Best Dressing Aids
Getting dressed every morning should feel straightforward, not like a challenge. Whether you're looking for dressing aids for elderly family members or for yourself, our range of daily living aids includes the dressing stick, sock aid and more to help you stay independent in your own home.
Sorry, there are no products in this collection
Types of Dressing Aids
Dressing aids are simple, practical tools designed to make it easier to put on and take off clothing without straining your back, hips or shoulders. Our range covers the most common needs — from reaching and picking up to managing socks, shoes and fasteners.
Dressing Sticks and Reaching Aids
A dressing stick is a lightweight, long-handled tool with a hook at one end and a push-loop at the other. Use it to pull clothing up over your legs or push it off your shoulders without bending or twisting. It works with trousers, skirts, cardigans and jackets. Most people find a dressing stick one of the most-used aids in their daily routine.
Long-handled reaching aids serve a similar purpose and can also be used to pick up items from the floor or retrieve things from low shelves. Browse our long-handled reachers for the full range.
Sock Aids and Stocking Aids
Putting on socks is one of the most physically demanding parts of getting dressed, especially if you have reduced hip flexibility or have recently had a hip replacement. A sock aid takes that strain away entirely. Load the sock onto the frame, lower it to your foot and pull it up using the cords. No bending required. Our stocking aids suit a range of foot sizes and sock thicknesses, including compression stockings. If you use compression stockings, also see our compression stockings collection.
Button Hooks and Zipper Pullers
Fine motor tasks like doing up buttons and zips can become harder with arthritis, hand tremors or reduced grip. A button hook threads through the buttonhole and catches the button, letting you fasten it with a simple pull. Zipper pullers attach to the zip tab so you can open and close zips without needing to grip tightly. Both tools are small, lightweight and easy to use with one hand. Pair them with our gripping aids for extra support around the home.
Long-Handled Shoe Horns
A long-handled shoe horn lets you slide your foot into a shoe while standing upright, so you never need to bend down. They come in a range of lengths to suit different heights. Most are lightweight aluminium or plastic, and some have a soft hook to help position the shoe. Browse our dedicated long-handle shoe horn collection for all available sizes.
How to Choose the Right Dressing Aid
The right dressing aid depends on which part of the routine you find most difficult. Here is a quick guide:
- Difficulty reaching your feet (hip, knee or back issues): start with a sock aid and a long-handled shoe horn.
- Difficulty managing fasteners (arthritis, tremors, stroke recovery): a button hook or zipper puller is the most targeted solution.
- Difficulty pulling clothing up or down: a dressing stick handles trouser waistbands, skirts and upper-body garments.
- One-handed dressing (stroke, arm injury): look for tools labelled one-handed and consider pairing with our one-handed utensils for mealtimes too.
If you are unsure which combination suits you best, an occupational therapist (OT) can do a home assessment and recommend specific tools. We can provide quotes for OT-recommended items for Home Care Package or NDIS funding. Give us a call and we will talk it through.
Our dressing aids fit neatly within a broader set of daily living aids for the home. You might also find our bedroom aids useful as part of your morning routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of dressing aids are available?
The main types are dressing sticks (for pushing and pulling clothing), sock aids (for putting on socks without bending), button hooks and zipper pullers (for fasteners), and long-handled shoe horns. Each targets a different part of the dressing routine.
How does a dressing stick work?
A dressing stick is a lightweight rod with a hook at one end and a push-loop at the other. Use it to hook clothing and guide it onto your body, or to push garments off, without needing to bend, twist, or reach far. It suits anyone with limited hip or shoulder movement.
Is there a tool to help put socks on?
Yes. A sock aid is a plastic or flexible frame you load the sock onto, then lower to your foot using the attached cords. You slide your foot in and pull the cords to bring the sock up. No bending needed. Several styles are available to suit different foot sizes and grip levels.
Can I use my Home Care Package to pay for dressing aids?
In most cases, yes. Dressing aids are classified as assistive technology and are generally approved under Home Care Packages (HCP) and the NDIS. An occupational therapist (OT) assessment may be required for NDIS funding. Contact us and we can help you with a quote for your coordinator.