The older I get (67 years and counting), the more I realize that the best clothes can’t just look great – they need to feel great, and be easy to get on and off.
Adaptive clothing for seniors has become my go-to whenever I’m updating my wardrobe – because let’s face it, anything that makes dressing with arthritic fingers, achy muscles and joint issues easier is worth more than it’s weight in gold.
If you’re in the same mind frame as me – here’s my personal guide to the best adaptive clothing brands for women – the ones that really make my life better.
The First Brand I Tried: Silverts
★★★☆☆
Silverts was one of the first companies I stumbled onto when I began searching for adaptive apparel. After a little digging, I discovered they had a pretty good reputation among people my age – so I ordered a couple of things straight off the bat.
I got myself an open-back ¾ length sleeve shirt, and splurged on a (pretty expensive) pair of ultra-wide fit comfort shoes.
The shoes are excellent – particularly when my feet swell after a long day simply working on the garden or taking a stroll with the grandkids. They’re easy to put on and take off, and they come in a range of colors – plus they’re extremely breathable.
However, for the price, I do think they’re missing a few things, like water resistance for unpredictable weather, and the sizing (for me) was a little off too. The shirt I got was a lot more affordable, but the shoulder closures make it look a little like I’m wearing old-fashioned shoulder pads.
The shirt is great for things like trips to the doctors when I need to get my top off and on quickly – but I don’t really feel as confident in it as I would in other types of adaptive clothing.
My Second Attempt: Ovidis
★★★☆☆
What really attracted me to Ovidis – over all of the other companies I found selling adaptive clothing for seniors, was the range. There are literally hundreds of items to choose from, in every color and style you can imagine. I instantly found a huge range of shirts that I loved, like the “Torie adaptive top” – with it’s gorgeous red and black design.
I even found some lovely nightgowns, and pants. I was eager to get my hands on a pair of pants that just looked like the standard options I’d usually wear. At a glance, the Back-panel adaptive pants seemed great – until I put them on.
From the front, these pants look great, and they’re definitely easy to get on and off, but from the back, you can definitely see that something is out of place. I started constantly worrying about the Velcro coming loose while I was out and about.
I haven’t actually had that problem wearing them – but the anxiety is still there. Overall, Ovidis is an excellent choice for variety, but I’d probably stick to the shirts and tops if you’re nervous – as they really do just look like traditional clothing.
My Bonus Find: Liberare Adaptive Bras
★★★★★
Honestly, when I started my search for adaptive clothing, I didn’t really think buying an easy-on bra was an option. I’d seen a few companies advertising “comfort bras” for older ladies – but they always looked clinical, or unsupportive.
My friend, Clare got me onto Liberare, telling me that they sold the best bras for older women she’d ever seen – and she was right. Unlike the other options I’ve seen, Liberare bras don’t force you to choose between comfort, convenience, and comfort – you get all three.
The front-closing clasp is a world-changer for my arthritic fingers. The magnets just glide together automatically, and then the clips snap into place, so you know nothing is going to come loose.
I didn’t realize until I tried the Everyday Easy-On bra just how much time I spend struggling with my lingerie each day. Now, I class this bra as an essential part of my wardrobe.
Not only is more comfortable than traditional bras, with it’s silky-soft material and wire-free structure, but it still offers plenty of support. On top of that, you get a back adjuster (for bloating days), and shoulder straps you can adjust from the front too.
Plus, these bras don’t stand out under any of the other adaptive clothing I wear. The Smooth-On t-shirt bra, in particular, doesn’t cause any lumps, or bumps – no matter which shirt I choose.
Here is how the bras work (and sneak peek my favorite adaptive clothing company!)
My Favorite Adaptive Clothing Brand: Joe & Bella
★★★★★
If I had to pick the company that creates the best adaptive bras for women – or the best things to wear under your adaptive apparel – Liberare would win. But if you’re looking for the company that sells the best clothing other than underwear – Joe & Bella is my top pick.
This company has consumed my wardrobe since I discovered it. I started off with the Everyday Magnetic button blouse in State Blue and I was amazed. It was one of the first shirts I tried that didn’t make me look and feel like I was wearing adaptive apparel. It just looks like a high-quality top – and it feels amazing too, with it’s silken material.
Since discovering that, I grabbed myself a signature magnetic cardigan – something I now wear absolutely every day. There are no pesky buttons to fiddle with on either of these products – just magnets that easily hold your garments together.
After the Ovidis pants issue, I was a little reluctant to try out Joe & Bella’s Side-zip pants – but I have to say they’re amazing too. They don’t look unusual at all – just like a perfect pair of beautifully-fitting pants. I particularly love the adjustable waistband – for extra comfort when I’m feeling a little puffy around the stomach area.
I definitely recommend checking this company out – and pairing their clothes with a couple of adaptive bras from Liberare – for the best dressing experience of your life.
The Best Adaptive Clothing for Seniors: Make Life Simple
Switching to adaptive clothing can feel a bit daunting for some older ladies – particularly if you think that the products you choose are going to look “odd” or unflattering.
But as I discovered with these brands – particularly Liberare – there is adaptive apparel out there that gives you the comfort and convenience you need, without the compromise.
If you’re looking for the best bra for older women, definitely check out Liberare – if you want beautiful, easy-to-wear clothing, head over to Joe & Bella.
