Adaptive clothing

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Adaptive clothing is clothing designed for people with physical disabilities, the elderly, and the infirm who may experience difficulty dressing themselves due to an inability to manipulate closures, such as buttons and zippers, or due to a lack of a full range of motion required for self-dressing. Adaptive clothing typically offers rear-closure designs so that an individual can be dressed more easily by a carer. For example, rather than buttons and zippers, Velcro may be used for garment closures ^[1].

Adaptive pants designed for dressing a wheelchair user while the wearer remains seated.

Clothing for Special Needs

Adaptive clothing often addresses such problems as edema, incontenance, and inappropriate undressing issues associated with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or stroke. Adaptive clothing is made for adults and children. Adaptive clothing hallmarks include flat seams to reduce friction, discrete adaptions to make the clothing look as normal as possible, easy access with snaps, velcro and stretchy fabric, roomy seat to accommodate diapers for all ages, longer rise in the back to accommodate sitting in wheelchairs, elastic waist for increased comfort and ease in dressing and meeting safety and flammability standards.

Types of Clothing and Special Need Addressed

Adaptive Clothing Manufacturers and Retailers

• Buck and Buck
• Comfort Care Clothing Company

Founded by John Acosta in 2011, manufactures an adaptive pajama top inspired by the passing of John's grandfather.^[2]

• Golden Wear Clothing
• Mini Miracles Adaptive Clothing for Children
• Professional Fit Clothing
• Silverts

References