoles, and stretchy uppers. Many are stylish enough for daily wear but built to relieve pressure and provide stability.
Sleepwear
Nightgowns and pajamas designed with open-back closures or side snaps can make bedtime routines smoother, especially for those who need help dressing. Look for soft, breathable fabrics and tag-free interiors to reduce irritation on sensitive skin. Some adaptive sleepwear lines even include hidden catheter openings or monitor pockets.
What to Look for in Adaptive Clothing
Adaptive apparel is constructed differently than regular clothing items. These adaptive features make it so that the clothing openings are easy to get into and out of.
Some of those features may include:
- Fabrics that contain a lot of stretch to make movements more comfortable.
- Shirts, tops, and dresses with open-back closures and faux buttons that give the impression of having a front opening.
- Velcro or magnetic closures in areas where shoelaces or buttons are typically used.
- Pants with an opening at the back or the side for those with incontinence or who use a wheelchair.
- Elastic waistbands.
- Front velcro or snap closure bras.
- Seams that are flat and non-irritating for sensitive skin.
- Anti-strip clothing for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
- Zippers with easy pull tabs for issues with fine mobility.
- Adjustable footwear for swollen feet.
Adaptive Clothing Brands for Women
Silverts
Silverts is a pioneer in the adaptive clothing retail industry. They have been providing reliable adaptive apparel for over 90 years and have become one of the first companies to focus solely on people with dressing difficulties. They offer clothing, footwear, and accessories for men and women.
Women’s Open Back 3/4 Length Sleeve Top with Embroidery
Top with full back overlap with two snaps at each shoulder. Available in sizes small up to 3X and in a variety of colors.
Women’s Open Back Gabardine Pant
This adaptive wheelchair pant features a discrete and generous back overlap for additional coverage with snap closure at the waistband.
Adaptawear
The Adaptawear brand is the result of intensive research with Occupational Therapists, care specialists, the elderly, and the disabled. The company develops clothes that are suitable for women and men with special dressing needs. They adapt their designs to suit the needs of the elderly and people with a wide range of disabilities.
They are based in the UK but ship internationally.
Adaptawear Short Sleeve Wrap-Over Dress
This pretty polka dot wrap dress opens to the waist at the front giving plenty of room to put over the head and insert arms. The back of the dress has an overlap going from the shoulders to the hem.
Front Fastening Bra
This super soft front fastening bra is designed for comfort. It has a seam-free front and sides and easy opening cushioned snap buttons.
Joe & Bella
Joe & Bella are fairly new in the adaptive apparel industry. They create fashionable and comfortable clothing geared towards seniors with physical needs.
Everyday Freedom Pant for Women
These pants are designed with two long side zippers for easy putting on and off.
Women’s Everyday Long Sleeve Top
Open-back tops are designed for adults who need assistance while dressing, as they make dressing easier. They help to avoid pain or discomfort by having to raise the arms.
Buck & Buck
Buck & Buck is a brand that has over 40 years of experience in the special needs apparel industry. The clothing is made in the USA and is designed to help you look and feel your best. They use soft fabrics in a wide variety of colors and feature easy-to-use VELCRO®, snap, and zip closures. Buck & Buck offer casual outfits and also dressier options.
Gingham Shirt w/ VELCRO® Brand Closures
This poplin shirt has velcro buttons and is wrinkle-resistant. The VELCRO® Brand tabs are placed behind the buttons and at the cuffs for ease of dressing, and the original buttons are sewn back so it looks like a regular shirt.
Olivia Shoes by Propet
Buck & Buck also carries the footwear brand Propét. These easy-access hook and loop closure shoes stretch to accommodate foot problems of all kinds to provide relief from pain. It has a stretchy upper and removable insole to increase roominess and prevent pressure points.
ReboundWear
ReboundWear is an apparel brand that specializes in post-surgery clothing. Their mission is to provide fashionable and functional clothing for women, men, and kids on the mend after an operation or medical procedure.
Lindsey – Women’s Short Sleeve Top
This short sleeve top has minimal metal components so it is safe to wear in hospitals and does not interfere with medical devices. It has shoulder and side openings that provide easy access after shoulder or arm surgery. It also features inner pockets to hold heart monitors, ports, and infusions.
Slick Chicks – High Waist Brief
These high waist undies are a modern twist on the classic brief with a high-rise with a bit more coverage for your front and backside. They have side fasteners to simplify self-dressing or caregiver dressing assistance.
MagnaReady
This brand was developed by a woman whose husband had Parkinson’s and struggled with buttons. MagnaReady shirts and jackets feature patented magnetic closures disguised as buttons, making them easy to get on and off without compromising style.
Frieda Essential Magnetic Button Front Day Dress | MagnaReady
Read 4 CLOTHING BRANDS FOR WOMEN WITH ARTHRITIS.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Do you or someone you know wear adaptive apparel? Where do you purchase your adaptive clothing items? How has adaptive clothing impacted your life?
