Stiff fingers and fastenings that get in the way

Short answer: Choose garments without buttons, hooks and zips. Elastic, large openings and stretch fabric solve most of it, turning the morning's dressing into something that needs no extra time or help.

What is hard for stiff fingers

Small buttons, hooks at the back and zips with a small pull require fine motor skill and strength. If fingers are stiff in the morning, these are the three things that take longest and cause the most trouble, often before the rest of the day has even started.

The alternatives that work in practice

Pants with soft elastic instead of a button and zip. Tops that pull over the head, or that have large buttons instead of small ones. See bamboo sweatpants for men, where the waistband is chosen specifically to avoid difficult fastenings.

Bras without hooks

A bra with a front closure or no hooks at all solves one of the hardest points in an entire wardrobe. See bamboo bra without underwire, designed to be slipped on without a fastening that has to be found and closed at the back.

Stretch fabric makes a difference

A garment with a bit of elastane can be stretched over the hand instead of requiring a fastening to be opened first. See bamboo underwear for women, where the fabric is chosen with exactly that quality in mind, making it easy to put on.

Aids for fastenings

Button hooks and zip pulls exist, making it possible to use clothing with ordinary fastenings even with stiff fingers. An occupational therapist can show which ones fit best, and many of them are small enough to carry in a bag.

Socks and the smallest details

A sock with a wide opening and a bit of stretch is easiest to put on without bending fingers into a tight cuff. Sock aids also exist that make the task possible entirely without help from someone else.

Magnetic fastenings as an option

They exist on some clothing and can be easier than buttons for stiff fingers, because they only require bringing two parts close together. They are not yet standard in most collections, but it is worth watching for in newer styles.

The morning routine as a whole

If clothes are chosen with the right fastenings from the start, the whole morning's dressing can be done without help from anyone else. That saves time, but it also gives a sense of independence worth just as much as the time saved.

Our range

See bamboo sweatpants for men, where soft elastic and large openings make it easy to get dressed alone, without fighting buttons or zips every single morning.

Frequently asked questions

Do aids exist for difficult fastenings

Yes, button hooks and zip pulls exist that make it easier. An occupational therapist can show which ones suit your fingers and your daily routine best.