How to upcycle your favorite clothes

Hello. I'm Maana, a caregiver.

At the day service where I work, there are many people who, despite having impaired use of their legs or hands, continue to wear their favorite wallets and clothes thanks to the ingenuity and efforts of their families.

This time, I'd like to share a few examples of how these individuals are modifying their favorite clothes to wear them longer.

For instance, with blouses, some found the cuffs too tight or buttons bothersome, so they threaded elastic through them to make them easier to put on and take off. Another person, whose back was bent and neck protruding forward, found the top button of their front-opening smock pressing uncomfortably on their throat. So, they folded the top button placket inwards into a triangle, transforming the neckline into a collarless V-shape. Still another person, whose hand strength had weakened, struggled to put on their shoes. Their solution was to attach a thick loop to the heel tab, allowing them to easily pull on the heel by hooking a finger through it.

In this way, there are many people making loving modifications, observing things with a perspective only family members can have. Continuing to wear your favorite clothes is also about continuing to be yourself. Even as a caregiver, I'm always impressed by how well-thought-out these solutions are. Wouldn't you like to try remaking your favorite clothes with a little idea too?