Getting dressed when hands and joints are stiff

Short answer: Choose clothing with stretch, large openings and few fastenings when hands and joints are stiff. Time spent getting dressed in the morning drops noticeably when the fit is right.

Fabric that gives

Soft knit with stretch can be pulled on without the grip that stiff fabrics require. Firm woven fabrics can be hard to handle when fingers do not cooperate in the morning. See bamboo clothing for women, where the material stretches with movement.

Fewer fastenings

Every button and hook costs time and a grip that can be difficult with stiff fingers. Tops without fastenings that pull over the head are often fastest and need the least fine motor skill. See bamboo bra without underwire, which pulls on with no hooks at the back.

Socks without a tight band

A tight sock band is hard to pull over the heel when grip and strength in the fingers are limited. Soft styles without hard elastic slide on more easily and still sit well all day. See bamboo socks for women, with a soft, giving band.

Large openings save time

Necklines, sleeves and leg openings that are a little wider than usual make it easier to guide clothing into place without pressing or twisting joints that are already sore. It is a small detail that can make a real difference every morning.

Choose based on the day

Some days joints are stiffer than others, often worst in the morning. Keep a few easy pieces ready for days when grip is worse than usual, so you do not have to fight fastenings when it is hardest.

Shoes without laces

Laces require fine motor skill that can be hard to control with stiff fingers. Shoes with elastic, velcro or a side zip are often easier to put on and take off, without having to bend down and tie a knot.

Layers rather than heavy pieces

Several light layers are often easier to manage than one heavy garment, both putting on and taking off. It also lets you adjust temperature without wrestling with one large, stiff jacket.

Plan clothing the evening before

Lay clothing out the evening before, so you are not searching for fastenings and fits that work when the morning is at its worst. It saves time and energy on days when joints and fingers are stiffest.

Ask your care team about aids

There are dressing aids that can make mornings noticeably easier, from button hooks to a long shoehorn. Your care team can advise which ones suit your situation, and how to use them best in daily life.