Do adaptive clothing mean I can say goodbye to frustrating buttons? Can I really say “Bye-Bye” to buttons forever?

As an occupational therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how buttons can be your worst enemy, especially for people who have arthritis, limited dexterity or mobility challenges. Even without these limitations, there’s nothing like trying to button that last stubborn button on your shirt sleeve. Or that little tiny pesky button up by the collar. Buttons demand the utmost patience, coordination and fine motor skills. And sometimes, you have to do them one handed (and…with a cup of coffee in the other hand). 

The first button was invented by the Indus Valley Civilization around 2000 BC, so maybe it’s time for us to move on? Now is when innovation meets everyday life, adaptive clothing is here to make your life a lot easier. Here are some button-free solutions so you can actually say “Bye-Bye” to buttons forever:

1. Magnetic Closures: Instead of fumbling with buttons, you simply line the magnets up and SNAP,  you’re done! It’s quick and easy, seamless and let’s be honest, quite addicting. You have to check out EQL Thread’s unique magnetic strips. These magnets are not your typical round bulky magnets. They’re strong enough to stay in place but easy enough to open with one

hand. And you can hardly tell they’re there.

2. Velcro: These oh-so-satisfying strips that you rip open are simple and fast too. Adaptive clothing uses Velcro in the perfect places, like shirt plackets, on the end of the sleeves, and even pant closures, just to name a few. Keep an eye out for our adaptive jacket, coming out later this year, where the secret hidden Velcro strip is pretty ingenious.

3. Stretchy fabric: EQL Threads uses amazingly stretchy fabric, 4-way all around stretch. Sometimes we get tired of wearing baggy clothes, we want to wear something fitted. What’s fun about our fabric is that if you stretch it, it bounces right back. 

4. One-handed zippers: These adaptive zippers are the game changers! These beauties feature easy-to-grab pulls that you can do single-handedly. We’ve all been there…trying to push the slider into the small “box”….yikes! 

Saying goodbye to buttons isn’t just about making your life easier, it’s about independence. For people with disabilities, temporary injuries or chronic conditions, traditional closures can feel like a barrier. Adaptive clothing takes away that barrier, that frustration and gives back one’s independence. 

2) Dressing Made Easier: Should You Alter Your Clothes or   Buy Adaptive?  An OT-Inspired Breakdown

Deciding between altering your existing clothes or investing in adaptive clothing comes down to function, independence, and lifestyle. The cost will vary depending on what your needs are. From an occupational therapy (OT) perspective, the best option is the one that maximizes ease of dressing while minimizing frustration and physical strain. Here’s a deeper look at both options:

Altering Your Clothes

Altering can be a great option if you already own clothes you love but just need some slight modifications to make dressing easier.

Pros:

✅ Keeps Familiarity & Comfort – Many people find comfort in wearing what they know and love. Familiar clothing can be especially important for individuals with sensory sensitivities or cognitive impairments, as sudden changes in fabric or fit may cause discomfort or distress.

✅ Can Be More Affordable – Small modifications, like switching buttons to Velcro, zipper pulls to zippers, or widening pant legs, might be budget-friendly compared to buying a whole new wardrobe.

✅ Customized for Your Needs – Not all adaptive clothing fits every body type or movement pattern. If you have very specific needs, a tailor (or a DIY approach) can create something tailored exactly for you.

✅ Eco-Friendly – Reworking your existing wardrobe reduces waste and promotes sustainability.

Cons:

❌ May Not Work for Every Piece of Clothing – Some fabrics and designs don’t alter well. For example, a stiff blazer might not adapt well to one-handed dressing, while a flowy dress could be easier to modify. Other items that may be difficult to alter include: fitted suits, heavy denim, leather jackets, wool coats because of the tightly woven fabric. 

❌ Can Get Pricey – If you’re adding complex adaptations like stretch panels, magnetic closures, or full-length zippers, the cost of alterations can add up quickly—sometimes even more than buying new adaptive clothing.

❌ Aesthetics Might Suffer – DIY or modified clothing doesn’t always have a sleek, polished look. While function is the priority, some people prefer their clothing to look seamless rather than obviously altered.

OT Perspective:

• If fine motor challenges make it difficult to grasp and manipulate small fasteners (e.g., arthritis, stroke recovery, MS, Parkinson’s), swapping buttons for magnets or Velcro is a good modification.

• If limited range of motion in the arms or shoulders is an issue, adding side zippers or stretch panels can help make overhead dressing easier.

• If sensory sensitivities are a concern, it may be best to alter soft, well-worn clothes rather than introduce unfamiliar fabrics.

Buying Adaptive Clothing

Designed specifically to make dressing easier, adaptive clothing often integrates thoughtful features that enhance independence, comfort, and function.

Pros:

✅ Purposefully Designed for Ease of Dressing – Adaptive brands consider every aspect of getting dressed, from one-handed zippers and open-back designs to magnetic closures that eliminate the need for fine motor control. Some clothing are designed for seated comfort, such as shorter fronts in jeans and jackets. 

✅ Better Fit & Comfort – Unlike regular clothes that are altered after the fact, adaptive clothing is built from the start with things like stretch panels, tag-free seams, and strategic openings to accommodate different mobility levels.

✅ Looks More Polished & Stylish – Instead of looking like an altered version of something else, well-made adaptive clothing blends function with style so you don’t feel like you’re wearing something purely “medical.”

✅ Less Struggle, More Independence – Clothing should enable, not frustrate. Adaptive designs reduce shoulder strain, grip fatigue, and overall effort, helping people dress more independently or with minimal assistance.

Cons:

❌ Can Be More Expensive – Since adaptive clothing is designed with specialized features, it can be pricier than standard clothing. However, the time and effort saved can make it worth the investment. Look for key staple pieces that can be worn over and over again. 

❌ Less Personalization – While adaptive brands offer different styles, you may not find the exact fit, color, or fabric you love compared to your altered wardrobe.

❌ Limited Availability in Stores – Not all major retailers carry adaptive options yet, so shopping may require more effort or online ordering.

OT Perspective:

• Magnetic closures are ideal for people with limited hand dexterity (e.g., arthritis, stroke, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s, MS).

• One-handed zippers make dressing easier for those with hemiparesis (one-sided weakness) or limited coordination.

• Open-back designs are great for wheelchair users or individuals with caregivers, making dressing quicker and less physically taxing.

• Stretch fabrics work well for individuals with mobility challenges since it is easier to put on and take off. Accommodates people with swelling (lymphedema, edema) muscle spasticity or fluctuating weight since the fabric expands without feeling restrictive. Unlike stiff fabrics, stretchy materials don’t dig into the skin.

• Elastic Waistbands are perfect for people with limited hand dexterity who struggle with small fasteners, like zippers, hook and bar closures and/or buttons. In addition to being easier to pull on and off, the elastic waistband expands to accommodate for bloating or medical devices like ostomy bags. They are less restrictive for wheelchair users, since there is no stiff waistband digging into their abdomen when seated. 

So, What’s the Best Choice?

It depends on your needs!

✅ If you have one or two favorite pieces you don’t want to part with, alterations can be a great way to make them work for you.

✅ If dressing is becoming a daily struggle, investing in adaptive clothing will save time, effort, and frustration. And is probably less costly in the long run, especially if you buy adaptive clothing made with high quality fabrics. 

✅ Many people find a mix of both works best—altering some staples while adding key adaptive pieces for everyday convenience.