Community Tips for RA Friendly Clothing

By Lauren Tucker

March 17, 2016

Clothing can sometimes define our uniqueness - it gives us a sense of style and can define who we are. However, many in the RA community struggle with the day to day functionality of our clothing. So, we asked our Facebook Community this question: Do you have tips for RA-friendly clothing based on comfort, temperature control, clasps, etc?

The clothing ideas that so many of you came up with is clothing that makes you comfortable, has easy functionality, and all in all makes you FEEL good. Check out some of the suggestions!

What makes certain clothes RA friendly?

Basic requirements:

Cotton
Easy to pull on and off
No Buttons
No Clasps
Stretchy
Slip On
Velcro
Elastic Waist Bands
Spiral Laces
Thin Layers

For the top:

Pull Over Tunics
Camis
Hoodies
Baggy Tops
Tee Shirts
Overalls
Zip Up Vest

For the legs:

Leggings
Yoga Pants
Jag Jeans
Sweat Pants
Cotton capris
Perfect Fit Pants (LLBean)

For the feet:

Sketchers Go Walks
Crocs
Pedor Shoes
Fit Flops
Tom’s
Merrells
Earth Orgins
Ryka Shoes
Pull on Ankle Booties
Compression Socks
Loafers
Ian’s
Wolky’s
Paul Green High Tops

A dress to impress:

Cotton Dresses with Tie
Maxi Dresses

Undergarments:

Front Clasp Bras
Compression Socks

Places to shop:

Etsy (Silkandmore)
Old Navy
Susan Graver (Liquid Knit Dress)
LLBean
Lularoe

What features do you consider when purchasing clothing?
Please post your comments and share your thoughts below.

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Join the conversation

tulugaq
March 23, 2016
Front clasp bras: I have extremely large breasts (38G) and have yet to find a front clasp bra that makes me look good -- and yes, that's important, too. Right now I have a great bra that clasps in back with only 2 hooks, and I can mange it fine -- but that model isn't made anymore. Can anyone here recommend a bra brand that might work for me? Thanks.
1. Lauren Tucker Admin
 March 30, 2016
 Hi Lynn, That's a great question! I hope the community can give you some feedback on some of their personal experiences with front bra clasps that would be helpful. Thanks for being part of our community. Best of Luck, Lauren (Community Manager <a href='http://RheumatoidArthritis.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>RheumatoidArthritis.net</a>)
Erin Rush Admin
March 30, 2016
Hi Lynn! If you have a Macy's or JCPenney's near you, you can go in for a professional sizing/fitting and the ladies can then recommend a bra for you. I personally prefer Macy's. My fitter has been a lifesaver for finding the best bra for my size and budget. Have you considered zipper front bras? They tend to be sports bras, but they definitely will provide support! I have good luck with Wacoal brand bras -- <a href='http://www.wacoal-america.com/front-close_wacoal-bras-catalog/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>http://www.wacoal-america.com/front-close_wacoal-bras-catalog/</a>. I am an H and Wacoal is what works best for me. They fit well, offer strong support, and make me feel attractive. The downside is that they are not cheap and they seem to NEVER go on sale. The upside? They are high quality and last a long time if washed properly. Really, a good fitter can steer you to good brands that will work best for you. I hope this helps! Good luck! Have a good night, Erin, <a href='http://RheumatoidArthritis.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>RheumatoidArthritis.net</a> Team Member.
shaianin
April 4, 2016
I have a pair of Lauren Conrad knit pull on capris that don't bind and are soft that I get at Kohl's. I have flare clothes, loose things that i can get on and off easily. And I have regular clothes. I'm a boot nut and have had to dispose of my perfectly fitting cowboy boots that I got 30 yrs ago. (A wonderful home where someone will wear them another 30 years!) I have discovered Justfab has boots that have easy zippers, fit my feet perfectly and don't cost a whole lot. I also found some sandals that are made by Dawgs that are light and don't make anything in my body get smushed out of shape, like my hips... I am beginning to realize that my days of flip flops year round are almost gone, so I will enjoy this summer. After having the worst flare EVER two weeks ago, I'm taking over one of my sons walking sticks, picture Gandalf's staff, and keeping it by my bedside. Husband had just had back surgery and there was no way he could help me get out of bed! Plus, big stick is useful for whacking intruders, like our daughter, The Nurse, while heaping praises upon her ears. 
1. shaianin
 April 4, 2016
 Couldn't have done it without her! Shhh, but don't tell her that...
awellsdba
December 16, 2017
I've fallen in love with Dickies work socks. I can get them at Walmart now... men's socks last forever, they stay up, and they come to my knees... best of all, they are easy to put on.
dmetz
December 17, 2017
Merino's shoes are fabulous. They're very light weight. I've accepted I'll be in Go Walks for years to come but I will splurge again soon and get another color.
ggammy
March 6, 2018
I am a firm believer in the comfy clothing especially LuLaRoe. I have many pieces from them especially the leggings. The only difficulty is finding tunics to match my zany leggings. I shop <a href='http://Zulily.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>Zulily.com</a> for most of them as they have the largest selection. I also have found <a href='http://Amazon.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>Amazon.com</a> has a good selection of both solids and fun leggings and tunics. Just thought I would share my findings with all of you. I am a new member BTW.
ruthieq
December 27, 2018
Lately I’ve been going with lularoe for the stylish and comfortable clothing. Much easier to get on and off. Also I’ve gone to stretchy bracelets and easily clasped necklaces so I don’t have to struggle. Socks are the worst because I seem to have larger ankles than manufacturers can imagine. This is a problem in winter. In the summer I wear Keen sandals almost exclusively.
1. Alesandra Bevilacqua Admin
 December 27, 2018
 Thanks for sharing this insight with the community, Ruthieq! - Alesandra (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
lynnelliott
January 31, 2019
Great list. Also, when looking for long sleeve warm shirts I make sure the wrist of the sleeve is not tight as that seems to aggravate wrist pain. T
stormlight
March 14, 2019
• Is it soft? • Is it going to compress my joints? Tight fashion jeans are a banned item in my household! • Is it going to make me boil alive? With a husband on anticoagulants, our home temperatures must be at least 24°C in lounge and 21°C elsewhere. • Is it going to keep me warm outdoors without weighing a ton? (Top tips: layer with the kind of thermal vests we used to wear as kids: Merinho wool garments are awesome -- warm, but not heavy, and fine enough that it barely itches) • Shoes *must* be flats or very near flat. High heels are another banned item. Shoes should also have Hush Puppy-type cushioning. • Slippers should be the bootee type -- hubby bought me a wonderful pair of bootee slippers for my birthday, they're fleece and ideal for keeping draughts off my feet and ankles. • Tights/hose: I find the cotton-rich type best. All my friends are wearing an ultra-tight type of 140 denier Polyamide tights which hurt my inflamed hips like crazy, but the cotton-rich sort are less constricting, just as warm, and let my skin breathe too. • In summer, I find linen trousers very valuable: my friend whose father has RA, gave them to me during a heatwave. They're loose-legged and tie-waste, so they're great! • In summer, avoid garments made of viscose (aka rayon). It isn't a natural material, and in the heat, it behaves pretty much like polyester.
indigo2
May 21, 2019
I think that flip flops can be a tripping hazard...so, I wear low heeled plain Mary Jane shoes, they are comfortable & look good with skirts, which I find easy to wear & comfortable. Thanks for the suggestions!