Style That Works With You
Arthritis can make getting dressed feel harder than it should, especially with tiny buttons, stiff waistbands, and awkward clasps that only get harder as the days go by. The good news is that your closet doesn’t need a dramatic makeover to feel more manageable. The better news is that you don’t need to sacrifice style, either! With a few thoughtful swaps, you can keep your personal style intact while making each outfit easier to put on.
1. Swap Tiny Buttons for Magnetic Closures
Tiny shirt buttons are pretty frustrating when your fingers feel stiff or swollen, so magnetic closures are a kinder option. Look for button-down shirts and cardigans that have hidden magnets behind the placket. They don’t sacrifice your style, and they give you the same polished look without the hand strain.
2. Swap Stiff Jeans for Pull-On Denim
Traditional jeans are already hard enough to put on, but they’re especially tough when they come with tight zippers and small metal buttons. Pull-on denim gives you the same casual look but usually has a wide elastic waistband that’s way easier to manage.
3. Swap Back-Zip Dresses for Wrap Styles
Is there anything more annoying that a zipper running up the back of a dress? Let’s be honest: it can be a real nuisance when your shoulders, wrists, or hands are bothering you! That’s why wrap dresses are much easier because you can fasten them in front and adjust them without twisting around.
4. Swap Clasp Bracelets for Stretch Bracelets
Bracelet clasps can feel wildly unnecessary when your hands aren’t cooperating, which is why stretch bracelets are the next best thing. They slide on more easily, and they still give your outfit a finished look without requiring a tiny hook-and-eye battle. You can also try beaded stretch bracelets or elastic pearl styles for a dressier touch.
5. Swap Lace-Up Shoes for Slip-On Sneakers
Shoelaces require a lot of irritating movement, like bending, gripping, or tying. Well, no longer! Slip-on sneakers give you comfort and support without asking your hands to do extra work. A clean white pair, a black knit style, or even a cushioned walking sneaker can go with just about anything, too.
6. Swap Tight Turtlenecks for Soft Mock Necks
Tight turtlenecks are actually pretty tough to pull over your head and adjust around your neck. A soft mock neck gives you the same cozy look while being easier to slip on and wear comfortably. Best of all, ribbed knits, cotton blends, and lightweight sweater versions are good choices when you want warmth without any fuss.
7. Swap Small Purse Zippers for Open-Top Totes
When your fingers feel tender, a packed, small zipper bag gets annoying. That’s why an open-top tote with a magnetic snap or wide closure makes it easier to reach inside. Just look for a lightweight tote with interior pockets, so you’re not digging around every time you pop your hand in.
8. Swap Hook-Back Bras for Front-Closure Bras
Reaching behind your back to fasten a bra can be one of the most awkward parts of getting dressed with arthritis (or really, any day of the week). Don’t worry; a front-closure bra brings the fastening where you can actually see and reach it. They’re plenty stylish, too!
9. Swap Heavy Coats for Lightweight Layering
A heavy wool coat may be beautiful, but it can also feel like too much when your joints are already tired. Lightweight layers, such as a quilted jacket over a knit cardigan, can give you warmth without that awful bulk. They also let you adjust your outfit more easily.
10. Swap Skinny Pants for Wide-Leg Pull-Ons
Skinny pants usually require tugging at the ankles, knees, and waistband, which is the last thing you need. Wide-leg pull-on pants slide on more smoothly and can still look sharp with a tucked tee, soft blouse, or cropped sweater. Don’t forget that ponte knit trousers and elastic-waist wide-leg styles are especially easy to dress up.
11. Swap Tiny Earrings for Easy Hoops or Huggies
No one wants to fiddle with small earring backs when their fingertips are sore. Now, you don’t have to. Hinged hoops, huggies, and lever-back earrings are usually easier to open, close, and keep track of. They also come in a wide array of amazing designs that don’t sacrifice what you love.
12. Swap Stiff Button Cuffs for Stretch Sleeves
Button cuffs can slow you down when you’re trying to get dressed quickly or roll up your sleeves. There’s no shame in ditching them, especially for stretch sleeves or bracelet-length sleeves, which are easier to manage and still look incredible.
Rodrigo Rodrigues | WOLF Λ R T on Unsplash
13. Swap Rigid Belts for Elastic Waist Detail
Traditional belts can be hard to thread and tighten, but before you get too frustrated, just remember that clothing now comes with built-in elastic! Some items also have drawcords with large toggles, or paper-bag waists, which can define your shape without needing a separate belt.
14. Swap Small Closet Knobs for Easy-Grip Pulls
Make no mistake—your closet itself can make dressing harder sometimes. It might be time to swap in larger pulls or soft fabric drawer tabs for easier gripping when your hands are sore. It’s a small change, but it can also make a surprising difference every morning.
15. Swap Delicate Scarves for Pull-Through Styles
Tying and arranging long scarves can take more hand movement than you want to spend. It’s usually wiser to opt for pull-through scarves or neck warmers; they’re simpler, and they stay in place with minimal adjusting.
16. Swap Tight Blouses for Stretch Button-Front Shirts
A fitted blouse with no stretch is actually pretty restrictive around the shoulders, so try a stretch button-front shirt for that same clean shape while allowing more movement. Pro tip: look for cotton-poplin blends with spandex, soft chambray, or jersey button-downs that move with you.
17. Swap Complicated Pajamas for Easy Lounge Sets
Getting ready for bed shouldn’t require wrestling with tiny buttons! There’s no shame in grabbing soft lounge sets with pull-on pants and relaxed tops to make evenings easier. You’ll still feel comfortable, and you can also score great fabrics, like modal, bamboo, and fleece sets.
18. Swap High Heels for Supportive Low Shoes
High heels put extra pressure on feet and hips, which isn’t ideal with arthritis. That’s exactly why supportive flats, cushioned loafers, and dressy sneakers can still look polished with the right outfit—and ensure you aren’t burned out by the end of the day. They also beautifully with dresses and jeans.
19. Swap Overstuffed Drawers for Open Bins
Remember what we said about your closet? Well, crowded drawers can also make you rummage through clothes longer than necessary. Stick with open bins and labeled containers that make it easier to see what you own and grab what you need.
20. Swap “Maybe Someday” Pieces for Reliable Favorites
The reality is that clothes that hurt or require too much fastening don’t deserve prime space in your closet. Keep the pieces that make dressing easier; a closet built around reliable favorites can still feel stylish, but it won’t make you work so hard for it.
