Last week, I reached out to a close friend to see if I could send her our new Women’s Everyday Magnetic-Button Blouse for her mother, who had recently moved into assisted living. Without hesitation, my friend rejected the offer, explaining that her mom only wears “premium clothes” from retailers such as Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s.
Her immediate rejection surprised me. Yes, I understand the stigma still too often associated with adaptive apparel. But I thought my friend “got it” – that adaptive apparel makes life easier, and Joe & Bella creates clothes that don’t “look” adaptive! In fact, many of our magnetic-button blouses are purchased by people who don’t have any disabilities and just appreciate an easier, smarter way to dress.
Still, I couldn’t take “no” for an answer… at least not until her mother saw the blouse.
When the blouse arrived, her mother reacted just as my friend had predicted. She said that adaptive clothing was “for other people, not for me” and left the package untouched. But after some gentle encouragement from my friend, she agreed to at least try it on.
“Fine,” she said, “but don’t expect me to wear it in public.”
As her mother slipped her arms into the sleeves, her expression shifted. The magnets clicked softly into place. And finally so did this realization: No more struggling with buttons. No asking for help. When she finally looked in the mirror, there was a moment of silence, then:
“This… this is adaptive? But it looks like something I’d buy at Nordstrom’s.”
Two weeks later, I received this text from my friend:
“Mom hasn’t stopped wearing the blouse. She said it’s the first time in months she’s been able to dress herself without assistance. And she keeps showing everyone how it works. Can we order two more?”
Here’s what we’ve learned: Don’t be surprised if your loved ones initially resist the idea of adaptive clothing. It’s natural to do so. The word “adaptive” often carries assumptions about style and quality that simply aren’t true anymore. Sometimes people are hesitant to accept helpful resources due to pride or stubbornness. But sometimes the best gift we can give is gentle persistence, because ease never goes out of style.
Thanks for your support,
Peter Zollo, Co-founder
PS Several of you have asked about the blouse from this story. For those interested, here are the details and some photos:
The Everyday Magnetic-Button Blouse features hidden magnets behind elegant buttons that instantly click together. The luxurious fabric maintains its shape beautifully, while thoughtful details like dropped armholes and stretch fabric on the shoulders ensure comfort. The versatile cut works equally well tucked or untucked.
Style Note: Many of you have been kind enough to send us photos showing that you’re pairing the Slate Blue Blouse with our Khaki Signature Side-Zip Pants and Heathered Gray Cardigan for an elegant everyday look. Several have also opted for the Berry cardigan to add a splash of color.
Originally Published on https://joeandbella.com/blogs/news
