Getting Dressed

Man looking at clothes in his closet

Parkinson’s disease (PD) can make daily tasks more difficult to perform. Parkinson’s symptoms ― such as tremor or dyskinesia (involuntary, erratic, writhing movements) ― can slow down the process of getting dressed.

Making changes to clothing and the dressing routine can reduce frustration. Follow these tips to simplify your dressing routine:

  • Take your time getting dressed. Hurrying can lead to stress, which can make Parkinson’s symptoms worse.
  • Dress when your medications are working well. This may require waiting until later in the morning to get dressed, but it will ensure you have the best mobility possible.
  • Do a few stretching exercises before getting dressed to warm up your muscles.
  • Be aware of stiff limbs. If one arm or leg has more stiffness, put this limb into the sleeve or pant leg first.
  • Sit down when dressing. Choose a chair with firm support and arms. Sitting on the edge of the bed to dress can lead to loss of balance and falling.
  • Use a footstool and consider assistive devices like long handled shoehorns. These tools make it easier to put on shoes and socks.
  • Consider adaptive clothing tools such as a button hook, dressing stick, zipper pulls or sock aid helper.

Simplify Getting Dressed

Choosing certain clothing and fabrics can make dressing easier:

Clothing

  • Wear pants with an elastic waist since they are easier to pull up and down and have stretch. Many types of fashionable pants now come with elastic waistband, from jeans to dressy leggings and athleisure-wear.
  • Avoid velour and similar fabrics, which can create friction with other surfaces and make it hard to dress or move during the day.
  • Replace buttons with Velcro or magnetic closures. Velcro can be sewn into existing clothes and makes it easier to put on and take off clothing.

Socks & Shoes

  • Wear non-skid socks instead of bathroom slippers. Slippers can slide off your feet, which may result in falls.
  • Avoid socks with tight elastic bands.
  • Wear lightweight, supportive shoes with Velcro closures or elastic shoelaces. Slip-on shoes are also a good alternative, as they are easy to put on and take off.
  • Elastic shoelaces and “lace locks” allow for tightening shoes without tying.

Adaptive Clothing

There are many companies that sell adaptive clothing that make it easier for you to get dressed. Here are some options:

  • Ably Apparel: Water- and stain-resistant clothing in stretchy fabrics
  • Buck & Buck: Adaptive clothing, footwear and accessories for men and women
  • Fresh Comfort Bras: Easy-to-use intimate apparel for women
  • Guide Beauty: Universal makeup and tools that adapt to makeup applicators to help guide the hand for easier application
  • Kizik: Hands-free shoes that combine fashion, comfort and convenience
  • MagnaReady: Magnetic-front shirts for men and women
  • Speax: Discrete, fashionable, machine-washable incontinence wear for women
  • Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive: Clothes with modifications like magnetic buttons, bungee-cord and Velcro-brand closures for men and women.
  • Willow: Discrete, thin disposable, fashionable incontinence wear for men
  • Wings Pants: Tool for putting on pants and underwear
  • Xpand Laces: Adjustable elastic shoelaces

Adaptive Makeup and Hair Tips

For many people with Parkinson’s, applying makeup can be a challenge ― especially when fine motor skills are needed. Here are some tips for adapting the makeup application process:

  • Switch to skincare products with a pump mechanism or transfer your preferred products to bottles with a pump.
  • Apply makeup while sitting instead of standing. When possible, rest your arm on a surface to apply makeup. Consider purchasing a vanity mirror so you can apply makeup sitting at a surface in your home.
  • Use foam tubing grips. These grips can help provide more surface area for hand-held items, like brushes.
  • Purchase a hair dryer stand that you can attach to a surface.

For Care Partners

Advancing Parkinson’s can make daily tasks more difficult to perform. Getting dressed becomes a slower, more challenging activity and care partners often need to assist. Explore our Care Partners section for tips on helping your loved one navigate daily activities throughout all stages of Parkinson's.

Page reviewed by Dr. Bhavana Patel, Movement Disorders Neurologist at the University of Florida, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence.

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