Choosing adaptive pants isn’t just about clothing — it’s about comfort, dignity, and daily independence. If you or a loved one is navigating mobility challenges, recovering from surgery, or managing a condition that makes traditional dressing difficult, the right pair of adaptive pants can make a life-changing difference.
Two of the most common designs are side-zip pants and open-back pants, each created to solve a different need. This guide breaks down how they work, who they’re best for, and which option offers the most independence.
Adaptive clothing is built around one core purpose: making dressing safer, easier, and more dignified. Because traditional pants require standing, bending, or shifting weight, they’re not always practical — or safe — for people with limited mobility. Both side-zip and open-back pants aim to eliminate these challenges by allowing dressing from a seated or lying position.
Although both styles offer accessibility, they support the wearer in very different ways, and understanding those differences is essential when choosing the right pair.
Side-zip pants feature full-length zippers running from waist to hem on both sides, allowing the pants to open completely. Instead of stepping into pant legs, the wearer can put them on while seated or lying down.
Side-zip pants are widely considered the best option for self-dressing. Because they fully open, the wearer doesn’t need to stand, balance, or bend — making them ideal for wheelchair users, people recovering from surgery, or individuals with limited range of motion who want to maintain independence in their daily routines.
This is exactly where befree’s zipOns® excel. They’re thoughtfully designed to help people dress themselves comfortably and confidently. Learn more about the mobility and comfort benefits of side-zip pants.
Side-zip pants work well in a wide range of situations, from post-surgery recovery to managing swelling, casts, or dressings. They’re also a great solution for individuals navigating conditions like arthritis, MS, EDS, or stroke recovery. They can support incontinence needs while maintaining discretion, and once zipped, they look just like traditional pants — meaning no one would ever know they’re adaptive.
Photos by Nick D'Amato and Zach Lamb
Open-back pants look like regular pants in the front but feature overlapping fabric panels in the back, typically secured with snaps or Velcro.
These pants are primarily intended for situations where a caregiver is helping the individual dress. Because they can be pulled up from the front without lifting the person’s hips, they’re often used in long-term care settings, nursing homes, or for individuals who spend most of their time in bed.
While open-back pants are extremely helpful for caregivers, they aren’t designed for independent dressing. Some wearers may find the closure less secure, especially active wheelchair users, and depending on the closure design, they can be uncomfortable for long periods of sitting.
If the goal is independence, side-zip pants are the clear winner. Their design allows people to dress themselves safely and comfortably. Open-back pants, by contrast, are intentionally created for assisted dressing.
Side-zip pants provide a secure 360° fit and offer comfort whether sitting, standing, or moving. They look and feel like traditional pants, making them ideal for all-day wear. Open-back pants can be very useful for care situations, but the back closures and flap design may feel less natural or secure, especially when seated for long periods.
For many people, feeling like themselves — not “different” — is incredibly important. Because side-zip pants become nearly indistinguishable from traditional pants once closed, they help preserve dignity and personal style. Open-back pants, while practical, often have a more medical or institutional feel because of the visible back closure.
Consider whether the primary goal is independent dressing or assisted dressing, and think about how the pants will be worn day-to-day — during activities, rest, or transfers. It also helps to consider how important it is for the pants to look like traditional clothing.
If maintaining independence, comfort, and personal style is a priority, side-zip pants are almost always the best choice.
Explore adaptive pant styles that support mobility and independence.
Being able to dress yourself — even partially — is a powerful part of daily independence. At befree, our mission is to support that independence through clothing that prioritizes flexibility, comfort, and confidence.
Our zipOns collection offers all the accessibility of adaptive wear with the everyday style people deserve. With fully opening sides, soft fabrics, and a design that restores dignity, zipOns help people feel like themselves again — without compromise.
Explore the full zipOns collection and discover how adaptive clothing can empower independence every single day.
Photos by Nick D'Amato and Zach Lamb
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