Fashion and function: Adaptive clothing for SMA
Last updated April 24, 2025, by Susie Strachan
Adaptive clothing for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is designed to make dressing less challenging.
While today’s adaptive clothing puts the focus on function with a range of supportive features, many brands also embrace fashion with trendy details, fun patterns, and pops of color.
From sleepwear to swimwear — and everything in between — adaptive clothing comes in all kinds of styles for infants, children, and adults.
Clothing that adapts to you
Adaptive clothing is often made from soft, stretchy fabrics with flat seams to reduce rubbing. Some designs can accommodate specialized devices such as a back brace for scoliosis, orthotics, or a G-tube (gastrostomy tube). Others are created for comfort in a wheelchair.
What you look for in clothing will depend on many factors related to SMA and your own personal taste.
Common features of adaptive clothing include:
- side or back openings
- stretchy fabrics
- Velcro or magnetic closures
- pull-up tabs
- elastic waistbands
- wide neck openings.
Wheelchair
Wheelchair-friendly clothing tries to avoid bunching up, rubbing, and other discomforts by having features such as:
- back openings
- shorter hems at the back
- seamless backs
- pull tabs.
Scoliosis and mobility aids
In addition to flowy materials that drape over the body, fully open fronts, and extra-wide footwear, clothing for those with scoliosis or who use mobility aids may have:
- stretchy waistbands
- adjustable features such as straps
- soft linings
- open seams
- side-leg openings.
Infants and children
Adaptive clothing for babies and children with SMA makes it easier for parents to dress and access medical equipment.
Features include:
- soft, breathable fabrics
- front or side snaps
- wide or zip openings
- stretchy necklines or envelope-style shoulders
- magnetic closures.
Where to buy adaptive clothing
While more brands now offer adaptive clothing lines, it can still require research to find the right options and prices that fit your budget.
If shopping in person, plan ahead. Not all stores have adaptive clothing in stock, including those that sell them online. Before you go, call the store and ask about availability of styles and sizes.
Even if you don’t plan to buy online, websites can be a good resource for size information, product descriptions, and reviews.
Brands offering adaptive clothing and footwear include:
- Adaptive at Seven7 Jeans
- Billy Footwear
- IZ Adaptive
- Jamey Perry for JCPenney
- Lady Fines
- QVC’s Denim & Co Adaptive
- Spoonie Threads
- Springrose
- Target’s Universal Thread
- Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive
- Zappos Adaptive.
For babies, children, and teens:
- Little Green Radicals
- SpecialKids.Company
- StarberryKids
- The Sleepy Sloth Adaptive
- Tabeeze
- Target’s Cat & Jack: Kids’ Adaptive Clothing
- Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive.
Making clothing adaptable
Many people living with SMA find creative ways to make non-adaptive clothing better fit their specific needs.
Sometimes, these clothes work as is, or they just need a different size or a few fixes with the help of a friend or tailor. Adjustments can include:
- Shortening straps to get tops to stay in place when sitting
- Removing bulky pants pockets that bunch up when sitting
- Cutting slits to make room for feeding tubes or leg braces
- Replacing zippers with Velcro or magnetic closures for easier opening and closing.
Whether through creative fixes or adaptive pieces made for SMA needs, options are available to help you dress with more ease and comfort.
SMA News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
