From swimsuits and seasonal wear to intimates and accessories, this is your guide to reshaping “What can I wear?” into “What do I want to wear?”  

Dressing for chair life while navigating additional clothing considerations — plus the need to feel good, both mentally and physically in what you wear — doesn’t have to be frustrating. Now more than ever, companies are including adaptive options, which makes it easier to find, ship and return clothing and accessories designed with you in mind.

For anyone who owns a mix of adaptive wear, self-modified gear and carefully-selected mainstream garb, there are plenty of ways to build your wardrobe. Dressing well in your chair begins by knowing what styles, fits and fabrics to choose.

Ready to get started? This breakdown takes the wheelwork out of finding functional fashions, and I’ve included a few personal tips from my 20-plus years of chair dressing. My number one recommendation: Pick what complements your unique style and build in options for whatever pressure sore or pee bag situation may factor into your day-to-day life.

Skirts and Shorts

Prep your atrophied legs for warmer weather — no tanning required. I’m talking about preparing to throw on a pair of shorts or a casual skirt and wheeling around in better weather. Now less may be more as warm temperatures make a comeback, but less isn’t more when your shorts or skirt ride up when you sit. 

Keep in mind that if a chair user goes mini with their skirt, they’re going to leave little to the imagination. If a chair user goes a little shorter with their shorts, they’re going to lose some of that length — nerd alert. The harmonious balance of length, style and comfort with the garments on your legs takes effort and a long look in a full-length mirror. 

Skirts

Style

Skirt styles are always changing, but three of the most chair-flattering styles are pencil, A-line and draped. Pencil skirts tend to be high-waisted, which can compliment a wider upper body or an atrophied middle. A-line skirts resemble an “A” shape and give a light flair at the bottom without too much material flowing off your chair. Lastly, draped skirts flow nicely over your hips and legs (hiding just about anything!) without losing their style when seated. 

Try to say no to the sexiness of a mini skirt. When you’re sitting for most of the day, a mini can ride up so high it looks nonexistent. Other skirts with pleats or tulle aren’t worth it either — they can end up losing their intended shape in your chair or even scratching your legs.

With any style, double-check the clasps, zippers and other closures on the skirt. Depending on their placement, they may be difficult to open and close or may unknowingly dig into your skin.

Length

Stick to skirt lengths that fall right above the knee to stay classy, show some leg and proportionally flatter in your chair. This target length also stops you from tugging at your skirt all day as it rides up while you’re moving. Always factor in how high your legs are with typical footwear to make sure someone can’t see up your skirt.

If you’re rocking a leg bag or need extra coverage, you can try a few other lengths. However, I find that long, flowing skirts can get tangled in your chair and often end up covering your feet with excess fabric.

Fabric and Color

Cotton and partially stretchy or synthetic materials all work well. Leather, tight spandex and silk can be a beast in your chair. The latter three fabrics are very unforgiving and tend to not flatter your hips and middle when seated. Plus, silk will show every wrinkle from sitting, pushing and seat belts — not a polished look.

Experiment with prints, patterns and an array of colors, but don’t be tempted to go too light. White, beige and even a light khaki won’t hide any chair grit. You’ll also be putting things on your lap — like a purse or your meeting materials — that can make keeping a pale skirt clean almost impossible.

Shorts

Style

Put the cargo shorts down! Although a standard style choice, they don’t translate well when seated. The extra pockets and fabric set you up for all types of marks, fabric bunching in the crotch area and a sea of material on your seat.

You’re best keeping to Bermuda short styles — straight leg that ends at the knee — and simple jean and khaki shorts without a ton of pockets to combat the pitfalls of the cargo short. Keep this in mind with athletic shorts as well — less can be more, especially when you don’t have the function to do zippers and buttons. Regardless of your style choice, skip shorts with too many rivets or “extras” because they’re guaranteed to cause skin problems. 

Length

The sweet spot is right at the knee when seated. Shorts that are too long cut off the bottom half of your leg and give off an awkward proportion when sitting. Don’t go in the opposite direction, either — too short can be a bit revealing or not give your skin the coverage it needs from the elements. A hot seat belt on bare skin is not a good idea.

If you use a leg bag, the knee rule might need to be broken. The solution? Capris. Buy capri-style from the start, or simply roll up a pair of pants mid-leg and you have an alternative that’s not as long as pants or as short as shorts. 

Fabric and Color

Athletic fabrics rock for breathability and easy on and off, so definitely keep a few on hand for those hot and sticky days. However, athletic fabrics can’t be your go-to short for every occasion — dinners out call for another type of material. 

Jean, khaki or a synthetic fabric mix have to be a part of your wardrobe. Keep jeans darker and khakis in the medium-to-dark color family to mask that chair dirt or melting ice cream on your lap. Don’t be afraid to experiment with plaids and other colors for a more springtime feel, but again, choose those medium colors to handle the grime of being mobile.

Swimsuits

When the weather heats up and you hop in a beach chair for the sand and surf, it’s only fitting that you throw on a swimsuit, right? With scars, muscle atrophy or the infamous quad belly, showing off your bod in a swimsuit takes a whole lot of one thing: confidence. Looking good in a bathing suit — no matter the style or coverage — is really mind over matter; if you feel good, you’ll look good. 

Sure, you want your suit to fit and cover what it needs to cover. Yet your bather shouldn’t have to hide your 10-inch zipper scars, 20-plus degrees of curvature or a not-so-tight tummy. It’s part of who you are. And for many of us, we’re totally comfortable with it. Don’t give up the summertime fun at the beach or pool this year — grab that swimsuit and show off what your momma gave ya. 

Fit

Although coverage is the name of the game, you don’t need to cover every inch of your body; you just need to cover the areas not meant for the general public. Don’t try squeezing into something too small; pushing around might cause it to ride up and show off more than your confidence! Make sure your bottoms won’t slip off your waist, no matter how cute that person beside you may be. 

Check out how a suit closes and think about how you can take it on and off. Many women’s styles will tie at the neck and/or back or include some kind of metal closure. Just make sure you can get someone to tie it extra tight and then you can slip it over your head every time after that. Halter styles look great on women with toned upper bodies. MIGA Swimwear has some tie-front and long-zipper features that may be a handy solve for do-it-yourself swim dressing. Bandeau tops work for women who are not too top heavy and usually don’t have any closures. If you want a one-piece bather and might be past your bikini days, feel free to find one with an interesting cut out or one that has some shapewear built into it to enhance your curves. 

How You Should Feel

Getting the right fit is great, but feeling fabulous in your suit and with your body is really the key to acing the suit scorecard. You have to believe that you look good and be comfortable with everything your body has to offer. Do I wish my massive shoulders were a little smaller? No, they’re a part of me. They’re how I get around. Do I wish I wasn’t covered in scars? No, they’re a part of me. They’re what have gotten me here today. It’s that ‘tude that gives me the gumption to put on my skimpy bikini and wheel around in my flashy beach chair. 

No matter what your body looks like, you deserve to feel good about yourself. That’s why I dig the body positivity of American Eagle’s Aerie swimwear line for women. They have sets and separates that accept every part of you and are fashionable too. Scour online for board shorts or swim trunks with internal pull-loops or side zips. While limited in brands and availability, you may get your hands on a pair. 

But at the end of the day, how you feel all starts with you. Becoming comfortable in your own skin does take time. To help get the confidence you need to flaunt your swimsuit, put on your bather and wheel in front of a full-length mirror. Take it all in! Don’t rip on yourself for the parts of your body that aren’t “perfect” or “like everyone else.” Embrace what you’ve got and don’t suck in that atrophied stomach or ignore that visible scar. Remember that your body is all yours — you have to own it. 

And let’s be real: People at the pool or on the beach are going to stare. They’re going to look at your chair, at you and, yes, that scar from chest to your bikini bottom. Being confident means ignoring the stares and having fun because their glances don’t mean anything. That is, unless you’re single and they pop over to introduce themselves. Either way, you have to love your body, your chair and keep in mind that you’re hot — and deserve to feel that way. 

Jeans

Finding that perfect pair of jeans is almost as difficult as taking on the Iron Man competition.  Or finding a swimsuit.

It takes a grueling amount of effort and often ends in settling for a pair that still doesn’t fit the bill. Believe me, I’ve been there. However, I turned jean shopping into a science and studied it to no end in hopes of solving the denim dilemma. So let’s break down our denim criteria.

Style

By far the most crucial component in finding the perfect pair. Stick to straight leg, boot cut or skinny jean styles, since they taper well and can be versatile enough to complete any outfit. If your legs aren’t super toned, these denim styles typically keep extra fabric to a minimum and flatter your shape. If you’re sporting a leg bag, you should gravitate to the boot-cut style since you’ll have some extra room to accommodate it.

Watch out for jeans marked “super low rise” since that can lead to some major butt cleavage while sitting. A definite denim faux pas. To avoid this blunder, have an approximate measurement for how high the back seam of the jeans needs to be to cover your derrière.

Size

I know numbers can play mind games, but being realistic in your jean size will help make the right selection.

Choose a pair in your typical size, and then pick the size above and below your original prediction. Every manufacturer and style might change the lucky number you need, so be sure to hold them against each other and compare the room you gain or lose in the size ranges. Just remember: Going too small can put undue pressure on your body and make for more trouble than the tight fit is worth.

And feel free to rip out the tag if that’s the deal breaker — just be sure it’s after you purchase the pants.

Length

I can pick out someone’s pants riding up from a mile away. If you’re in a chair or sitting for most of your day, a key element in length is making sure the hem of your jean hits your ankle. Many companies offer jeans in long and short options, so be sure to ask when browsing. FYI: Sometimes these different lengths can be found online only. Be sure to ask about a company’s in-store return policy if you do purchase this way.

Color

I am obsessed with white jeans, but I know that buying a pair is fruitless. Within two minutes of wheeling around, those crisp pants will be dirty from the city streets. Darker jeans won’t show the wear and tear of a mobile day and have a sleeker look anyway. They can be casual, but also dressed up for an evening out with friends. So go ahead, pick any jean wash type, but be mindful of what your schedule is for the day — think off-roading or relaxing at the local coffee shop.ocal coffee shop.

Fabric

The glory of stretch jean fabrics and jeggings — a jeans and leggings hybrid — has been a big step in the fabric department. Ditch the ’80s stirrup stretch pants and welcome the jegging, within reason, into your wardrobe. Skip anything too rigid since that won’t provide any “give” to your extremities.

Adaptive Options

With brands like Seven7 Able, Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive, IZ Adaptive and ABL Denim rocking different fits and washes, including on-trend and classic choices, there are plenty of adaptive alternatives to suit your individual needs. Velcro, snap, magnetic and faux closures, along with high-waisted designs and internal pull-loops make dressing easier. For a one-stop-shop for multiple brands and styles, Zappos Adaptive and Kohl’s Adaptive have a multitude of offerings to try on at home.

Formal Wear

If you’re panicking about finding formal wear that works with your chair and considering “regretfully” declining the next wedding or special event, take a deep breath and remember that you can look stellar while seated. All those extra layers may require some added prep time and reinforcements — like a friend or PCA — but there is no reason your chair should keep you from being the star of your next occasion.

Your evening should be about fun and celebration, not restrictive dresses or awkwardly long suit coats that make wheeling around a chore. Looking good is as important as enjoying your night. Here’s my advice to help you ace your next sophisticated event. 

Dresses

Fabric is a key factor in how a dress flatters your shape. Silk, satin or super tight spandex will be unforgiving on your body. It’s not to say that you can’t try them on, but beware of what they exaggerate and how wrinkly they become as you sit. 

Gravitate toward strapless or halter-style gowns if you want to show off your manicured upper body or draw attention upward. Be advised that a strapless number must fit snugly, or you’ll be showing off the ladies as you spin. A one-shouldered dress is a good way to have a strap in case of emergency, and the two-strap dress is a clever way to support a bustier figure. Play around with the styles and lengths, but avoid super short dresses that ride up in your chair. 

No matter what, keep an eye out for gowns that have shape in the torso and include a zipper for easy on/off. Empire cuts or seams above the mid-section give you a defined silhouette and hide an atrophied middle. You don’t want extra material in the torso or lap making you seem wider or heavier. The zipper makes for easier dressing and undressing, particularly for muscular people who can’t squeeze a dress over their shoulders or for people who can’t stay balanced when pulling a dress over their head.

Intimates

What I have to wear underneath my dress plays a role in my decision. Gravity isn’t always your friend when seated, so those unmentionables are a must. A bustier or shapewear can keep your top lifted and your stomach smooth while avoiding the frustration of a strapless bra constantly slipping as you push. Just keep in mind that underwire and spandex can cause pressure points.

There are all types of women’s intimates on Zappos Adaptive, but you can also find more options on Intimately that show adaptive intimates on REAL models. And I’ll say it again: The body positivity of American Eagle’s Aerie line hits just right in the intimates department, too. They sell fits, fabrics and fashions for whatever you need. 

Suits

Finding the perfect suit right off the rack is difficult to achieve, but you can typically find a decent fit that requires only minimal tweaking. For a formal event, steer towards a dark suit — black or charcoal. It’ll show less wheelchair dirt and mask some of the eventual wear and tear.

My number one suit rule: Your coat must fit in the shoulders. Make sure the seam ends before the edge of your shoulder and that you can easily wheel around without fear of the jacket tearing Incredible Hulk-style. Your sleeves should not extend past where the base of your thumb meets your wrist — it’ll look sloppy and become worn in the process of maneuvering. A suit is an investment; you want to make it last. Excess jacket material on your lap is inevitable, so try on a variety of styles to find the one that bunches and drags the least. 

Your suit pants need to rest lightly on the tops of your shoes. I don’t want to see your socks peeking out, and I certainly don’t want to see inches of excess fabric at your ankles. Find a pant that fits comfortably in the waist and has limited or no buttons and pockets in the back, then tailor them to the appropriate chair/leg length. A straighter leg, non-pleated style is best to control the amount of gathered material that can cause pressure sores.

IZ Adaptive sells adaptive options and formal attire uniquely made for chair users. Their jackets and chinos could be a dressed-up option for a daytime event. Ministry of Supply offers adaptive, yet timeless trousers in chair-friendly colors with SCI-minded features, including optional catheter access.

Shirt and Tie

A button-down underneath your jacket is a must — just make sure it isn’t skintight or an unforgiving silk material. Leave the V-necks and sweaters at home and unearth that buttonhook or borrow a friend’s hands to maneuver the sea of buttons. White shirts are timeless, but I’m all for breaking out of the norm. Try a maroon, eggplant or light gray button-down to mix up your suit selection. Pair your shirt with a complementary tie, but don’t go overboard with wacky patterns. 

Shoes

Heels may be a typical choice, but they can affect how you sit in your chair or how your feet rest on your footplate. If you want a heel, opt for a block heel or small wedge to make do. A trick I follow: Avoid anything with too many straps since your feet may swell and no longer fit in the shoe. Don’t shy away from a dressier flat if that’s your best bet.

Simple black leather shoes can complete a suited look and be useful for other formal occasions or a workday. There might not be an easy way around most styles sporting laces, but you can always try to slip your foot inside a pre-laced shoe. 

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If you have questions about a different type of clothing, don’t worry. We’ll be updating this guide with more sections to cover all your fashion needs. Subscribe to our Facebook or Instagram feeds and our newsletter for updates — we’ll be sharing new sections as they’re posted.

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