Clothing & Textiles - Clothing for People With Physical Limitations

Clothing for People with Physical Limitations

Anyone who has arthritis or other physical limitations may experience joint pain and stiffness that can make dressing difficult. Careful selection of clothing enhances personal appearance and builds self-esteem. It also fosters independence and ease of dressing.

Helpful Clothing Features

Colors that complement your coloring Buttons the size of a nickel or larger

Easy, relaxed fit Large pockets to carry keys and difficult-to-grasp items

Larger armholes Fabrics that require little or no ironing

Sweaters instead of tailored jackets Soft textured fabrics of middle thickness

Front opening closures Knit fabrics that stretch

Elastic waistlines or no-waist styles Fabrics that provide warmth without weight

V-neck or convertible collars Well-fitted shoes with flat heels

VelcroŽ or zip closures with large pull tabs Shoes that slip on without ties or buckles

Features to Avoid

Tops that pull over the head
Back zippers or closures
Small buttons, snaps, hooks and eyes
Clingy fabrics that emphasize body changes
Tight garments that can bind and cause pressure on joints

Additional ideas to make dressing easier

Walking shoes that have VelcroŽ grips rather than ties
Buttons sewn on sleeve cuffs with elastic thread
Women - choose front-opening bras for easier fastening
Women - substitute knee socks instead of panty hose
Wear a tie or scarf at the neckline for a color accent and to draw attention away from changed posture
Men - wear pre-tied clip-on neckties, or, once a necktie is tied, loosen and pull it over the head so it stays tied
Necklaces and jewelry long enough to be pulled over the head without fastening

Aids Can Help

Invest in a "reacher" - this is a hand-grip tool
Use shoehorns with long handles or sock aids (stocking gutters)
Attach a plastic curtain ring or key-ring to zipper tabs
Get large handled kitchen tools such as peelers and knives
Check special needs or home health catalogs for more ideas and devices

For more information, contact your local University of Minnesota Extension Service Office or visit the Arthritis Foundation Web Page.

Title:	Clothing for People with Physical Limitations	Number:	804
Script writer:	Sherri Gahring	Source:	Clothing Ideas for People with Arthritis - Iowa State Extension Service; Univ. of MN
Date:	2001	Reviewer:	Diane Damerow

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University of Minnesota Extension Home Page

Helpful Clothing Features
Colors that complement your coloring	Buttons the size of a nickel or larger
Easy, relaxed fit	Large pockets to carry keys and difficult-to-grasp items
Larger armholes	Fabrics that require little or no ironing
Sweaters instead of tailored jackets	Soft textured fabrics of middle thickness
Front opening closures	Knit fabrics that stretch
Elastic waistlines or no-waist styles	Fabrics that provide warmth without weight
V-neck or convertible collars	Well-fitted shoes with flat heels
VelcroŽ or zip closures with large pull tabs	Shoes that slip on without ties or buckles