--- title: Your Guide to Adaptive Clothing for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities description: Besides being a necessity for many people with disabilities, adaptive clothing can give a critical boost to self-esteem. Read on to learn more. image: https://neuronav.org/hubfs/unnamed%20(10).png --- [Skip to content](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/adaptive-clothing-for-adults-intellectual-developmental-disabilities#main-content) [![nn_logo_wide_white](https://neuronav.org/hs-fs/hubfs/nn_logo_wide_white.png?width=2641&height=640&name=nn_logo_wide_white.png "nn_logo_wide_white")](https://www.neuronav.org/) - [For Individuals](https://neuronav.org/families) - [For Regional Centers](https://neuronav.org/regional-centers) - Knowledge - [Self-Determination Blog](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog) - [Events](https://neuronav.org/events) - [Newsletter Sign Up](https://neuronav.org/newslettersignup) - About Us - [Team](https://neuronav.org/about-us) - [Careers](https://careers.neuronav.org/home) - [GET STARTED](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation-main) - [Disability Rights](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/disability-rights) # Your Guide to Adaptive Clothing for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities ![A man with a disability looks through clothes on a rack](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/unnamed%20(10).png) Having an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) does not mean you should miss out on the ability to dress yourself. There are countless products and alterations to existing products that can help people with disabilities live more independently than they might have thought possible. You don’t deserve to just live an independent life, though. Everyone deserves to live out loud, especially when it comes to clothing styles. Wearing what you want can also provide [numerous benefits](https://www.vogue.com/article/intelligent-design-how-clothing-affects-the-mind) to our mental health. Keep reading to learn more about adaptive and easy-access clothing for those with IDDs. ## What is Adaptive Clothing? **Adaptive clothing** for adults with disabilities refers to clothes with one or more functional upgrades. This might include upgrades that make clothing: - Easier to put on and take off - Comfortable enough to wear for long periods without disrupting sensory needs - More comfortable and functional for people who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility One major perk of adaptive clothing is that it’s, well, adaptive! That means the clothing can be adjusted to suit your needs, unlike clothes that you might find at a typical store.  Furthermore, some conditions, like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), may cause sensory challenges that necessitate clothing without seams, tags, or coarse fabrics. Having breathable clothing is also important for many people with an IDD. Below are a few things to look for in adaptive clothing for adults with disabilities. ### Magnets, Snaps, and Side Zippers The mechanisms that normally fasten clothes, such as buttons and zippers, may present challenges for people with disabilities. Someone who has difficulty with fine motor skills may not be able to navigate pushing a small button into the corresponding hole.  Instead of buttons, a shirt might have magnets hidden under the fabric to bring the two sides together. A snap may prove easier to fasten than a button on the top of pants. Someone who uses a wheelchair could make use of pants that unzip from the sides.  Open-back shirts can help people who find it challenging to raise their arms above their heads or bend their elbows. No matter what kind of physical restrictions you may have with your disability, shirts that come in *your* color are available if you have the ability to do a little searching. ### Adaptive Shoes A common shoe alteration for people with physical limitations is a Velcro, or hook-and-loop, fastening system. Slip-on shoes also work well for plenty of people. Some conditions and medications may cause edema, or fluid retention, in some people's calves, ankles, and feet. In these cases, expandable shoes and knee-high stockings can be crucial. ## Where to Find Adaptive Clothing Some prominent retailers with brick-and-mortar locations, like Target, JCPenney, Macy’s, and Kohl’s, carry adaptive clothing brands in many of their stores.  If online shopping works better for you, there is [no shortage of online shops](https://lifezest.co/adaptive-clothing/) selling adaptive clothing. You might also find retailers on Etsy or Amazon.  In some cases, a healthcare or support service provider might also be able to help you locate clothing that fits your needs. ## Form a Partnership with NeuroNav Today Accessing necessary products and services can sometimes feel difficult if you or a loved one has an IDD. You deserve independence whenever and wherever possible, and the Self-Determination Program (SDP) in California can help you achieve that. The SDP gives you great flexibility in choosing services and workers to help you reach your goals, but the process can be quite complex. An [independent facilitator](https://neuronav.org/services), who is paid through your individual budget, can ensure you get the most out of the program.  The team at NeuroNav can help you no matter where you are in the SDP process; we’d be honored to speak with you or a loved one over a [free consultation](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation). ## Related Articles Dive into more topics and stories that resonate with your interests. Our handpicked articles offer a deeper look into the world of Self-Determination and beyond. [![A young adult brushing his teeth in a bathroom mirror as part of a daily living routine. ](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/148.jpg)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/daily-living-skills-autistic-teens-adults) [Independent Living & Life Skills](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/independent-living-life-skills) ### [Daily Living Skills for Autistic Teens & Adults (+ Why They Can Be Challenging)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/daily-living-skills-autistic-teens-adults) July 14, 2026 Independence looks different for everyone. For one person, independence might mean the ability to leave the house on... [Read more](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/daily-living-skills-autistic-teens-adults) [![A student with a disability sitting in a classroom smiling and clapping](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/33.png)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/9-empowering-tips-for-autistic-college-students) [Independent Living](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/independent-living), [Self-Advocacy](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/self-advocacy), [Neurodiversity](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/neurodiversity) ### [9 Empowering Tips for Autistic College Students](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/9-empowering-tips-for-autistic-college-students) February 18, 2025 The transition into college life can be challenging for anyone. It’s an exciting step in life that comes with new... [Read more](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/9-empowering-tips-for-autistic-college-students) [![A diverse group of people with colorful eye makeup posing artistically](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/dignity%20of%20risk%20and%20failure.png)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/dignity-of-risk-and-dignity-of-failure) [Self-Determination Program (SDP)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/self-determination-program-sdp), [Wellness](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/wellness), [Independent Living](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/independent-living) ### [An Intro to Supporting Dignity of Risk & Failure in Adults with Disabilities](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/dignity-of-risk-and-dignity-of-failure) January 28, 2025 When you hear the word “risk,” what’s the first thing that comes to mind? If you’re like many, you might find the idea... [Read more](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/dignity-of-risk-and-dignity-of-failure) Check all articles ### Ready to Navigate Life with Us? Embark on your Self-Determination journey with confidence. Request your free consultation with NeuroNav and discover the personalized support waiting for you. [GET STARTED](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation) Subscribe for ### Interested in More Insights? Stay in the loop with the latest from our blog. Sign up now and never miss out on empowering stories, tips, and updates. [![nn_logo_wide_electricindigo](https://neuronav.org/hs-fs/hubfs/nn_logo_wide_electricindigo.png?width=200&height=49&name=nn_logo_wide_electricindigo.png "nn_logo_wide_electricindigo")](https://neuronav.org) [info@neuronav.org](mailto:info@neuronav.org) Phone: ‪(510) 621-3408 2323 Broadway Oakland, CA 94612 - **Services** - [For Families](https://neuronav.org/families) - [For Regional Centers](https://neuronav.org/regional-centers) - **Knowledge** - [SDP Blog](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog) - [Events](https://neuronav.org/events) - **About Us** - [Team](https://neuronav.org/about-us) - [Careers](https://careers.neuronav.org/home) - [Contact Us](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/NeuroNavLife) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/neuronavlife) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/neuronavlife/) [Follow us on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@neuronav/) [JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER](https://neuronav.org/newslettersignup) - [Terms of Service](https://neuronav.org/terms-of-service) - [Privacy Policy](https://neuronav.org/privacy) - © 2026 by Neurodiversity PBC d/b/a NeuroNav. If you have questions or concerns about NeuroNav services funded by your regional center, please visit the Department of Developmental Services website or call (916) 654-1987 for guidance on the process. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "NeuroNav Self-Determination Specialist", "url" : "https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/author/neuronav-self-determination-specialist" }, "dateModified" : "2024-06-27T18:00:00.445Z", "datePublished" : "2024-06-27T18:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Your Guide to Adaptive Clothing for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities", "image" : [ "https://neuronav.org/hubfs/unnamed%20(10).png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/adaptive-clothing-for-adults-intellectual-developmental-disabilities", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject" } } } ```