Do you have arthritis? Have you had it for a long time or is it a new diagnosis? There are varying types of arthritis, but typically it is caused by inflammatory conditions or autoimmune diseases and there is no known cure.
Living with arthritis can make daily routines more challenging, especially getting dressed. Joint pain and limited mobility can make buttons, zippers, and tight clothing difficult to manage. Fortunately, adaptive clothing for arthritis is designed specifically to help women maintain independence, comfort, and style.
In this article, we explore clothing for women with arthritis, featuring brands that offer stylish and functional options with easy-to-use fasteners like Velcro, magnets, and elastic waistbands.
These arthritis-friendly clothing brands are ideal for women with hand pain, joint stiffness, or limited range of motion, making dressing quicker, easier, and far less frustrating.
3 Clothing Brands We Love for Women with Arthritis
- Buck & Buck – Buck & Buck specializes in functional clothing designed for older adults, with arthritis-friendly features like Velcro closures, elastic waistbands, and grab loops. Their garments make independent dressing easier while maintaining a classic, comfortable look.
- Silvert’s – With over 90 years of experience, Silvert’s is a trusted name in adaptive clothing, offering stylish pieces with magnetic closures, side-open tops, and wide-leg pants. Their line supports dignity and ease of dressing for those with mobility or dexterity issues.
- Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive – Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive blends fashion-forward design with functionality, offering dresses, pants, and tops with discreet magnetic buttons, side zippers, and easy-access features. It’s a great option for women who want arthritis-friendly clothing that doesn’t sacrifice style.
Continue reading to discover more adaptive clothing brands for women with arthritis.
As the nation’s #1 cause of disability, arthritis affects nearly 60 million adults and 300,000 children. Over 100 types of arthritis and related conditions damage the joints and often other organs.
Most of us want to live an independent lifestyle, but the stiffness and pain in our joints can make it difficult to get dressed and undressed. So what do you do when pain keeps you from doing simple things like putting on your clothes? Thankfully, there are some apparel brands that specialize in designing clothing that is made for reduced mobility.
What to Look for in Clothing for Arthritis
These are elements to look for in adaptive clothing that has been designed for people living with arthritis. Basically, buttons are replaced with other types of fasteners.
- Hook and loop closures
- Zippers
- Velcro
- Magnets
- Snaps
- Elastic waistbands
- Grab loops
Women’s Clothing Brands for Arthritis
Buck & Buck
Buck and Buck’s arthritis tops feature effortless closures such as velcro fasteners or zippers rather than buttons. Elastic waistbands make bottoms easy to pull on and they also put grab loops into pants that help to pull on their clothing without assistance. The necklines in some dresses and tops are adapted to allow for easy, over-the-head dressing. Shoes and slippers are slip-on styles with velcro or hook-and-loop closures.
3/4 Sleeve Shirt w/ VELCRO® Brand Fasteners
This classic shirt features hidden VELCRO® tabs behind decorative buttons, eliminating the need for manual buttoning and making dressing easier for those with limited hand mobility. Made from a wrinkle- and stain-resistant cotton-poly blend, it offers a flattering fit with 3/4 sleeves and a shirttail hem. Available in multiple colors and sizes, it combines functionality with timeless style.
Features four easy-to-use front snaps instead of traditional hooks, it simplifies the dressing process for those with diminished finger flexibility or vision impairments. Made from a soft blend of 90% cotton and 10% spandex, this bra offers comfort and a self-adjusting fit.
Read more:10 Best Front-Closure Bras for Older Women.
Silverts
Silverts has been providing dependable adaptive apparel for men and women for over 90 years. They are one of the first companies to focus exclusively on people with dressing difficulties because of physical limitations. Their specially made closures and extra features bring back the independence of dressing.
Magnetic Button Fleece Cardigan
Features hidden magnetic closures beneath decorative buttons, allowing for quick and easy fastening without the need for fine motor skills. Made from a soft blend of 62% polyester, 33% cotton, and 5% spandex, this cardigan offers comfort and warmth. Additional features include two patch pockets, long sleeves, and ribbed cuffs and hem for a relaxed fit.
Extra Wide Comfort Shoes with Easy Closures for Adjustable Fit
Thoughtfully designed for women with arthritis or limited hand mobility. These shoes feature Silverts’ True Fit Insole System, allowing customization of the fit from standard (B) to extra wide (2E) by adding or removing two included spacers. The easy-touch closure and large overlap design enable effortless fastening and adjustment, accommodating swelling and ensuring a secure fit.
MagnaReady
MagnaReady is a pioneering brand in magnetic clothing, originally designed by a woman whose husband developed Parkinson’s. Their patented magnet technology is perfect for those with limited dexterity, making shirts, dresses, and jackets easy to fasten with one hand. With classic styles and no visible adaptive features, MagnaReady clothing helps women dress confidently and without assistance.
Adaptive Wrap Dress with Velcro Closures
Designed with adjustable Gecko Velcro closures and a pre-tied faux bow, this knee-length dress ensures ease of dressing without compromising on style. Its flutter sleeves and flattering silhouette make it suitable for various occasions, while the machine-washable fabric adds to its practicality.
Women’s Adaptive Gathered Waist Pants with Adjustable Length
These pants feature a faux tie with a hidden Gecko Velcro closure, allowing for easy waist adjustment without the need for fine motor skills. The elastic back waistband includes secured pull loops, and the adjustable pant length can be shortened up to 4½ inches, providing a customizable fit. Made from a wrinkle-resistant bi-stretch sport crepe fabric, these pants offer comfort and ease of dressing, making them suitable for various occasions.
The Able Label
Stylish and comfortable adaptive clothing brand The Able Label produces garments that have been designed to make dressing and assisted dressing, easier, quicker, and safer. They use quality fabrics, discreet adaptive designs, innovative fastenings, and hidden extras. You can’t even tell that their styles are adaptive clothing.
Front Popper Fastening 1010 Comfi Bra
Featuring front popper closures, this non-wired, unpadded bra simplifies dressing while providing gentle support and shaping. Designed from 98% pima cotton and 2% elastane, it offers a soft, breathable fit with padded shoulder straps and smooth cotton lining for added comfort. This bra is also suitable for post-surgery wear, accommodating prosthetics with its pure cotton lining and pockets.
Marilyn Wool Blend Velcro Coat
This coat features concealed VELCRO® brand fastenings behind decorative buttons, allowing for easy dressing without the need for fine motor skills. Made with a soft wool blend, it offers warmth and comfort, while the classic design ensures a timeless look.
Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive
Tommy Hilfiger’s adaptive line brings fashionable, on-trend pieces with features like magnetic buttons, side zippers, and wide openings. The collection includes dresses, jeans, and tops designed for comfort and accessibility.
It’s one of the most stylish adaptive options available, offering women the chance to dress fashionably without compromising ease of wear.
Made from a blend of 80% cotton and 20% recycled cotton, this dress features hidden magnetic closures along the front placket, providing the appearance of traditional buttons while simplifying the dressing process.
Thoughtfully designed outerwear piece for women seeking both style and ease of dressing. Featuring hidden magnetic closures beneath a traditional button placket, it allows for quick and effortless fastening, making it ideal for individuals with limited hand mobility or arthritis. The coat includes a belted waist, angled welt pockets, and storm flaps on the back and shoulders, offering a classic trench silhouette. Crafted from a blend of 60% organic cotton and 40% cotton, it ensures comfort and durability.
IZ Adaptive
Founded by designer Izzy Camilleri, IZ Adaptive offers contemporary adaptive fashion for people with various mobility challenges. Their accessible jeans, tops, and dresses come with features like open-back designs, side snaps, and magnetic closures.
The brand combines inclusive design with modern style, making it a strong option for women who want arthritis-friendly fashion that doesn’t look clinical.
Bohemian Print Seamless Back Elastic Waist Pant
Featuring a fully elastic waistband and pull tabs, these pants simplify dressing for those with limited hand mobility. The seamless back design enhances comfort, particularly for seated wearers, by reducing pressure points. Made from a soft, stretchy blend of 95% polyester and 5% spandex, they provide both comfort and ease of movement.
Women’s Blush Suede BILLY Comfort Lows
These low-top sneakers feature BILLY’s signature wrap-around zipper, allowing the shoes to open fully for easy foot entry and exit without the need for fine motor skills.
Are Magnets in Clothing Safe to Wear?
Magnetic closures are a practical solution in adaptive clothing for arthritis, making it easier for women with limited mobility or hand strength to dress independently. These closures eliminate the need for small buttons or zippers, reducing strain on painful joints and simplifying daily routines. Many adaptive brands, such as MagnaReady and Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive, use discreet magnetic fasteners hidden behind plackets or sewn into seams for a seamless appearance.
For most people, magnets in clothing are safe to wear. The small, low-strength magnets used in garments are unlikely to cause harm during normal use. However, there are a few important safety considerations:
- Pacemakers and medical devices: Individuals with pacemakers, defibrillators, or similar medical implants should consult a physician before wearing magnetic clothing. Magnets may interfere with how these devices operate if placed too close to the chest. Most brands that use magnets include this warning on their labels and product pages.
- Credit cards and cell phones: Keep in mind that magnets can potentially demagnetize hotel key cards and magnetic strip credit/debit cards. To avoid issues, don’t fold magnetic garments over sensitive cards or electronics nor place items directly against magnetic closures in purses or pockets.
That said, when used appropriately, magnetic fasteners are a safe and convenient choice that can help women with arthritis regain control over their wardrobe. Most brands include care instructions and placement guidance to ensure safety and comfort during wear.
Read more:Adaptive Clothing for Women in a Wheelchair.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Do you wear adaptive clothing because of arthritis or impaired movement in your hands? What types of fastenings do you prefer: velcro, snaps, or magnets? Where do you shop for your adaptive clothing? Which brand is your favorite? Tell us about it in the comments below.
