RESORT WEAR FOR PERFECTLY IMPERFECT FASHIONISTAS WITH INVISIBLE PHYSICAL DISABILITIES

This post has been updated as of February 2024 to reflect current styles and links. The links below may offer a small commision. This commission has zero impact on the price for buyers but does help me offset some of our website expenses and fuel my occasional Starbucks skinny vanilla latte obsession.

Your flight and resort are booked ✔️. Dinner reservations and spa treatments are reserved ✔️. You’ve been daydreaming about your warm-weather vacation for months. Beach sunsets, the smell of warm salt air, you lounging poolside with a mojito in hand, the sounds of waves crashing, and Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville playing in the background. Lucky you! You’re ready! Almost..,

But what should you pack for your resort vacation? After all, you have a disability or chronic illness. And, what does “resort wear” even mean?

Fear not, perfectly imperfect travelers!  We’ve curated the best resort wear outfits for people with disabilities, and we’re gonna give you the 411 on resort style etiquette so that you can relax and enjoy your much-needed resort vacation.

Okay, let’s dive (or scoot on your behind) into some tips on how to look and feel your best with resort wear outfits that are chic, comfortable, and easy to access.

SO, WHAT’S RESORT WEAR ANYHOW?

Resort wear, cruise attire, or a vacation wear wardrobe is becoming a common term used for clothes, dresses, or looks when one is on holiday or on vacation at a resort or on a cruise.

These pieces are typically lightweight for hot climates, easy to pack, and functional for comfort and exploration. Picture natural fabrics like cotton and linen or gauzy synthetics such as rayon. Think tropical prints and vibrant colors that fit in with a seaside destination.

Traveling can be an exciting and enjoyable experience, but for people with disabilities, it can also present some unique challenges when it comes to choosing what to wear. The outfits you bring on your vacation can literally make or ruin your getaway. But, resort-wear fashion can be both stylish and functional, even for travelers who wear AFOs and have disabilities or chronic illnesses.

The biggest takeaway when choosing resort wear pieces when you have a disability, is to wear clothes that make you feel good, both in terms of comfort and appearance.

Choose clothes that express your personality and that you feel comfortable and fabulous in. Think wide-leg linen pants paired with batik or floral printed tops, flowy maxi dresses, and easy-on jumpsuits that can double as cover-ups over swimsuits. And of course, you’ll need some comfortable AFO friendly sandals.

The key to resort wear style whether you have a disability or not is to prioritize comfort. Choose materials that are breathable and lightweight, and consider loose-fitting clothing that won’t rub against your skin or cause discomfort. Avoid tight or restrictive clothing that could interfere with the fit or function of your leg braces or other medical devices.

Traveling can be an exciting and enjoyable experience, but for people with disabilities, it can also present some unique challenges when it comes to choosing what to wear. The outfits you bring on your vacation can literally make or ruin your getaway. But, resort-wear fashion can be both stylish and functional, even for travelers who wear AFOs and have disabilities or chronic illnesses.

The biggest takeaway when choosing resort wear pieces when you have a disability, is to wear clothes that make you feel good, both in terms of comfort and appearance.

Choose clothes that express your personality and that you feel comfortable and fabulous in. Think wide-leg linen pants paired with batik or floral printed tops, flowy maxi dresses, and easy-on jumpsuits that can double as cover-ups over swimsuits. And of course, you’ll need some comfortable AFO friendly sandals.

The key to resort wear style whether you have a disability or not is to prioritize comfort. Choose materials that are breathable and lightweight, and consider loose-fitting clothing that won’t rub against your skin or cause discomfort. Avoid tight or restrictive clothing that could interfere with the fit or function of your leg braces or other medical devices.

What To Wear On Route To Your Vacation Destination When You Have A Disability?

Long travel days usually aren’t fun, and even short ones can put stress on your body. This is definitely the time to embrace stretchy pants and soft fabrics! We’re going for maximum comfort here, and that means anything that feels good against your skin.

Pictured above are my go-to pants for traveling (and everywhere else). I have MANY pairs! I love the flattering high-rise style, elastic waistband, and the fact that they have zippers on the bottoms which allow easier access over my AFOs.

Since I tend to go from hot to cold in just seconds on an airplane, I always wear light layers like a super soft t-shirt under an awesome Hoodie with a magnetic zipper or jacket with magnetic buttons.

Click On And Slide Through The Images Below To Shop Our Favorite Travel Pieces:

Types Of Resort-Wear Dress Codes

There are several different types of resort-wear dress codes depending on the hotel and resort policies.

When you are at the resort, you will have to be aware of what type of dress code is in place and how that can shift during different times of the day and in different areas of the hotel. For example, the hotel staff typically discourage guests from walking around in their bathing suits through the lobby.

Don’t stress too much over dress codes. Your resort vacation should be a chance to embrace fun clothing with patterns and styles that have a tropical vibe. As long as you pack your suitcase with cute resort attire outfits that you feel fantastic and confident, you’re sure to have an amazing vacation!

Here are the different types of resort-wear dress codes and our favorite outfits that fit the bill for people with disabilities.

RESORT CASUAL – POOL & BEACH FASHION

Pools & beaches can be extremely anxiety provoking, so I try to make what I wear over my afos as comfortable and as easy to get on and off as possible. For tips on how to navigate resort pools with AFOS, read this post.

Resort casual offers so many opportunities to look amazing and feel comfortable in leg braces.

My go-to on vacations (and all summer long) are cute & comfy pull-on jumpsuits and maxi dresses in lightweight and breathable materials.

What’s a resort outfit without some killer accessories? A floppy hat to shade you from the sun, oversized sunglasses, and a beach bag that fits all your essentials are a must-have. And if you need to carry medical supplies or equipment, find a bag that’s both functional and stylish.

Finally, Resort casual definitely includes a flattering and easy to put on swimsuit. Look for a two piece (if comfortable) or a one piece with easy to adjust straps. And, then there’s the shoes. We found several pairs of cute, AFO friendly sandals that are lightweight, water proof, and easy to put-on.

Click on and slide through the images below to shop our favorite resort casual looks:

Resort Semi-Formal

When the sun goes down at your resort, it’s time to ditch the swimsuits, floppy hats and t-shirts. Evening resort wear typically isn’t formal but it’s a step up from your resort casual clothing.

Basically if the dress code is resort evening attire, you should pick something similar to what you’d wear for dinner with friends in the summer months. So you probably already have plenty of suitable outfits in your closet. If you have hand-related challenges, look for a great-fitting pair of white pull-on jeans with a hidden elastic waistband. They look chic paired with a simple cotton t-shirt and a printed, open-style kimono. Pro-Tip, You’ll want to pack layers as many Indoor resort spaces have the air conditioning blasting.

In terms of shoes, swap out the waterproof sandals for a pair of AFO friendly wide width leather flats, and don’t forget to bring some fun and easy to put on accessories like elastic stacking bracelets, colorful necklaces with magnetic closures, and an easy to hold cross-body evening bag.

Now you’re ready for a fun evening out at your resort!

Click on And Slide Through The Images Below To Shop Our Favorite Semi-Formal Resort Pieces For Women With Disabilities:

Resort Formal Attire

Granted not everyone needs a formal resort outfit, but company outings, weddings, birthday’s, anniversaries are just a few occasions that formal dresses are a must for.

Resort formal ensembles are generally less dressy then what you would typically wear to a gala. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t find the shimmering or sparkling style that you had your heart set on. Embrace those shoulder bearing and cutout styles that you have seen all over the runways. Can you say color!? Looking for the chance to wear a dress that you saw in a gorgeous vibrant shade of coral or mint blue. Well, this is the time to show off your new sunkissed skin in these vibrant hues that look amazing on every skin tone. Pair your formal outfits with AFO friendly flat sandals and fun, adaptive accessories when you are dressing for a formal event.

Click on And Slide Through The Images Below To Shop Our Favorite Formal Resort Pieces For Women With Disabilities:

Conclusion

So, there you have it – resort fashion for people with disabilities can be both practical and playful. Let’s make comfort and style our top priorities and enjoy our vacations to the fullest. After all, who says you can’t have fun and be fashionable at the same time?

Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Don’t feel like you have to hide your leg braces if you don’t want to – instead, embrace them as a part of who you are and choose clothing that allows you to feel your best.

Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy your vacation and create memories that will last a lifetime! You’re in paradise; time to make the most of it!