Written by: Shreeya Shah
I’ve always had a passion for taking trips. I love everything about travelling; from the excitement of visiting a new spot, to planning the trip, to the points of interest and experiences along the way. That said, I confess that sometimes picking out clothes for a trip can be stressful even when I am excited. Will I be comfortable on long flights? Will my clothes fit in a variety of settings? What if there is bad weather? These are some of the things I often think about before closing my suitcase.
Now, let's say you have to worry about additional factors such as physical limitations, chronic pain, or sensitivities. For people with disabilities, what might be a minor problem for some can be completely prohibitive for having a satisfactory travel experience. The decision of appropriate clothing is no longer a personal choice. Instead, it is related to independence, simplicity, and dignity.
Travel can be both exhilarating and exhausting, particularly for those with disabilities. One of the most significant but rarely heeded parts of your entire travel experience is clothing choice. Adaptive fashion is not only about comfort and accessibility; it can also make the difference between an anxiety-riddled trip and one with unforgettable moments. Whether you are planning a getaway for the weekend or going somewhere for a month, here are some extensive tips to help you pack travel-ready adaptive wear that supports your lifestyle while still being stylish.
How To Choose Travel-Ready Adaptive Wear
Travel-friendly adaptive clothing is not merely convenient; they are essential to a smoother, more dignified travel experience. The best adaptive wear that is ready to wear when travelling is comfortable, sensible, stylish, and well-designed; therefore, enabling people with disabilities to engage with new environments in more meaningful and productive ways.
Start with easy-to-put-on and take-off clothing. Magnetic closures, Velcro fastenings and side zippers are simply and competently designed alternatives to buttons and hooks, which can be complicated or impossible for some people to do on their own. These closure systems make getting dressed in small spaces, such as airplane bathrooms or public changing stalls, less cumbersome and anxious. For example, adaptive tops with a front magnetic closure allow a person to change quickly and comfortably without having to engage their joints and muscles too much, as can occur when dressing. For pants, adaptations that have access on the side make trips to the bathroom easy, especially for people who use wheelchairs.
Equally important is the versatility of the clothing you pack when you travel. The unpredictability of travel requires many items to serve a dual purpose. Try to find clothing that easily bridges day to evening or indoor comfort to outdoor adventure. An adaptable jacket, for example, should provide enough warmth on a chilly flight while remaining presentable for a nice dinner, outside of having fewer clothing options in your bag, you want to have the right clothing option.
Weather adaptability also plays a role. Adaptive wear, including fabrics that showcase moisture-wicking, temperature regulating, and quick-drying features, is also worth considering, as they add to the comfort level in unpredictable climates, while minimizing the number of outfits you have to pack. For instance, an adaptive shirt made of breathable bamboo fabric could keep you cool in steamy environments and is gentle on sensitive skin.
Lastly, never underestimate the value of supportive footwear! Comfortable adaptive shoes with non-slip soles, wide openings, and Velcro straps can make mobility seamless, especially when traversing through airports or an unfamiliar place. Well-made, supportive and accessible shoes could support you whether you are on a long sightseeing trip or sprinting through a train station.
At the end of the day, travel-ready adaptive wear needs to empower the individual, not limit the individual. This is choosing clothes that are as comfortable as they are stylish, that can accommodate the user's specific needs, and that make the trip just as enjoyable as the destination.
Best Fabrics For Travel
When it comes to travel, comfort really starts with fabric. Adaptive clothing with the right fabric can offer a degree of comfort while travelling that is especially beneficial to those with sensory sensitivities or restrictions to mobility. Bamboo and Tencel garments are great options. Bamboo and Tencel are soft, breathable and naturally moisture-wicking, which is great for temperature regulation and achieving long wear. They are also gentle to sensitive skin and help to mask odour.
Cotton blends are another durable option. They offer both breathability and durability and are less prone to wrinkles than pure cotton. For flexibility, look for cotton blends with a little bit of spandex or Lycra, both of which offer flexibility, comfort and freedom of movement.
A great example is the Women's Neck Tie Top With Back Overlap by June Adaptive, with a soft, travel-friendly fabric and an open-back style to make dressing simple, without losing any of your sense of style!
When travelling, stick with machine washable, quick-dry, and wrinkle-resistant fabrics, especially if you won't have access to laundry facilities. Your clothing should work for you and your trip!
Packing Strategies For Different Needs
Packing for any trip is not a one-size-fits-all experience, particularly when it comes to accessibility. Individualized packing options can improve the travel experience exponentially.
If you are a wheelchair user, you should only think about seated wear; however, you may want fashion and functionality. So, pants with side openings and jackets with shortened backs are the two items you want to focus on reducing fabric bunching and maximizing comfort all day. As far as fabric goes, you will also want to stick with soft, stretchy clothing and accessories to minimize pressure points or irritation. You may want to roll your clothes instead of folding them; rolling saves room, reduces wrinkles, and allows you to find things more easily in awkward hotel rooms or bathrooms.
If you have limited dexterity, you will want items that reduce your use of fine motor skills. Clothing with magnetic closures, larger zippers, and elastic waistbands becomes immensely valuable when changing in small spaces or after a lengthy trip. You will also want to pack and arrange your outfits with packing cubes that are marked each day or activity to limit decision fatigue and make dressing less complicated.
If sensory sensitivity resonates with your experience, consider bringing things that you find soothing and familiar. The combination of soft-touch, tag-free fabrics can ease overstimulating transitions like busy airports and tourist sites. You may also want to consider noise-reducing headphones or a soothing-textured travel blanket for comfort.
A must-have for every traveller is June Adaptive’s Unisex Ultra-Soft Anti-Slip Crew Socks. The socks provide the stability and grip needed on slippery surfaces such as hotel floors, while still being lightweight and ultra-comfortable.
Where To Find Versatile Travel Pieces
It is not always easy to find adaptive wear that is stylish, comfortable, and practical, but when you're travelling, it is important. That is where June Adaptive shines. They offer a wide range of clothing that is designed to move with you, no matter the destination.
Whether you are travelling in a city, navigating through an airport, or sitting down to a nice dinner, you will need pieces that can be adapted to so many different situations. One great option is their Women's Cozy Plush Shawl. This accessory provides warmth on flights, is easy to style as an additional layer, and comfortably adds a polished finish to any outfit. Its simple draping makes it an excellent option for anyone who finds sleeves, clinging fabric, or closures to be difficult.
June Adaptive's online store has the ability for users to filter by specific needs; if you are recovering from surgery, have arthritis, or are impacted by sensory sensitivities, you can be sure to find items that meet your travel needs.
Airport Security With Adaptive Clothing
Airport security can frequently be among the most intimidating parts of travel. But with adaptive clothing and pre-planning can be significantly reduced this experience.
The first consideration is clothing that will avoid an alarm. Clothing with magnetic fastening, or plastic zippers, is recommended to eliminate delays. Layers are going to be essential; you want to wear a breathable base, then add a shawl or a cardigan, for example, that is easy to take off if required.
Next, you want to consider what shoes you will wear. Whether it is shoes with Velcro or a side zipper, you should put your shoes on and take them off quickly, especially if you have a limited range of motion or if you would like additional time when at the checkpoint. You should keep a small bag of documents, to know in advance if TSA ports are not acceptable. And if so, keep documentation of your medical device and the adaptive garment that you are going to be wearing. This could help to communicate with the TSA agent!
You have the right to a private screening if you choose as well. Most important is to remain calm, speak clearly about what you need, and communicate to the TSA agent about your comfort in the process. Remember, adaptive fashion should serve you, and not impede your journey!
Final Thoughts
Travel is meant to be empowering, not overwhelming. With the right adaptive apparel, you can comfortably and confidently travel to new places. From selecting breathable fabrics to packing with intention, everything you do puts you on the right path to less complicated travel.
The June Adaptive collection consists of thoughtfully designed pieces that serve a range of accessibility needs, making your travel more seamless and more enjoyable. Whether you take a plane or the road, adaptive fashion is your friend.
If you'd like to read more articles like this and find the products that help you be independent, sign up for the June Adaptive Newsletter today!
