If you suffer from arthritis or have any other conditions that causes limited mobility, putting on your own bra can become a challenge. Wearing a bra can become even more difficult if you can use just one hand to fasten it, either due to a shoulder injury or other condition affecting mobility.
The easiest bra style to fasten with one hand is a front-closure bra with a centered snap clasp or zipper. Using the jacket method, a front-closure bra can be a one hand bra with some practice. If you only have your left hand or right hand to use to fasten a bra, you should avoid any back-closure styles or bras with individual hooks. These styles required more dexterity than front-closure bras with single clasps.
Keep reading the steps below to learn how to easily fasten your bra one-handed.
The Jacket Method: Step-by-Step Instructions
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Choose the right bra
Opt for a front-closure bra with a zipper or single snap clasp. Zippers require one upward pull and no pinching. You should avoid all back-closure styles.
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Sit in a stable position
Sit on a chair or bed to maintain your balance.
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Slide your affected arm in first
Hold the bra strap with your dominant hand. Slide it over your affected arm first , then slip the other bra strap over your dominant shoulder.
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Position the cups
Use your dominant hand to pull the bra cups forward over your breasts. Ensure the front-closure is centered on your chest and easy to reach.
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Fasten the closure
For a zipper , pull the tab straight up with your dominant hand. For a snap , use your dominant hand and fingers to press the two sides together against your chest and snap them into place until you hear a click.
Ask your Occupational Therapist: An occupational therapist or physical therapist can help you refine this technique. They may also suggest tools like a zipper pull aid to help if you have extremely limited hand strength.
Recommended Bra for One-Handed Dressing
Zip-Up Front-Closure Sports Bra
Price: $46 | Closure: Front Zipper
The zipper provides one continuous motion with no pinching or coordination needed between hands. This is the most accessible closure for one-handed use. This bra is also lightweight and available in a wide size range.
If you prefer an underwire bra, the WonderWire Front-Closure Bra uses a single one-click snap closure that is also easy to manage with one hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put on a bra with one hand?
Yes. By using the jacket method and a front-closure bra, you can put on a bra independently. A zipper-front closure is the easiest because it only requires one upward pull motion.
What is the best bra for one-handed dressing?
A front-closure bra with a zipper is generally the best option for one-handed dressing. The Glamorise Zip-Up Front-Closure Sports Bra does not require grip strength or two-hand coordination to fasten.
How do stroke survivors put on a bra?
Stroke survivors often use the jacket method to put on a bra. They slide the affected arm in first, bring the cups forward, and use their dominant hand to secure a front zipper or snap closure.
About the Author
Maeve Gesualdi is a Fordham University alumna where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Fashion Studies. Based in New York City, Maeve is part of the marketing team at Glamorise. Maeve regularly interacts with customers via social media and product reviews, as well as with influencers and models. She is constantly getting feedback on our products as well as gaining a better understanding of what women in our category struggle with and/or look for when searching for a bra. Aside from writing, she is passionate about all things travel and fashion.
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