Dressing well is timeless, and age should never be a barrier to looking stylish. For older men, fashion isn’t just about trends; it’s about comfort, functionality, and expressing personal style with grace. As we age, our preferences and bodies may change, but that doesn’t mean we have to compromise on style. This guide aims to offer senior men and those who love them insights into creating a wardrobe that is both fashionable and practical.

What do Senior Citizens Like to Wear?

Senior men often gravitate towards clothing that offers a blend of comfort and elegance. They appreciate garments that are easy to wear yet look dignified and refined. Quality materials, ease of care, and versatility are key. Many senior men prefer classic styles that stand the test of time, avoiding overly trendy pieces for those that offer a timeless appeal.

That said, just like people of other ages, senior men have individual preferences. Many of this generation still prefer to wear the types of clothes that they wore when they were younger, which includes slacks, button-up shirts, sweaters and loafers. Other older men have moved on from their formal fashion days and prefer clothes that are still polished for someone their age, but feel more relaxed. Think about the style of retired men who may occasionally visit a golf course, or at least dress like it. But then there’s another group who are solely focused around comfort and ease of dressing. They still want to look good, but they don’t care to stay up on current fashion trends or dress from a previous era. They’re all for athleisure and other modern comfortable option that people of all ages like.

Types of Clothes Suitable for Older Men 

The right clothes can enhance an older man’s best features, offering both comfort and style. Here are some garments particularly suited to senior men:

Adaptive Shirts

• Adaptive Magnetic Button-Down Shirts: These shirts are designed for ease of dressing, featuring magnetic buttons that look traditional but are much easier to fasten. They’re ideal for those with limited dexterity and make closing the shirt, even with one hand, so much easier than with traditional buttons. That’s why these shirts are perfect for older men who may have some difficulty with buttons, whether due to lose of dexterity, tremors, arthritis, reduced vision or cognitive function. And even for those who don’t experience any of those difficulties, opening and closing a shirt with magnetic buttons is such a convenient way to dress that just about anyone should like it.
• Open Back Polo Shirts: Open back shirts offer ease of dressing, perfect for men with mobility issues. They maintain a classic look while providing additional comfort and convenience. These shirts, as the name suggests, open in the back like a hospital gown. As a result, these shirts are NOT for independent dressers. Instead, they are designed to make getting dressed with the help from another person easier. By opening in the back, the wearer does not have to worry about raising arms overhead or sticking their head through the hole. 
• Cardigans: Cardigans offer both warmth and style. They can be layered over shirts for a smart-casual look or dressed up with a tie for more formal occasions. Opt for this cardigan that includes a full-length magnetic zipper 
• Sweaters: Sweaters are a staple in any senior man’s wardrobe, providing warmth, comfort, and a touch of class. Opt for quality materials like wool or cashmere for both comfort and longevity.

Adaptive Pants

• Side Zip Pants: Side-zip pants are another excellent adaptive clothing option, making it easier for men to dress independently or with minimal assistance. They’re practical without sacrificing style. By opening up the pants at the side, the wearer has a much large area to step into, making it possible to pull up the pants and securing them at the waist without having to shimmy or squeeze into them. 

Chinos

• Chinos: They are a versatile option that bridges the gap between casual and formal wear. They’re comfortable, easy to pair with various shirt styles, and suitable for almost any occasion. Here’s an adaptive chino that includes zippers from the waist to the ankle, allowing for easy dressing. For those older men who prefer to wear the type of clothes they’ve always worn, this is a wonderful option. 

Styling Tips for Older Men 

Creating a stylish, age-appropriate wardrobe doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some styling tips for older men:

Get Neutral Colors

Neutral colors like black, gray, navy, and beige are versatile and can be easily mixed and matched. They’re also flattering and can help to create a sleek, cohesive look.

Avoid Tight and Skinny Clothes

Opt for clothes that fit well but aren’t too tight. Comfort is key, and well-fitting clothes will look more flattering and feel better to wear.

Age Appropriate Accessories

Accessories can elevate any outfit. Consider classic watches, hats, glasses, and belts. These can add a touch of personality to your outfit without overwhelming it.

Conclusion 

Dressing stylishly as an older man is about balancing comfort with elegance. By choosing the right types of clothes and following some simple styling tips, senior men can look and feel their best at any age. Remember, style is personal and subjective, so it’s important to wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable.

Originally Published on https://joeandbella.com/blogs/news

Ben Graham Joe & Bella VP of Marketing

Ben Graham is the Vice President of Marketing at Joe & Bella, an adaptive-apparel company for older adults that focuses on creating innovative and fashionable apparel. Joe & Bella was recently awarded the “Most Innovative Older Adult Clothing Brand: 2022” by Global Health and “2022 Best New Apparel Brand” by Boomer Venture Summit. Joe & Bella’s first adaptive clothing line, CareZips, won the 2022 "Best New Product”award by Today’s Caregiver Magazine and Caregiver.com. Ben was previously Vice President of Marketing and Partnerships at Collaborata, an innovative marketing-research firm that brought corporate partners together to find solutions to business problems. Collaborata focuses on topics including caregiving, aging, diversity, and equity with clients such as AARP, Procter & Gamble, Bank of America, Target, and Nike. Ben spent many years, together with his family, providing care for his two grandparents who lived for nearly a decade in assisted living and memory care.