Common Adaptive Tools & Clothing for Dressing in FOP

Dressing and managing clothing can become more difficult for people living with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) as joint mobility decreases, strength changes, and fine motor tasks become more challenging. The Dressing & Clothing category of the Ability Toolbox Online Guidebook provides a wide range of adaptive clothing options, dressing aids, and fastening solutions that help individuals retain independence, comfort, and confidence during daily routines. These tools include brand resources, specialized garments, shoe and sock solutions, fasteners, and hands-on dressing aids suited for different mobility needs.

Adaptive Clothing Brands & Websites

Adaptive clothing companies design garments that are easier to put on and take off thanks to features like magnetic closures, large zippers, or side openings. These options can help reduce bending, pulling, and reaching. Examples of adaptive clothing brands found in the Ability Toolbox Guidebook:

• BeWell Adaptive Clothing – Sweatshirts and pants with access points for medical care (like IVs or injections) and easier entry

• IZ Adaptive – Clothing with Velcro and magnetic fasteners designed originally for wheelchair users but useful for many mobility limitations

• Magna-Ready® Clothing – Hidden magnetic closures throughout casual and dresswear styles reduce the need for buttons.

• Even Adaptive – Adaptive intimates (including front-closure bras and underwear) for greater ease and comfort.

Clothing Fasteners & Adjustments

Small changes can make a big difference when traditional clothing is difficult to manage. Examples of clothing adjustments found in the  Ability Toolbox Guidebook.

• Magnetic closures and Velcro adjustments replace buttons or tight fasteners to make items easier to open and close.

• Zippers added to sleeves or sides of clothing can improve access.

Dressing Aids

Tools that help the wearer manipulate clothing without bending or straining joints are a key part of this category. Some examples of dressing aids found in the Ability Toolbox Guidebook include:

• Adjustable Dressing Sticks – Long sticks with hooks and shoe-horn ends that help pull up pants, manage zippers, or assist with shoes.

• Dressing Stick With Shoe Horn – Dual-purpose tool for clothing and shoe management when reaching is difficult.

• Homemade Dressing Stick Variations – Custom versions built by community members to extend reach or match personal needs.

• Reaches to improve access and help pick up clothing or reach items.

Tips for Choosing Clothing & Dressing Tools

Clothing and adaptive tools that work well for one person may not be ideal for another. When selecting adaptive clothing or dressing tools:

• Consider how mobility limitations affect dressing, including reaching, pulling, or manipulating closures.

• Look for garments with front-opening features, large fasteners, or magnetic closures to reduce fine motor demands.

• Try dressing aids in combination with adaptive garments to support independent dressing.

• Talk with occupational therapists or other specialists to tailor solutions to individual needs.