Sr. Advisor R, during the week between her 100th birthday and her party the next weekend, couldn’t help giving me more advice when she proclaimed: “VELCRO” in much the same way as I remember “PLASTICS” in the 1960’s classic movie, “The Graduate.”

R said I had to write about the virtue of Velcro for old people.     OK!

Wearing apparel–from head to toe with buttons and hooks and eyes and buckles–is a challenge for many older people’s fingers, especially if arthritis is an issue. And shoe size–or perhaps better stated “comfortable, decent-looking shoes”– is another challenge for older feet of fashion-conscious elders.

R took one look at a catalog of easy-to-put-on clothing for older people about 5 years ago, and said it “depressed” her. I’ve written about the fact that for years R has carefully selected and purchased clothes through regular catalogues (her favorites have been posted often around holiday time) and she always looks well put-together.

Never-the-less, before I realized how good R was at catalog shopping, I’d thought about introducing the idea of using Velcro in place of buttons on some of her clothing as follows: (this was before the Velcro Button Conversion Kit and the “coins,” which I’ve not tried.)
1. –cut off button
2.–attach button to a piece of material whose color matches the clothing (or to the wrong side of velcro if the color is right). Piece should be larger than button hole.
3. –button button through its original button hole
4. –then sew that piece of matching material (or velcro) to the underside of the garment to keep button (looking buttoned) in place.

Now for the Velcro–if matching material was used initially
1.  Sew one piece where the original button was.
2.  Sew the other (corresponding) piece where the material w/ button is.
3. Repeat for each button–probably 5 total for sweaters or jackets

Check out Velcro’s iron-on Fabric Fusion Tape. Haven’t tried it, but sounds good.

Let’s not forget men’s shirts, jackets–and I came across a picture of a Velcro fly on a pair of men’s slacks.

It’s important to stitch well, using strong or doubled thread, remembering there will be pressure from pulling the Velcro apart when putting on and taking off. A dressmaker or tailor could easily do this and if it brings new life to favorite clothes that haven’t been worn because of aging fingers, it would no doubt be worth the cost.

For old fashionistas, it can make purchasing new clothing with difficult fasteners an option. (Or keep them and us on the lookout for smart clothing with zippers.) LOOK GOOD, FEEL BETTER helps everyone.

 Next Saturday’s post: Aging feet, shoes, and Velcro

Related: http://www.jjill.com/jjillonline/index.aspx–one of Sr. Advisor R’s more pricey, preferred catalogues– (for above zippered poncho, jacket and more).

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