Tips for Selecting Clothing and Getting Dressed

Challenges with dressing

Getting dressed or dressing can be difficult for some individuals with Down syndrome, in part because bilateral coordination and dexterity skills can be challenging for many individuals with Down syndrome. This can make it hard to manipulate fasteners. Additionally, individuals may put clothes on backwards or inside out. They may not select appropriate clothing for the weather or tolerate certain fabrics. I have shared general tips on dressing below. This Adaptive Clothing article provides more specific information about adaptive tops, pants, belts, shoes, and shoelaces.

Selecting clothing

• Create a visual support for what to wear.
  • This Create a Getting Dressed Visual resource can be used.
• Label drawers with photos of what is inside.
  • If photos are not available, the images from the Create a Getting Dressed Visual resource can be used.
• Lay out clothes the night before to save time in the morning.

Choosing weather-appropriate clothing

• Use a visual support about appropriate clothing for cold vs. warm weather. 

• Remove clothing from the room/closet that is not in season. 

Increasing independence with dressing

• Wear sports bras or front clasp bras. You can also keep the bra fastened and put it on over your head like a t-shirt. 

• Select clothing without fasteners.

• Put a sticker or mark on the inside back of the clothing item to identify which part goes in the back. 

• Purchase shoes without laces or try a new method for tying shoes. 

Addressing other clothing challenges

• Purchase clothing without seams or tags if an individual cannot tolerate the feeling of them. 

• For those who like to wear the same clothes every day, have them choose one day of the week on which they can wear the outfit. A visual reminder such as a calendar with a mark on the chosen day can be helpful.