What’s different about wheelchair clothes?

Good wheelchair clothes look exactly like ordinary clothes when worn, and the difference is all in the cut. Standard clothes are cut to be worn standing and walking, so they must fit the waist properly when standing and the legs of trousers must be just long enough to lie on the shoes and allow the wearer to walk without tripping. When the wearer sits down the trousers distort – waistband is too tight and droops at the back, legs are too short, pockets are not easily accessed, etc – but as it is only a short-term inconvenience it’s tolerable. Not so for wheelchair users, as they need their clothes to fit properly when sitting all the time.

What makes Able2Wear trousers suitable for a wheelchair user?

They are specially cut to be worn sitting, with a higher back, slightly lower front, longer zip, longer legs that are wide enough to accommodate a leg bag, pockets that are easily accessed and retain their contents, and simple hook and bar fastenings that can be managed even by people with poor manual dexterity. In addition to all this, we choose our fabrics very carefully, and almost always use material with a high proportion of natural fabrics – cotton or wool. We now have quite a number of variations on the standard cut to suit different needs – eg, fully elasticated waist, Velcro closings, drop front and so on. Please ask for details.

Can the trousers be machine washed?

Yes. All our trousers and skirts and most of our other garments can be machine washed and tumble dried. Garments that can’t be machine washed – for example the pure wool tartan trousers – have a detachable cotton liner that can be washed.

Are your waterproofs really waterproof?

Most definitely. We were formerly waterproof garment manufacturers and we had a Goretex Licence. We manufactured quality sports waterproofs for Berghaus and Pro-Quip and supplied leading police forces throughout the country, such as The Met and Greater Manchester. Our garments are expertly designed, made from quality materials and are fully seam sealed throughout to be 100% waterproof. We are trying to encourage wheelchair users to wear brighter colours and more fashionable styles, but most of our waterproofs are also available in classic favourite navy blue.

If I give you a standard garment size will you be able to estimate my size?

Not with the accuracy we like to offer. It is most important that you give us accurate measurements so that when you receive your order you will be happy with the fit.

What’s the best way to get the measurements correct?

Firstly, don’t measure yourself. Ask someone else to measure you, and you must be measured sitting in your chair, not lying flat on your bed. It’s also a good idea to be measured later in the day rather than earlier, as your frame will have settled down and your measurements will be more accurate.

Will you keep a record of my measurements?

Yes, we keep a confidential record of every customer’s previous orders and we can refer back to them and advise you of your previous order details.

Can I return a garment if it doesn’t fit?

Yes, of course, but we don’t like a customer not to be able to enjoy the benefits of our garments, and we will be happy to send you an alternative size that you think would fit you better. However, if you have been measured carefully this should not happen.

What happens if I give you my credit or debit card details?

These are kept securely and we do not debit your card until we are ready to despatch your order, at which time the debit is made and the print-out is attached to your despatch note and included in your parcel.

Do you share my contact details with other companies?

No, never. We are a privately-owned company and we treat our customers’ details with the utmost confidentiality. We never disclose any details whatever to other companies. For this reason customers who are ex-directory can give us their telephone numbers with confidence, as it is important that we can contact them by phone if we have any queries about their orders.

Are there any particular benefits of being an internet customer rather than mail order through your catalogue?

Yes. The catalogue is only printed twice a year, whereas the website will be updated on a regular basis as we bring out new products and we will email our online customers and newsletter subscribers to tell them of each new addition to the range. From time to time we will be clearing ends of lines and samples at reduced prices, and these will only be available to online customers.

What other products do you offer in addition to wheelchair clothes and accessories?

We are gradually introducing a range of clothes for older people and others who have difficulties with their clothes. The clothes will be designed to be put on and taken off easily, and many of the garments will have Velcro fastenings. The clothes are being designed with the carers in mind too, and the advanced designs will help carers cope with some of the problems of dementia, incontinence and total immobility.

Where do you get your ideas for the designs?

We keep in touch with customers, carers and healthcare professionals such as occupational therapists. We listen to the problems and then design prototype garments which are tested on a small but willing band of customers who act as testers for us. When the designs have been perfected we introduce them into the catalogue, but new designs will appear on the website as soon as they are ready.