When you’re shopping for new clothes, there’s nothing like finding a really stylish piece you love — and realizing it won’t work with your disability. That’s an awesome jacket, you might think, but I won’t be able to undo those buttons. Or these jeans would be perfect, if they didn’t bunch awkwardly when I sit in my wheelchair. For people with chronic illnesses or disabilities that cause pain or mobility challenges, clothing details like buttons, zippers and the width of a collar can mean the difference between easy and comfortable and wondering when you can go home and change into your sweatpants. Most clothing isn’t designed with mobility challenges in mind, as you likely know all too well.
The simple fact is, everyone, no matter what their pain levels or mobility challenges are, deserve to have some fashionable outfits in their closet that don’t add challenges or discomfort to their day. The good news is there are a few brands out there that were created to adapt to mobility challenges without sacrificing style. One brand worth discovering is Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive, who launched a line designed with and for people with disabilities in 2016. These clothes have the classic, American cool style Hilfiger is known for with the addition of discretely hidden features like magnet closures, one-handed zippers, extended openings and seated wear that make getting dressed easier for the entire family.
We’ve rounded up pieces from Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive’s latest collection, now available at Zappos Adaptive, styling them into modern, easy-to-wear outfits for each part of your life.
Job Interview
Shirt Dress: Cinched waist and faux buttons that hide magnetic closures, $109.50
Flats
Cross-body bag
Magnetic button shirt, Hidden magnetic closures at front and cuffs, $69.50
Chinos, VELCRO®️ brand closure and magnetic fly, button and loop adjustable waist and extended opening pant hem, $79.50
Cardigan sweater, Hidden magnetic closures at front, $59.50
Dress shoes
Running Errands
Varsity jacket: Hidden magnetic closures at front, $89.50
Skinny fit jeans: VELCRO®️ brand and magnet fly, button and loop adjustable waist and hem, $69.50
Black t-shirt
White sneakers
T-shirt: VELCRO®️ brand closure at shoulders, $39.50
Chinos, VELCRO®️ brand closure and magnetic fly, button and loop adjustable waist and magnetic opening at outside hem, $79.50
Hoodie, Magnetic zipper, $119.50
Sneakers
Brunch With Friends
Plaid shirt, Hidden magnetic closures, $59.50
Slim fit stretch pants, Button and loop adjustable waist and inside hem to accommodate variations in height, VELCRO®️ brand closure and magnet fly, $69.50
Fleece coat
Boots
Jacket, Magnetic zipper for closing with one hand, $129.50
T-shirt, VELCRO®️ brand closure at shoulders, $39.50
Slim-fit pants
Sneakers
Date Night
Midi suede skirt, VELCRO®️ brand closures at front, $69.50
Fitted sweater
Black booties
Silver necklace
Magnetic button shirt, Hidden magnetic closures at front and cuffs, $69.50
Jeans
Casual sneakers
Sunglasses
Netflix Binging at Home
Hoodie, Two hidden magnetic closures at the front, $79.50
Joggers, Waist features slide loop closure that allows one-handed waist adjustment, internal pull-up loops, and VELCRO®️ brand closure pant hem, $69.50
Soft T-shirt
Fuzzy socks
Seated fit T-shirt, VELCRO®️ brand closure down the back, $39.50
Baseball sweater, Magnetic zipper, $129.50
Sweatpants
Slippers
All Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive pieces can be found at Zappos Adaptive.
Erin is the former senior editor and chronic illness editor of The Mighty. She joined The Mighty in 2015 and previously worked at Inside Weddings magazine, Mic, and The Huffington Post. She was also the features editor at The California Aggie, UC Davis' student newspaper. She is honored to be a part of the Mighty community!
erin-migdol