As our grandparents age, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to put on clothing by themselves. They can no longer access the ubiquitous buttons and zippers on sweatshirts and jackets, so these styles become more difficult to wear. It is one of the reasons senior clothing has grown in popularity.

Senior clothing is becoming increasingly popular for seniors who want to get dressed independently because it doesn’t require buttoning or undoing zippers. These clothes typically have smaller pockets, snaps instead of buttons, and undershirts that cover what is underneath the shirt. These features make it easier to put on quickly without needing assistance from another person or machine.

We at Serenity Senior Care will give you a list of the best senior clothing that you can find. We have put together a list of our favorite clothing items to assist you in choosing the right clothes for your elderly loved one.

What to Look For

There are a number of different factors you will want to take into consideration before you go out and purchase this type of clothing. It is important to consider the following:

Size: The first thing you want to check out when buying senior clothing is the size that they need. The clothing should fit through the door of a regular-sized sedan or van. However, do not buy clothes that are too small because this may become an issue when putting them on (getting stuck and causing problems for your elderly loved one).
Price: One important thing to consider when buying these items is the price. You will want to make sure that your loved one can wear the clothes you purchase without having to spend a lot of money.
Design: Also important is the design of the clothing. You will want to ensure that the clothes you purchase will be comfortable and nice looking for your loved one. Comfort is especially important for people who have movement issues.
Accessibility: You will also want to look at the accessibility of the clothing before buying it. You will want to ensure that it is easy to put on, take off and wash. Not all clothing made for seniors is made with these qualities, so be careful in choosing what you buy.
Fabric: Finally, you may want to look at the material that makes up the clothes you buy. Although the cotton fabric is traditional, it may not be best for people who are sensitive or allergic to natural materials. For people in these situations, you will want to find clothing made from other materials.

What to Avoid

You also need to look at what you should avoid when buying these clothes. These issues could make it difficult for your loved one to get dressed.

Clothing with small buttons and difficult zippers: Fashionable Clothing may have these features, which can be difficult for an elderly person to use. It is one of the reasons why senior clothing is becoming increasingly popular, as it doesn’t have intricate features like these.
Clothing with excess pockets: Sometimes, senior clothing comes with a lot of pockets. While this may be useful for carrying a wallet or keys, it may become hard for your loved one to get dressed because the pockets can become caught on their skin or clothes. You will want to make sure that the clothes you buy do not have excess pockets.
Clothing with too many layers: Senior clothing is typically made with thinner material, but some items have too many layers, especially in cold weather. The extra material can become caught on other clothes your loved one is wearing, causing problems in getting dressed. You will want to avoid this when buying your loved one’s clothes.

Knowing all of these considerations, finding the best senior clothing for your loved one is simple. In order to help you choose what you need, we have put together a list of clothes that will be sure to please your loved one.

7 Easy-to-Put-On Clothing for Your Aging Loved Ones

1. Pullover Shirts

A pullover shirt is easy to put on. You put on the shirt by pulling it over your head. It means that you don’t have to unlatch or unzip buttons or zippers in order to get dressed. They are also often not made with thick material that may become caught on other clothes and cause problems for your loved one, as well as being affordable enough for people who cannot afford more expensive clothing.

2. The Velcro Closures

Velcro closures are a great alternative to the buttons and zippers found in conventional clothing, as they are simple and easy to use. Many shirts already have velcro, so you may not have to worry about buying extra closures.

3. Elastic Waistbands

For people who have trouble bending over, an elastic waistband may be the best choice of clothing to buy. The elastic band allows your loved one to reach around their waist in order to close the pants and get dressed without having to bend over. It makes it easier for your elderly loved one to get dressed independently.

4. Open Sweaters

Seniors are more sensitive to the cold, and therefore it is essential to have layers to stay warm. We suggest you buy open-front sweaters with wide sleeves. The loose design makes sure that the sweater will not make underlying clothing bunch up, which can cause chafing or discomfort. You can pick a longer design if you want some coverage in your senior loved one’s legs.

5. Open Back Tops

This type of clothing is great for those who stay in a wheelchair or on bed rest. It offers more coverage and helps seniors who have mobility issues to feel more comfortable. The slip-over design allows for easy movement of the arms. The back had overlapping panels to give plenty of coverage and ensure your loved one’s dignity and the front looked like an ordinary shirt. You can pick a lighter color for summer and darker colors for winter.

6. Easy Wear Bras

Even when your mobility is not limited, bras are tricky enough to put on. A lot of senior women also find it more pleasant to shift from underwire bras to wire-free bras. If your loved one can still work clasps, then front bras may be the best pick for your loved one. If you are searching for a clasp-free design, go for soft, pullover lounge bras.

7. Magnetic Closures

If your loved one has a hard time with buttons or zippers or is just fumbling to do so, then they might be better off with clothing that uses magnets for closures. This way, all you need to do is touch and close instead of struggling with buttons or zippers. Most athletic pants use magnetic closures, but you can also find bras and shirts that use this method.

Final Thoughts

As you’ve seen, you can purchase many different kinds of clothing for your loved one who is elderly. It’s important to remember that in picking out clothes, you should focus on the material it is made from and the design of the clothing. It will help you make sure that your loved one is comfortable and has easy access to their clothes. Comfort is a major concern for seniors, and it can help them feel secure when getting dressed in the morning.

As someone who cares about your loved ones, you’ll want to do everything you can to ensure their comfort when going about daily tasks such as dressing themselves. After you’ve considered your loved one’s lifestyle, what your budget is, and the other factors we’ve discussed, it should be easier to choose the best clothing for them. Now that you are an expert on senior clothing get looking!

We at Serenity Senior Care understand that seniors want to keep their independence as long as possible. So by providing you with this information on the best senior clothing, you will have a better chance to choose comfortable clothes and make your loved ones feel safe and secure while they get dressed. To learn more, contact us today!

Senior Clothing: Easy-to-Put-On Clothing for Your Elderly