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.