Adaptive Clothing: What to Look for as Our Bodies Change

Adaptive Clothing: What to Look for as Our Bodies Change

Our bodies change throughout our lives—and the clothes we wear should be able to change with us. Changes in mobility, dexterity, strength, or range of motion can make getting dressed more challenging, but the right clothing can make a big difference.More families are discovering adaptive clothing—and we love seeing it.

For many people, a big retailer like Target may be their first introduction to adaptive clothing through lines like Cat & Jack. And that's a good thing. The more choices people have, the more likely they are to find clothing that actually works for their needs.

But what should you look for when choosing adaptive clothing?

Start With the Person, Not the Clothing

Adaptive clothing should solve a problem—not create another one.

Bodies change. Mobility can change. Dexterity can change. The way we get dressed at 25 may not be the way we want to get dressed at 55, 75, or 95.

Good clothing should work with those changes.

At EQL Threads, this idea is especially important to us. One of our co-founders has spent nearly 30 years as an occupational therapist, working directly with people and seeing the everyday challenges that can make something as routine as getting dressed frustrating or exhausting.

That experience helped shape how we approach our clothing.

Small Design Details Can Make a Big Difference

Sometimes the simplest changes are the most useful.

A neckline that opens wider.
Our magnetic-closure T-shirt opens approximately six additional inches at the neckline, giving you more room to get it over your head without requiring as much shoulder movement.

Sleeves designed with movement in mind.
Our cardigan sleeves taper toward the forearm and wrist. This helps keep excess fabric away from wheelchair wheels and armrests and makes the sleeves easier to push up when needed.

Soft, stretchy fabric that recovers.
Stretch can make dressing easier, but recovery matters too. You want fabric that stretches when you need it to and then returns to its shape instead of becoming loose and saggy.

These details may seem small, but when you're getting dressed every day, small things can make life a little easier and less stressful.

What Should You Look For?

Whether you're considering Cat & Jack, Silverts, Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive, EQL Threads, or another brand, here are a few things worth checking:

• Neckline: Does it open wide enough to make dressing easier?

• Closures: Are the magnets, snaps, hook-and-loop closures, or zippers comfortable and easy for the person to use?

• Sleeves: Is there excess fabric that could interfere with wheelchair wheels, armrests, or everyday activities?

• Stretch: Does the fabric move with the body and return to its shape?

• Seams: Could any seams create uncomfortable pressure points, particularly when sitting for longer periods?

• Fit: Does the clothing work with the person's body rather than asking their body to work around the clothing?

Most importantly, ask: Does this piece of clothing make getting dressed easier?

That's the question that matters most.

There's Room for All of Us

We think it's wonderful that major retailers are introducing more people to adaptive clothing. Affordable and accessible choices help bring adaptive design into the mainstream—and that's something worth celebrating.

EQL Threads simply brings a different option to the table.

We're a small, solution-based clothing company with occupational therapy insight built into how we think about design. We create elevated everyday basics that look like clothing you'd choose because you love them—with thoughtful features that can also make getting dressed easier.

Because adaptive clothing shouldn't have to look adaptive.

It should just look like great clothing.

Clothing Should Keep Up With Us

We don't stop changing as we get older. Our bodies, routines and abilities evolve throughout our lives.

Why shouldn't our clothing evolve with us?

Our bigger goal at EQL Threads isn't simply to sell adaptive clothing. We want more people to know that better options exist.

Less struggling. Less frustration. Less stress getting dressed.

And more time and energy for the things that inspire you.

Get dressed. Stress less.

Have questions about adaptive clothing or finding the right fit? We're always happy to listen.