Ten Tips for People with Disabilities and Clothing Choices

Bridge II Sports has an upcoming program for girls, Gige (Girls Inspired, Girls Empowered). One of the topics of discussion will be "What Not to Wear in a Chair." We'll announce the dates and times soon. Maybe we will be inspired to do something for the guys too.

But for now, here are some things I've learned about clothing for people with disabilities.

We're going to talk about this because even with a disability, you can be well dressed and well groomed, just like anyone else. So, if you go outside with three days worth of beard growth (if you are a man) or armpit hair (if you're a woman), or if your hair is a mess and sleep is still in your eyes, it gives a negative image.

It is always a good idea to look your best. It's something to be mindful of. Here's ten tips for what to wear if you have a disability.

1.Consider this blog a “No Sweat Pant Zone”

It's simple: Pants that come in packs of five just don't cut it. It might be that sweat pants are easier to deal with and easier to keep on when transferring into or out of your wheelchair or when using crutches. But it's not that hard to pull up your pants yourself, unless you don't have full arm function.

Some people may need to wear sweat pants for a medical reason. If you wear them to try and hide a diaper, try wearing underwear over the diaper. Then if you bend over, people will only see underwear. Jeans will hide underwear too.

But people with spina bifida, paraplegia, and even CP typically don't have any reason to wear sweat pants in public - unless you're going to the gym...

2. Belts are not best

Belts put pressure on your bladder and your bowel area, causing accidents. If you are going to wear one, wear it loosely. Instead of using a belt, take the time to buy pants that fit right or are tailored.

I know we are all scared of wearing pants that'll scrunch up on us or tighten our waist, but you just can't buy pants that are seven sizes too big.

Khakis and slacks are easier to put on than jeans, and are a good alternative for men and women instead of the ratty old sweatpants. Or, you could try suspenders.

3. Consider your footwear

If you buy shoes that are a little too long in the toe, your foot won't get caught in the caster area of your chair. You will avoid bone breaks and having to hear the doctor tell you something you've heard 50 times over.

As for the people who don't wear shoes at all, or just socks, think about the impression you're giving of yourself. I hate to say it, but without socks and/or shoes, you look like you belong in a home.

A word of advice for dress shoes: buy leather. It'll hold up better than cheaper material because your feet will hit more things than you are aware of, and it's easier to buff out the scruff marks on leather.

4. Clothes guards, always

Wheelchair clothes guards solve the problem of getting dirt from your wheels on your clothes. How many times have you had your clothes entangled in your wheels? Having dirty printed wheelchair tire tread on your white dress shirt is not a fashion statement. I've had to throw shirts away because of that.

5. Accessorizing

You might want to buy cheap for these. Watches and bracelets may get caught in your wheels, so don't wear things that dangle too much. If you want one of these accessories, make sure you buy a cheap one so if get caught and breaks, you're not out ten grand for a Rolex.

As for rings, make sure they fit well, as your hands will contract while wheeling or using crutches often during the day. That'll make your fingers sore and can cause swelling while you have a ring on.

6. Your wheelchair does factor in

Does your clothing match your chair? Get a color of chair that works with many other colors, so if you wear a nice outfit, it won't clash badly.

Careful with choosing a black wheelchair, crutches, or walker though; if it sits in the sun a while, the metal may become hot as the dark color absorbs the heat, and could burn your skin. You might not be able to feel that, but there will be consequences.

Consider what colors you pick and how that will affect future job interviews - unless you want to become mayor of Ronald McDonald Land, keep the rainbow glitter colors off your camber tube.

7. Suitable suits

Because people who use wheelchairs or crutches have different growth development, and different body movements than people who walk, getting fitted for a suit can be a challenge.

For either suits for men or pantsuits for women, find a tailor who will listen to you. Tailors are used to people being generally in proportion and may not have ever fitted someone using a wheelchair. Show the tailor how you wheel. Explain how your pants are probably going to be a significantly different size than your jacket or top, and if they are a good tailor, they will listen.

If you walk, and you have limited movement in your legs like some people with spina bifida or CP have, make sure you have free movement without hindrances.

8. Picking material for your needs

Find clothes that are made of durable material that won't fray, like denim - not that you want an entire denim outfit. But if you fall out of your chair or have to transfer, jeans hold up.

Also keep in mind that water resistant or stain resistant clothes have been treated so if you spill something or it rains, a lot of it will roll off.

9. Travel tips

For air travel, if you have to use an aisle chair to get on the airplane, then you need to wear jeans or long pants to protect your legs. While the airline personnel are moving you down the aisle in their narrow chair, they may bump you into things, and you won't be in control of your momentum. Protect your body.

10. Shorts and summer clothes

When I was younger, the other kids in school would pick on me incessantly about how my legs looked when I wore shorts. I got in too many fights over it. For years I just wore long pants.

For the kids reading this: When people make fun of you, I encourage you to have the attitude that it's okay for you to wear what you want. People will stop taunting you, because you're showing it's not bothering you. I wish I had done that, but the consequence was that I stopped wearing shorts. Don't let that happen to you. It wasn't really necessary for me to handle it like that, but that's why this blog exists, so we can talk about these things.

Now I wear shorts whenever I want. I can tell you now, there's no problem with wearing shorts. Don't be embarrassed of your legs. If it's in the summer and it's hot, wear shorts, be fashionable! Some people with disabilities have problems regulating their body heat, so don't let embarrassment trump your medical needs. Everyone has something wrong with them. Don't be ashamed of your body. (And don't forget to use sunscreen.)

Add your thoughts on what to wear in a chair in the comments. Let us know your tips and tricks.

--David Pletcher