What are the Best Clothes to Wear While you are in a Wheelchair?

Dressing while in a wheelchair can certainly be a challenge. Not only are certain articles of clothing difficult to get on and off, but some are extremely uncomfortable when your days are spent sitting. It can be difficult to find clothing options that are comfortable and easily maneuvered, as well as fashionable. Luckily, now more than ever there are many companies who are specializing in clothing for those in a wheelchair.

The first thing to consider when searching for clothing is the ease in which will be able to get the pieces on. While it may be tempting to search for clothing in the same stores that your friends and family shop in, it’s likely in your best interest to search for a store that creates clothing specifically for wheelchair users. These companies focus on clothing options that are designed with your unique needs in mind. This means these pieces are often much easier to get on and off, as well as much more comfortable throughout the day. 

One thing to keep in mind is that your clothing will need to be “user friendly”, meaning it won’t create a headache as you need to visit the restroom or conduct other routine tasks throughout your day. Many women prefer to wear dresses or skirts for this reason, while both men and women have found that pants with side snaps and bilateral or strategically placed zippers make the process of visiting the restroom much more manageable.

Clothing that is made to stretch for ease and comfort will also need to be made so that it won’t gap or bulk up. Many times pants designed for wheelchair users will not have back pockets, which can become uncomfortable over time. Many pieces are also designed in an open back style, which allows for easier clothing changes.

For many wheelchair users, staying as fashionable as possible is a major goal. Fortunately, there are a few companies out there with a focus on fashion and functionality for wheelchair users. IZ Adaptive is one such company, and while their clothing is designed to be on trend with what’s popular in fashion at the moment, it is also designed for a seated frame and use of a wheelchair. Another good company for wheelchair designer clothing is www.endlessability.com

When choosing your clothing, comfort should be your number one priority. Staying seated for long periods of time can lead to quite a bit of discomfort, and cumbersome clothing that isn’t designed for wheelchair use can add to the problem. There are a number of excellent companies out there with your specific needs in mind. Take the time to search them out in order to find the best clothing to wear while you are in a wheelchair.