8 great adaptive clothing brands for accessible fashion
Magnetic buttons and pull-on pants simplify everyday dressing
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Reviewed / Silverts / Tommy Hilfiger / Slick Chicks
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Buttons and snaps, zippers and clasps—getting dressed as someone with a physical limitation or disability can be a minefield of challenges. People who live with arthritis, limb differences, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, stroke, and many other chronic conditions might be impacted by difficult-to-maneuver clothing items. In addition, the growing aging population and an increasing rate of disabilities means a solution is a must.
Adaptive clothing brands attempt to solve these issues, and make the early morning rush a breeze, using innovative solutions like Velcro, magnetic closures instead of buttons, stretchy fabric, and more. Clothing designed for easy dressing can give back independence to people who often depended on others for help with this everyday task. The adaptive clothing sector is also expected to grow into a $400 billion business by 2026, according to Coherent Market Insights in Vogue Business. Here are a few brands to check out, and some of their fan-favorite items to try.
1. Magnetic Me
That scratchy feeling of velcro won't be an issue with these pajamas from Magnetic Me that use magnets to fasten clothing.
Offering clothes “from newborn to grandparents,” their magnetic options were inspired by the company’s founder looking for a better solution for when baby hair would get tangled in Velcro bibs. The line even features magnetic options for nursing parents, such as the Magnetic Nursing Jogger Set, that has easy-pull magnets along the neckline.
2. Tommy Hilfiger
Easy closures that don't include zippers and buttons are a great alternative for anyone struggling with manual dexterity.
Hilfiger’s long-standing brand has expanded to include easy-closure clothes, seated wear for wheelchair users, comfort items, and apparel fitted for prosthetics. They aren’t sacrificing style in products like the Slim Bootcut Fit Jean, which has magnetic closures to help those with dexterity limitations dress independently. A classic Logo Stripe Sleeveless Dress features Velcro closures at the shoulders that appear as traditional seams.
3. Duluth Trading
Duluth shows buyers that accessible clothing shouldn't be limited to loungewear.
The brand that made workwear fashionable, Duluth offers magnetic clothing options that feature easy-to-close and open faux buttons that don’t come apart during the workday. The Men’s Magnet Wrinklefighter Relaxed Fit Long Sleeve Shirt, available in three colors, is also sometimes made in a “long” option for tall men too.
4. Kohl’s
The velcro pieces on these Kohl's joggers offer easy access and exit.
The longtime go-to store for style basics now offers an adaptive clothing line with some creative solutions. For example, the Men’s Sonoma Goods Adaptive Joggers feature a higher waist for those who wear diapers or protective underwear. Added room in the hip and thigh makes it easier for sitting, and the designers reinforced the belt loops so they are meant to be pulled on repeatedly.
Finally, the bottoms have Velcro closures for accessibility. Kohl’s also offers items labeled sensory-friendly, which are softer and tagless, as well as an array of juniors items.
5. JCPenney
The versatile nature of this JCPenny hoodie makes it a more appealing option over regular hoodies and zip-ups.
Affectionately called “Penney’s” for decades, JCPenney’s adaptive line exudes ingenuity, especially for those with limited arm mobility or need for increased access to the upper body for medical devices or procedures.
The Slick Chicks Women’s Adaptive Zip Front Hoodie has quite a few tricks up its sleeve, literally, such as a side velcro closure near the collarbone and dropped armholes for easier routing off the arms. It looks much like a traditional hoodie and is available in plum or black in a wide range of sizes.
6. Zappos
Zappos goes above and beyond with its selection of adaptive accessories.
Zappos’s Adaptive line features some beloved brands, such as UGGS, working together to improve access to stylish clothes and shoes. Traditional UGGs, for example, can be difficult to pull on. Their adaptive version features oversized double zippers for easy access, toggle-adjusted laces, and rear pull tabs. We love the Zappos adaptive accessories line, featuring gloves that zip almost completely open, no-tie laces, and easy pull-on socks.
7. MagnaReady
MagnaReady integrates function and style with this classic rain jacket.
Adaptive clothing can sometimes mean sacrificing style for accessibility—but this brand proves that doesn’t always have to be the case. Geared toward the working adult, MangaReady offers more dressy and formal options for work and social events. The Men’s Magnetic Closure Rain Jacket is both an affordable and stylish addition to any working man’s wardrobe.
8. Silverts
Although this denim jacket from Silverts appears to feature buttons, magnet closures underneath make it easy to fasten.
Strong magnets aren’t the only solution to dressing challenges. Silverts offers pants that have easy-pull-up dressing grips, one on each side of the pant’s waistband. For example, the Women’s Tracksuit features both a MagnaZip jacket and adaptive pants with an easy-grip pull-on feature. Other items, such as the Jean Jacket, give the appearance of buttons for style where there are really secret magnet closures.
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