Spring Fashions

Does arthritis cramp your style? Share your arthritis fashion faux pas.

By Annette Beach

Spring is definitely in the air, despite the fact many are still digging out from the February snows, and temperatures around the globe are a bit cooler than average. When the sun shines and warmth is felt through the windows, I have hope that spring is almost here. And when I open the door to my mailbox, I know spring is close because it’s filled with fashion magazines advertising the styles of the upcoming season. 

In the past week, I’ve carried in 26 catalogs showing off the new spring collections. And for the record, they’re not all for women – apparently guys are ready for a new, look too. According to some of the captions on the covers, fish will bite if you’re wearing the right gear and wild animals will come out of hiding if a person is color-coordinated.

I’ve often thought clothing companies could lower the prices of merchandise if they sent out fewer catalogs. There are times when I get multiple catalogs from the same store, on the same day, several times per week. Most of mine go straight from the mailbox into the recycling bin. One reason is I don’t have time to look at each and every ad. Second, the models wearing the clothes do not represent the people in my world. Although I see beautiful people all around me every day, nobody is without blemishes or is as proportioned as those portrayed on the pages. And the shoes with spiked heels … don’t get me started! Do women really wear them? If so, why? Or should I ask, how?  

I thought of this subject while carrying in today’s stack of magazines. When I decided to write about it, my first impression was, “arthritis is not a fashion-friendly disease.” But after giving it some thought, it occurred to me, the fashion world is not arthritis-friendly.

When shopping for clothes, there are several things I have to consider before buying. For example, if I find a shirt in my size, suiting my color preference and budget, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s sold. It has to pass my maneuverability inspection before going to the checkout.

Given my limited range of motion and lack of mobility, I like to know there’s an alternative way to dress or undress if needed and it’s better if the material gives a little. I consider fashions if the neckline is low or v-shaped so I have the option to step in or out of it if my arms will not go up on that day. Or, if it has buttons and I get stuck, I’m able to clip them in the event an emergency exit is required.

I also have to make a decision about when I’ll be able to wear the item. If I have the freedom to put it on or take it off when I’m alone or if assistance is required is a lesson I’ve learned the hard way (see my Keeping a Sense of Humor blog). Thinking ahead is a must! There have been times when I’ve had help in the morning, but am alone at night and had to either sleep in the shirt or damage it in order to take it off. 

Has your chronic illness cramped your sense of fashion? What changes have you had to make for the sake of comfort when choosing your clothing? When you find an item that works for you, do you buy one in every color and call it a season or do you attempt to be brave and wear the styles according to the fashion experts and forego ease and ability?