Navigating the fashion world as an amputee can be challenging, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style, comfort, or confidence.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the best way to wear pants with prosthesis, offering tips and tricks that will make dressing a breeze and help you rock your unique look with ease.

Want to listen to our podcast discussing the article instead?

Choosing the Right Pants for Your Prosthesis

Mastering the art of wearing pants with a prosthesis begins with selecting the right pair for your needs and preferences. It can also help you conceal your prosthetic leg and boost your self-esteem without drawing unwanted attention.

Take into account the following factors:

• Bulkiness of your prosthetic around the knee.
• Potential shrinkage or change in the size of your residual limb throughout the day.
• Adjustability needed to accommodate your equipment.

Adaptive Clothing for Amputees

The range of women’s and men’s pants for prosthetic legs is expanding. They are typically called Adaptive Clothing, which is designed specifically for individuals with prostheses, offering features like side zippers, adjustable waistbands, and extra room to accommodate prosthetic limbs.

Here are some top brands known for their adaptive clothing solutions:

• Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive: This well-known brand offers stylish options with easy-open side seams and flexible fabric, combining fashion with functionality.
• Apparel for Amputees: Offers both jeans and dress pants with adaptive features, making it easy for amputees to find functional and fashionable clothing.
• No Limbits: This brand offers adaptive jeans and trousers with side zippers, reinforced fabric, and stretchy waistbands, making dressing easier for amputees.

Practical Dressing Techniques: The Plastic Bag Trick

Once you have chosen your adaptive clothing, apply the game-changer plastic bag trick or use dressing aids that can make the process smoother.

The plastic bag trick entails placing a plastic grocery bag over the prosthetic device or shoe for reduced friction so the pants are easier to slide on.

How to Put On Your Pants with a Prosthesis

With the right pants selected and your prosthesis prepared, you’re ready to dress. The procedure may differ for above-knee, below-knee, or bilateral amputees.

Above-Knee Amputees

Here’s how to put on pants if you're an above-knee amputee:

1. Remove your prosthetic device.
2. Slide the pants on one side where your prosthetic limb is.
3. Attach the prosthetic leg securely to your residual limb.
4. Slip your intact leg into the pants.
5. Put your socks and shoes on the non-amputated leg.
6. Slide the pants over the prosthetic leg and adjust them for a comfortable fit.

Below-Knee Amputees

If you’re a below-knee amputee, try lying on your back and using your hands to pull up your pants. This method allows for more independence and control while dressing.

Here’s how to put on pants if you're a below-knee amputee:

1. Remove your prosthetic device.
2. Put the pants over your prosthetic leg.
3. Attach the prosthetic leg securely to your residual limb.
4. Slip on your non-amputated leg on the other side of the pants.
5. Pull it up.

Bilateral Amputees

Putting on pants with prostheses for bilateral amputees, who have undergone two or more amputations, can be challenging. However, there are techniques and assistive devices that can help make the process easier and more independent.

• Dress One Leg at a Time: Pull the pants over each prosthetic leg individually, ensuring a comfortable fit before adjusting both sides.
• Use Zipper Rings: Attaching small rings to zippers allows for better grip, making it easier to pull the pants up without assistance.
• Use Dressing Aids: Tools like long-handled reachers, sock aids, or adaptive loops can help secure and pull up pants with minimal effort.
• Knee Scooter Assistance: If mobility is limited, a knee scooter can help you maneuver more comfortably while dressing.

Tips for Making Pants More Comfortable with a Prosthesis

There are a few extra tips to enhance comfort when wearing pants with prostheses. A belt can help secure the pants around your waist, and prosthetic socks and liners can offer additional padding and protection for your residual limb. Don’t forget to add socks for extra cushioning and support while wearing pants.

Customizing Pants

For a better fit with your prosthesis, you might want to customize your pants. You could add extra fabric to the waistband, create a pocket for the prosthetic, or add a zipper or Velcro closure. The type of prosthesis you have can also guide your customization choices, so take into account your unique needs and preferences.

To customize your pants, use high-quality materials like reinforced fabric, in-seam zippers, and lightweight fabrics for added comfort. For more advanced customizations, consider working with a seamstress or tailor experienced in adaptive clothing to ensure the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wear clothes over prosthetics?

Yes, people who wear prosthetics can wear clothes but they need to consider clothing options that accommodate fluctuations in residual limb size and wear and tear of the prosthetic joint.

What do you wear under the prosthetic leg?

Underneath a prosthetic leg, it's important to use liners to provide the necessary protection and comfort. Common types of liners include Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) and Gel Liners, which are soft and flexible enough for people with sensitive skin or those new to prosthetics. Prosthetic socks and liners serve to distribute pressure and manage friction between the residual limb and the prosthesis.

Why do people with prosthetics wear shorts?

Lower limb amputees find comfort in wearing shorts during warm weather, which helps provide relief from the heat. That's why they may wear them more often than other clothing options.

What types of pants are suitable for amputees?

Amputees can feel confident wearing jeans, sweatpants, or any other kind of trousers with their prosthesis. It's all about finding the style that works best for them.

Can you wear long pants with a prosthetic leg?

Yes, you can wear long pants with a prosthetic leg. Many adaptive clothing brands offer specially designed pants with features like adjustable waistbands, side zippers, and extra space to fit over the prosthesis comfortably.