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Adaptive wear is clothing created specifically to help facilitate the task of getting people with disabilities and dealing with mobility issues dressed and undressed. According to Statistics Canada’s (2013-2014), more than 40 % of people aged 65 and over say they are limited in their activities. These people have declared that the state of their physical and mental health, or a health problem, can sometimes or often reduce the type or amount of activities they can partake in. It is under these circumstances that adaptive wear can become handy.

What are the main features of adaptive clothing?

Generally speaking, adaptive clothing has the following features:

• The garment is cut and sized differently, which allows for the garment to slip on more easily and rapidly. For example, dress shirts, sweaters and pants present large openings at the back;
• The openings are closed with snaps or Velcro which does not require as much the use of fine motor skills;
• When getting dressed with the help of a caregiver, adaptive wear requires less maneuvering and unnecessary movements that could potentially be uncomfortable for the wearer;
• All garment types can be found in their adaptive wear version, such as underwear, nightgowns and everyday wear.

There are many advantages to using adaptive wear, for the person wearing it as well as for the caregiver assisting with dressing. The main goal during the conceptualization process is to avoid any improper movements or risk more injuries while making the dressing process smooth and painless. Moreover, caregivers will have to maneuver less, which will lighten this task and help avoid injuries, such as lower back pains.

In short, adaptive wear allows for more comfort, helps with the dressing process while maintaining your style!

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