Everyone wants clothes that reflect their sense of style — but that can be difficult for those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). DMD progressively affects mobility and dexterity in children and adults living with the disease. As muscles become weaker over time, getting dressed becomes harder to accomplish. But those with DMD aren’t stuck with oversized T-shirts and sweatpants, thanks to the growing availability of adaptive clothing.
What is DMD?
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare genetic disorder that affects primarily male children. It progressively weakens the body’s muscles, causing them to lose function and waste away and is usually diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 6. Early symptoms include difficulty standing up from sitting or lying, trouble climbing stairs, trouble running or jumping, clumsiness and a waddling gait. In the teen years, scoliosis of the spine, poor bone density and learning difficulties may also be observed. Mobility and independence are increasingly impacted and by the mid teens, a wheelchair becomes essential.
As patients grow into their late teens and early 20s, the heart muscle and respiratory system become affected, eventually leading to life-threatening heart failure and respiratory infections.
What is adaptive clothing?
Adaptive clothing is clothing specifically designed for people with disabilities. It is easier to put on, fasten and take off, increasing independence and quality of life in DMD patients. Many items are also designed specifically for those who use orthotics or wheelchairs, such as pants with a shorter front so there’s no bunched fabric when seated.
These stylish, comfortable fashion options are increasingly available. Major brands and retailers such as Nike, Target, Tommy Hilfiger and Zappos.com are now designing accessible clothing lines with innovative features designed to make life easier. There are also many brands specifically for people with muscular dystrophies and other physical disabilities, such as IZ Adaptive and BILLY Footwear.
How clothing is adapted for DMD
The need for adaptive fashion becomes greater as DMD progresses, providing comfort and a sense of style as mobility declines. Adaptive clothing often features:
- Fasteners: Clothes may use magnetic closures or Velcro instead of buttons and zippers.
- Extra side, top or back openings: Easier to put on and off, these extra openings can be fastened with hidden magnetic closures.
- Wide, seamless pant legs with no pockets: Special cuts and seamless designs make these more stylish and comfortable for wearers who use wheelchairs or leg braces.
- Easy access points: Hidden access points are useful for medical intervention.
- Zippered shoes: Accessible shoes are easy to slip into, but are designed with trends and style in mind. Many are sold individually in different sizes to adapt to orthotics or leg braces.
Learn more about DMD care
Benefits of adaptive fashion for Duchenne
As well as giving back a level of autonomy, fashionable adaptive clothing can boost self-confidence for teens and young adults who want to dress like their peers. Safety and comfort are improved when clothes are thoughtfully designed in styles and fabrics that are tailored to the wearer’s needs. Caregivers can also benefit when dressing and undressing becomes less complicated.
Sign up here to get the latest news, perspectives, and information about DMD sent directly to your inbox. Registration is free and only takes a minute.
