One-handed dressing techniques: a guide to adaptive dressing

Learning to dress one-handed can be a challenge, but with the right one-handed dressing techniques and dressing aids, it can become a manageable aspect of your daily routine. As an individual with one hand or limited hand mobility, this simple act may seem like an impossible task, but this is where our tips and the array of devices available at Complete Care Shop can make a huge difference to daily living. With the right tools, it is absolutely possible to regain independence and adapt to one-handed dressing.

Below, you’ll find our guide to adaptive dressing including tips and solutions, and recommendations for living aids. We cover everything from clothing tips to how to get dressed with one hand and how to pull up pants with one arm. Read on to find out more. 

Understanding the challenges

When it comes to learning how to get dressed with one hand, there can be a range of obstacles in your way. Some of these include difficulty fastening buttons and tying shoelaces, and even seemingly routine daily tasks may become a struggle that both impact your sense of freedom and your self-esteem. Making the most of the one-handed dressing techniques and devices available can make it a whole lot easier. 

Therefore, you must be honest about the difficulties and challenges that you face, no matter how small or easy the tasks may seem. By being honest about the struggles you’re facing, you can find practical solutions that make a real difference and have a positive impact on your daily life. Subsequently, we can significantly improve your quality of life by helping you regain some autonomy.

Adaptive clothing and accessories

First, we’d recommend that you explore the adaptive clothing options available to make independent dressing a whole lot easier. This is probably one of the simplest solutions that can help to minimise stress around getting dressed considerably, and there are plenty of clothing options out there that are designed specifically for those with the use of one hand.

Adaptive clothing is designed with features that simplify the dressing process, helping it to be quicker and easier to complete. They can also provide a level of functionality that you may not find with traditional clothing items. We recommend opting for looser fitting clothes that are easier to get on and off, such as blouses and shirts with larger buttons as an alternative to jumpers and t-shirts. Similarly, skirts and dresses with elasticated waists will also be easier than trousers. 

These features can include magnetic closures that offer a hassle-free alternative to zippers and buttons. They allow for quick and secure fastening with minimal effort. Similarly, Velcro is a great option and can make getting dressed with one hand considerably easier and less daunting for anyone.  

You should also look out for clothing that features strategically placed adaptive fasteners that enhance accessibility, reducing the need for external assistance.

Assistive devices and tools

Now that you’ve thought about the challenges you face when dressing with one hand and how adaptive clothing could improve your daily routine, you should consider which daily living aids might assist you best. Here are some of the most popular products and aids available at Complete Care Shop. 

Sock aids

If you’re struggling to put your socks on yourself then look no further than this sock aid. The Comfy-Handled Stocking Aid is designed with your comfort and practicality in mind. It features easy-to-grip handles made out of foam material and comes in a range of versions, including one that is suitable for one-handed use. With a few easy and simple steps, you can have your socks on in no time at all. 

The Bra Angel

It is fair to say that putting a bra on can be a fiddly task for anyone, especially if you’re trying to do it with the use of only one hand. But this Bra Angel dressing aid is perfect for those who want to master putting their bra on without assistance. 

This product has been created by an occupational therapy professional to make it easy to use. It is placed over your neck and holds one end of the strap ready and in place. This means that you can bring the other end around to fasten easily and independently. It can also be used when unhooking the strap to remove your bra. That feeling of taking your bra off at the end of the day just got even better!

The EZ Dressing Stick

If you’re keen to master how to pull up your pants with one arm, then this may be exactly what you’ve been looking for. While this device depends on your dexterity level, it is a multi-purpose high-quality dressing aid that can help you when putting on a whole range of garments. 

From putting on shirts, jackets, trousers and even shoehorning awkward shoes, the EZ Dressing Stick can help. It has been designed with a strong plastic push-pull hook that is great for getting all items of clothes on. Additionally, the long handle is covered in a soft foam, making it easier and more comfortable to grip.

Button Hook with Zip Pull

Fastening buttons can be a real challenge for individuals with one hand which is why this Button Hook with Zip Pull is so popular. It is a simple yet effective solution that promotes independence. This dressing aid makes life a lot easier for those with reduced hand function or arthritis and promotes independence. It also has left or right-handed use, making it suitable for everyone. It can also fit easily in a bag so it can go out and about with you if required. 

Get in touch

For more information on one-handed dressing techniques and the devices available to you or a loved one, contact Complete Care Shop at 0300 1000 248 or online today. You can also use our free Expert Advice service to get expert product advice from our Occupational Therapists.