Manipulating buttons, zippers, and snaps can pose quite a problem for many individuals with special needs who would like to become more independent by being able to dress themselves.

Likewise, parents of children with disabilities and special needs who may never be capable of dressing themselves, often find trying to dress their children in clothing designed for the non-disabled to be difficult and cumbersome

Those with sensory processing disorders can find standard clothing irritating and uncomfortable.

For these individuals, adaptive clothing may prove to be very helpful!

Adaptive clothing is specialized clothing designed with the unique needs of individuals who may not have full range of motion, the ability to dress themselves, or who have sensitive sensory systems.

Modifications made to  traditional clothing designs could include:

Placing closures on the back rather than the front of garments

Front closing bras

Side opening pants

Clothing made with special fabrics

Seamless socks

Tagless shirts

Weighted vests

Compression leggings

If you or someone you know could benefit from adaptive clothing and would like to purchase some specialized garments, here are a few tips to keep in mind while shopping:

• If you are shopping for someone else, be sure you know what types of modifcations that person needs and wants, their size, and color preference.
• Also, try to take that person along with you if possible, so they can pick out clothing that appeals to them.
• Make sure the items you choose are similar to the popular styles you see people wearing today.
• Be sure the article of clothing is sturdy and made to last, so look for high quality fabrics.
• Look for soft fabrics

Below are a few resources for Adaptive Clothing:

For a list of special needs clothing resources please see this list on The Disability Information and Resources website.

For a list of special needs fashions for children, check out the list on the Children with Special Needs website

Adaptaware: Clothing for Care (UK)

Rackety's: Clothing for children and adults with disabilities

Adaptive Clothing Showroom: Clothing for disabled adults and children

Tommy Hilfiger's Runway of Dreams: Adaptive clothing for kids

Tummy Tunnels: Clothing for kids with feeding tubes

More resources for kids with feeding tubes

Silvert's: Wheel chair clothing for men and women

Kozie Clothes: Adaptive medical and sensory clothing

EZ Sox and Undeez: Socks and underwear for sensory kids

Independence Day Clothing: Adaptive clothes for teens, tweens, and young adults