“Alter or Invest? The Adaptive Clothing Debate!” 

Ever wrestled with a button that just won’t cooperate? Or tried to zip up a jacket one-handed and ended up just leaving it unzipped? Yeah, we get it. Getting dressed shouldn’t leave you frustrated and exhausted!

If traditional clothes aren’t working for you, you have three choices: 1) alter what you already own 2) buy adaptive clothing or 3) leave it alone and you end up fighting with it everyday. But we hope you don’t have to go with #3. At EQL Threads, we design clothes that actually make sense—easy to put on, stylish, and stress-free. But what’s the best option for YOU? Let’s break it down.

Option 1: Altering Your Clothes – A DIY Approach

Love your wardrobe but wish it worked better for you? Modifications can be a great fix—think swapping buttons for Velcro, adding stretch panels down the side, or widening sleeves. 

Why It Might Work for You:

✔️ You Keep Wearing What You Love – No need to say goodbye to that favorite jacket or those super comfy jeans.

✔️ Budget-Friendly (Sometimes) – Small changes like zipper pulls or adding velcro won’t break the bank.

✔️ Custom Fit – Not all adaptive clothes fit perfectly, but tailoring your own ensures a made-for-you feel.

✔️ Earth-Friendly – Altering instead of replacing? Your wardrobe (and the planet) thanks you.

But Hold Up… There Are Some Downsides:

✖️ Not Every Fabric Plays Nice – Stiff denim, wool, and structured blazers? Hard to modify. Stretchy tees, flowy skirts and loose-fitting pants? Much easier.

✖️ Costs Add Up – If you need major modifications (think magnetic closures, stretch panels on both sides, or complete redesigns), tailoring can get pricier than just buying adaptive clothing.

✖️ Might Not Look Seamless – DIY hacks are awesome, but some alterations might make your clothes look, well… altered.

OT Pro Tips for Alterations:

• Struggling with tiny buttons? Swap them for magnets or Velcro.

• Tired of overhead dressing? Widen the neck line. 

• Dealing with sensory sensitivities? Keep your favorite soft fabrics and just make them easier to wear.

Option 2: Adaptive Clothing – Built for YOU from the Start

Why fight with clothes when you can have them work with you instead of against you? At EQL Threads, we design adaptive clothing that’s stylish, comfortable, and—most importantly—easy to put on.

Why Adaptive Clothing is a No-Brainer:

✔️ Designed for Effortless Dressing – super stretchy fabric, (sleek) magnetic closures, easy to put on designs—you name it, we’ve thought of it.

✔️ Seriously Comfortable – Stretchy fabric, great fit, and fabric that moves with you instead of fighting you.

✔️ Looks as Good as It Feels – Adaptive clothes shouldn’t scream “medical.” Ours look like everyday fashion—because they are.

✔️ More Independence, Less Frustration – No struggling. No awkward twisting. Just easy dressing.

Any Downsides?

✖️ Higher Upfront Cost – Quality adaptive clothing is an investment, but it’s built to last (and makes life so much easier). Might be worth every penny. 

✖️ Limited In-Store Availability – Most major retailers haven’t caught up yet, so online shopping is usually the best bet.

✖️ Not 100% Customizable – While adaptive brands offer different styles, you might not find the exact color or fit you’re used to. But keep an eye out because EQL Threads has more styles coming your way. 

OT Pro Tips on Adaptive Features:

• Magnetic closures = no more button struggles. Perfect for arthritis, stroke recovery, or limited dexterity.

• One-handed zippers = fast and frustration-free dressing for hemiparesis, Parkinson’s, or fine motor challenges

• Stretch fabrics & elastic waistbands = flexible fit that adapts to swelling, muscle tightness, and medical devices (such as ostomy bags). 

Why We Created EQL Threads: Because Dressing Should Be the Easiest Part of Your Day. You have more pressing matters will you will need to tackle during the day. 

At EQL Threads, we believe clothing should work for you, not against you. No more fighting with tight neck-lines, awkward buttons, or stiff fabrics that don’t move the way you do.

Our designs combine function and fashion—so you can look good, feel great, and get on with your day without a second thought.

So… Should You Alter or Buy Adaptive?

✔️ Love your current wardrobe? Altering a few key pieces might be the way to go.

✔️ Tired of the daily dressing struggle? Investing in adaptive clothing will save you time, effort, and stress. And probably some cash too. 

✔️ Want the best of both worlds? Do a mix—modify your favorites and add in adaptive staples, but make sure the adaptive clothing is made of super high-quality fabric so they will last a long time. 

At the end of the day, the goal is simple: getting dressed should be easy.

Want to see how EQL Threads can make your life simpler? Keep checking back for new blogs and follow us on social media!

There’s so much more we have to tell you….