I had to mourn the loss of so many things when I first became disabled. I was very disappointed that I couldn't feel the sand between my toes on the beach or have someone touch my legs. One particularly devastating loss was my ability to stand in my clothes and look lovely. The opportunity to see how a magnificent gown would drape on the floor from the rear. Not long before I was shot and crippled, I went shopping with my mother and tried on a long red formal gown with an open back. I was heartbroken since I knew I'd never see simply my body and clothes again. A wheelchair would now impede the view for the rest of my life. One of my obsessions was and continues to be beautiful clothing. However, I now feel more self-assured and trendy than I have in the past. While sitting, I know how to dress in a way that is both comfortable and attractive. However, it is not as simple as you may believe.
Wheelchair users can look stunning in their outfits! It takes a little ingenuity, but expressing oneself via your attire is a wonderful feeling. Years of trial and error helped me figure out which design components worked best for me. I'll offer my advice, as well as those of my friends, on how to ensure that people see you, not just your wheelchair.
The Basics
Dresses and skirts are my favorite outfits to wear. I've spent most of my time in school, at work, or with my children. My intermittent catheterizations have to be as simple as possible. I've always found it tough to take my pants off in a public restroom - and even more difficult to put them back on! By the time I was done in the restroom, I was generally sweating and fatigue. I'm also a bit of a feminine girl who has always enjoyed dresses. I wish I could wear full skirts, but they are difficult and impractical for me. Pencil skirts are a personal favorite of mine, particularly when traveling. Pencil skirts look elegant while keeping my legs together.
My friends recommend high-waisted jeans and leggings if you prefer to wear pants. It prevents the back of the pants from being too low, which is an issue for those of us who sit all day. High-waisted jeans can provide more support for the abdomen. Jean leggings (jeggings) are a terrific alternative to regular blue jeans in terms of style and ease of wear. Back pockets are frequently absent from jeggings, reducing the number of potential pressure points when sat. Back pockets are frequently absent from jeggings, reducing the number of potential pressure points when sat.
Alterations
I frequently require changes to achieve a decent fit, and finding a professional tailor is essential. People with disabilities frequently require clothing that is tailored to their specific specifications and that is easier to put on and take off. A seamstress can install a zipper that extends to the inseam for females who need to conduct intermittent catheterization throughout the day. When sitting, it's critical to make sure your pants are long enough. Try the tall portion if you have long legs, and then have them hemmed to the perfect length.
Colors
White is my favorite color, but it might be tough for wheelchair users to wear. Garments guards help to protect clothing, however, keeping white appearing white is difficult. Colorful apparel and accessories help you stand out in the best possible way. Black is also my favorite color since it is slimming and covers dirt and stains. Adding colorful scarves and jewelry to a little black dress can help make it more adaptable.
Shoes
What should I do first? Since becoming disabled, I've had a love/hate relationship with shoes. Shoes are challenging for me because my feet swell throughout the day. I pay attention to where my shoes cut into my foot and leave marks. To avoid a wound, I regularly examine the pressure areas on my feet. Poor circulation causes my feet to become purple on occasion. To hide the discoloration, I try to wear shoes with excellent coverage on the top of my foot. Shoes with a heel that isn't too short or too tall are my favorites. The heel will contact the ground if it is excessively long. My foot will not stay on the footplate if the heel is too short and the bottom of the shoe is slick. The back of the shoe must be present or the shoe will fall off. To hide the discoloration, I try to wear shoes with excellent coverage on the top of my foot. Shoes with a heel that isn't too short or too tall are my favorites. The heel will contact the ground if it is excessively long. My foot will not stay on the footplate if the heel is too short and the bottom of the shoe is slick. The back of the shoe must be present or the shoe will fall off.
Specific Shoe Ideas for Women
1. Purchase shoes that are a half to a full size larger than your measured size. This keeps the circulation in the foot from being cut off.
2. Boots having a zipper that runs the entire length of the boot.
3. Sandals with a low heel and complete upper coverage.
4. Heel sores can be avoided by wearing shoes with memory foam or inserts.
5. Pair knee-high boots with leg warmers. People with disabilities frequently have poor circulation, which causes our legs and feet to become cold quickly. Leg warmers and knee-high boots are attractive, toasty, and hide the atrophy that comes with mobility loss.
6. Oxfords stay in place and are lovely.
7. Purchase ankle-strapped shoes. Because they fall off so regularly, I've had to look for one misplaced shoe.
Jackets
Jackets and coats with a two-way zipper are ideal for persons who must sit for long periods. You can leave the bottom of your jacket unzipped to prevent the jacket from bunching up and generating a "frump" in the stomach area. Athletic jackets are typically composed of Lycra and are slim-fitting and flattering. For folks who sit all day, many jackets are overly lengthy. You can have the jacket shortened by a tailor. A sport coat or suit jacket for men will almost certainly require some changes to fit properly. Cropped jackets that hit right at the waist are available for women. Anything longer will generally obstruct the tires.
Socks/Stockings
Stockings/socks with a bold print can be eye-catching. I like to wear support stockings because they aid my circulation and keep my belly in place.
Earrings
Earrings are simple for me, but they may be difficult for someone who has poor hand dexterity. For some people with poor hand dexterity, magnetic-closure earrings are easier to put on.
Necklaces
An outfit can be made more interesting with the addition of a necklace. Long necklaces are a challenge for me. When I lean forward to get my wheelchair in and out of the car, they get caught. When my lengthy necklaces get caught around something in the wheelchair, they break. People who do not dismantle and reassemble their chairs frequently have no trouble wearing many long necklaces.
Bracelets
Bracelets have always been my biggest jewelry issue. The bracelet can become trapped on the wheel lock if it is too loose. I also avoid wearing bangle bracelets since they catch on the push rims, create a lot of noise, and just annoy me! Leather bracelets with beading offer a touch of glitz.
Scarves
A scarf is a simple and stylish way to dress up an outfit. Make sure the scarf isn't too long that it scrapes against your tires or gets trapped in them. Trying to extricate anything from a wheelchair tire can take a long time.
You and Your Wheelchair
Your wheelchair can also be used as a fashion accessory. Wheelchair manufacturers offer a wide range of colors and patterns to choose from when customizing your wheelchair. I use a Tilite rigid frame wheelchair with purple highlights and floral tattoos. My friend has a rainbow-colored wheelchair and wears every color of the rainbow in her outfits. Your wheelchair can be a reflection of your individuality.
Adaptive Brands for Designers
Several designers specialize in designing clothing that is accessible to individuals with disabilities. Several designers are creating garments with magnetic closures, one-handed zippers, and easy-to-pull-on slacks. Some designs are AFO-friendly or made expressly for those who sit for long periods.
Fashion can be a lot of fun. One of the most powerful kinds of self-expression is the way we dress. In terms of what can be seen while seated, I've learned to pay attention to the intricacies of my clothes. I know what clothes products are both functional and fashionable. I've always claimed that if people stare at me more because I'm in a wheelchair, it's because I'm disabled. I'll give them something to look at.....my great outfits!