Written By: Shreeya Shah
Adaptive fashion should never be unattainable. It's not just about convenience, it's about dignity, self-expression and independence. With costs rising, many are left to think that accessible clothing means clothing will come with a cost. Fortunately, it does not need to.
Whether shopping for yourself or someone special, this guide will show you how you can remain fashionable and comfortable without spending a fortune. We will look at ways to shop for discounts, DIY adaptations, and include some June Adaptive product highlights.
Here is a guide to affordable, practical adaptive fashion!
Where To Find Discounted Adaptive Wear
Finding reasonably priced adaptive wear should be a cakewalk (I say this about previous sections about comparing retailers, etc). While bigger chain stores are becoming more targets with adaptive, they are often more expensive considering their limited adaptive products or cost markups. This is why it's important to know where to shop.
June Adaptive provides a variety of adaptive clothing specifically designed for comfort, dignity, and accessibility, and without the excessive price tags that often accompany specialty fashion. One of the best ways to stay in the loop for exclusive discounts and sales is to subscribe to the June Adaptive newsletter. Subscribers often receive the first access to clearance events and bundled price options.
The seasonal sales are also a great opportunity. Typically, by the end of the season, June Adaptive will discount remaining stock at the end of each season. These sales are a great way to pick up essentials like winter outerwear or cozy wear at a much cheaper price.
Another solid option if you want something practical and low-cost is the Unisex Ultra-Soft Anti-Slip Crew Socks (4-Pack). These crew socks are soft against the skin and are exactly what someone may need with grip when walking around on slippery surfaces. They are sold in multi-packs and are an appropriate consideration for an affordable and practical adaptive wardrobe.
How To Modify Regular Clothes Affordably
While it's best to use purpose-made adaptive clothing, it's still possible to adapt traditional garments into your adaptive wear and can save money, too! Many modifications are used for crossover and are easy enough to manage yourself if you have limited sewing skills or a visit to your local tailor.
One of the easiest and most cost-effective methods is to swap buttons and zippers for some type of Velcro or magnetic closure. These modifications work well for shirts, pants, and jackets when someone has very limited dexterity or arthritic joints. Magnetic closures are sold widely and are easy to find at craft stores or online, then just sew them in place, just like you would with a button or zip.
Also, on pants, if you cut the side seams to the waist and sew on zippers or soft elastic panels, you can adapt pants into adaptive pants, which makes it easier to dress someone, especially those who are in a wheelchair or who get dressed with assistance.
Consider also sensory-friendly modifications. Someone very sensitive to tags or coarse fabric can dramatically increase comfort by removing the tags and using some soft, breathable linings like bamboo or jersey knit. Unfortunately, some people cannot wear a branded shirt or jacket because the tags bother them so much. Iron-on labels or stickers are a very easy option to keep the information about the garment without scratching!
The above Persona modifications are DIY, but they open up the opportunity for you to retain the wardrobe that you already have, while enhancing function. Community centers or local sewing clubs may have classes or even lend support to people who may want to modify clothing at little or no cost.
Best Budget-Friendly Brands
Not all adaptive fashion brands come with designer-level price tags; some, like June Adaptive, are focused on affordability and accessibility from the ground up. Everything is intentionally designed, with magnetic closures for easy dressing, open-backs for caregivers, seated fits, and sensory-friendly fabrics.
What separates June Adaptive from other brands that are focused on budget-friendly possibilities is the brand's commitment to delivering thoughtful, modern design that includes adaptive features. It's not just about making clothing easier to put on. It is about making it INCLUSIVE and stylish.
For instance, the Men's Sherpa-Lined Jacket with Magnetic Closures looks just like a classic flannel, but it is designed with hidden magnetic closures. Just that small change makes the piece a staple for someone with limited mobility or dexterity, and it doesn't subtract any stylistic element. It is a warm, easy-to-wear jacket that is durable and a great investment without feeling like a compromise.
While large retailers such as Target or Amazon have quickly made a few adaptations to clothing with velcro or elastic waistbands, they don't have the actual intention to change design elements to those that are truly adaptive. June Adaptive's catalogue is created with feedback from real humans, people with disabilities, seniors and caregivers.
Shopping Secondhand Adaptive Clothing
Secondhand shopping is one of the least considered, but one of the best options for budget-wise adaptive fashion. While finding specific adaptive wear in thrift stores may pose a challenge, it's not out of the question. If you search online, your options will grow substantially. Websites like Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, and eBay often have gently used adaptive clothing, and sellers usually post multiple images, a description of the item, and whether or not the item fits your adaptive needs. Use key search terms like “easy-dress”, “velcro fastenings”, “open back”, or “seated wear” to find items that might be more fitting.
You may find clothing swaps or donation events at local disability support organizations or community bulletin boards. Community events often have tons of functional clothing and may include adaptive clothing provided by families or care facilities.
As always, you will want to check for the condition of the closures (zipper, magnets, velcro multipliers) and verify that the actual fabric is in good condition, especially in areas that experience friction, like knees and elbows. With patience, secondhand shopping can save you a lot of money while giving you exposure to brands you've never heard of.
DIY Adaptive Solutions
Making DIY adaptive clothing has not only cost savings but is also a way to help individuals and caregivers adapt their clothing to their needs. Here are some easy and effective DIY adaptations to tackle at home.
Let's start with shirts and blouses. Attached small craft magnets behind the front placket to keep the original look of the button-down, but also have it much easier to wear. This adaptation will make a big difference for someone with arthritis or tremors.
Another very common option is to adapt a t-shirt or blouse to be a back-open garment. The back of the garment is split, and then fabric ties, Velcro, or snaps are added, which creates a garment that can be assisted with by caregivers without getting them to try to raise their arms.
Similarly, pants and skirts can also be altered. A common adaptation is to have side zippers or elastic inserted to help with putting on clothing, especially for persons who are seated for much of their lives. These adaptations can help to reduce pressure points and improve circulation.
If you're someone with sensory sensitivities, one simple way to improve comfort in clothing is to take the internal tags off clothing and use printed iron-on labels. You can also line clothing in soft materials, fleece or bamboo, for example, to remove any irritation that an internal seam or rough fabric may create.
These ideas are not just practical, but also very personal. DIY fashion recognizes the individual's unique needs and creativity and reinforces that accessible fashion is not a one-and-done.
Empowering Budget-Friendly Fashion
In essence, adaptive fashion is really about freedom and dignity. It gives people the ability to live freely, be more self-expressive, and live with fewer struggles. Most importantly, it does not have to be reserved for only those able to pay for premium rates.
A great example of that combination of form and function to consider is the Women's Magnetic Zipper Active Jacket. Created for ease of movement, wherever you wear it, and ease of getting dressed ("dressing"), it's sporty and fashionable with magnetic fastening for ease of dressing. Durable, versatile and stylish, this beautiful jacket is a great option, whether you're heading out for casual or therapy.
When building out an adaptive wardrobe on a budget, think of value instead of price. If a jacket is easy to put on, is fashionable enough to wear in your social circle, and can last through one or two seasons, that is a much bigger return than spending money on something that you can not use.
Final Thoughts: Fashion for All
Accessible adaptive fashion is not merely possible; it is necessary. And once you know where to shop, how to adapt, and what to focus on, you can have access to the practical, functional, stylish fashion we all enjoy.
At June Adaptive, we believe that everyone should have access to clothing that fosters independence, showcases individuality, and eases daily life. Our mission is to take away the costs that have historically precluded adaptive fashion from being accessible to everyone.
If you want to build your wardrobe with the confidence and comfort that you deserve, have a look at our full range of inclusive, affordable clothing at JuneAdaptive.com. You will find thoughtfully designed fashions for everybody, every ability and every budget.
Also, remember to sign up for our newsletter. You will also receive, at no charge, a guide to disability grants throughout the United States and Canada, which will further help you obtain resources that may help ease your journey.
Because fashion is for everyone, especially YOU.
