## Breadcrumb

- [Home](/)
- [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons)
- [Management & Lifestyle](/living-with-parkinsons/management)
- [Activities of Daily Living](/living-with-parkinsons/management/activities-daily-living)
 
  ## Breadcrumb

- [Home](/)
- [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons)
- [Management & Lifestyle](/living-with-parkinsons/management)
- [Activities of Daily Living](/living-with-parkinsons/management/activities-daily-living)
 
 #  Getting Dressed 

 

   

  ## 💡 Quick Summary 

 - Parkinson’s can make dressing difficult due to tremor, [dyskinesia](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/dyskinesia "Dyskinesia") and stiffness.

- Strategies include sitting while dressing and dressing when medications are most effective.

- Adaptive clothing, elastic waistbands, Velcro or magnetic closures, supportive shoes, and assistive tools can simplify getting dressed.

- Makeup and hair routines can be adapted with specialized items and care partners can provide support for [daily activities](/living-with-parkinsons/management/activities-daily-living "Activities of Daily Living").

 

   ![Man looking at clothes in his closet](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/GettingDressed_0.jpg?itok=5LIpdLuN)  Parkinson’s disease (PD) can make daily tasks more difficult to perform. Parkinson’s symptoms ― such as [**tremor**](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/tremor "Tremor") or [**dyskinesia**](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/dyskinesia "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](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=adaptive+clothing+tools&ref=nb_sb_noss) such as a button hook, dressing stick, zipper pulls or sock aid helper.
- **Explore the** [Practical Pointers Guide](/library/books/practical-pointers-guide "Practical Pointers Guide") for additional strategies, tips and tools if Parkinson's symptoms are making dressing less safe or more difficult.

## 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**](https://ablyapparel.com/): Water- and stain-resistant clothing in stretchy fabrics
- [**Buck & Buck**](https://www.buckandbuck.com/): Adaptive clothing, footwear and accessories for men and women
- [**Fresh Comfort Bras**](http://freshcomfortinc.com/): Easy-to-use intimate apparel for women
- [**Guide Beauty**](https://www.guidebeauty.com/): Universal makeup and tools that adapt to makeup applicators to help guide the hand for easier application
- [**Kizik**](https://kizik.com/): Hands-free shoes that combine fashion, comfort and convenience
- [**MagnaReady**](http://www.magnaready.com/shop/): Magnetic-front shirts for men and women
- [Thinx](https://www.thinx.com/): Discrete, fashionable, machine-washable incontinence wear for women
- [**Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive**](https://usa.tommy.com/en/tommy-adaptive): Clothes with modifications like magnetic buttons, bungee-cord and Velcro-brand closures for men and women.
- [**Willow**](https://www.hiwillow.com/): Discrete, thin disposable, fashionable incontinence wear for men
- [**Xpand Laces**](https://www.xpandlaces.com/): 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**](https://www.amazon.com/Vive-Foam-Tubing-Pack-Dexterity/dp/B01MXVPY53/ref=sr_1_32?dchild=1&keywords=adaptive+makeup+tools&qid=1598889245&sr=8-32) **grips.** These grips can help provide more surface area for hand-held items, like brushes.
- **Purchase a** [**hair dryer stand**](https://www.amazon.com/CHRUNONE-Rotating-Hands-Free-Countertop-Adjustable/dp/B07ST5NLD1/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=hands+free+hair+dryer+stand&qid=1598887794&refinements=p_72%3A1248873011&rnid=1248871011&s=beauty&sr=1-5) 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**](/resources-support/carepartners "For Care Partners") 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.*

  ##  Related Materials 

   Fact Sheets 

###  [ Pain in Parkinson's Disease ](/library/fact-sheets/pain) 

 

 [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/pain) 

 Fact Sheets 

###  [ Occupational Therapy & Parkinson's ](/library/fact-sheets/occupational-therapy) 

 

 [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/occupational-therapy) 

 Fact Sheets 

###  [ Managing "Off" Time in Parkinson's ](/library/fact-sheets/managing-off-time) 

 

 [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/managing-off-time) 

 

 

 ###  Parkinson's Foundation Helpline 

 Contact 1-800-4PD-INFO or Helpline@Parkinson.org for answers to your Parkinson’s questions.

 [Learn More](/resources-support/helpline) 

 

 

 

  - Share on Facebook
- Share on X
- Share on LinkedIn