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Dressability

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Dressability

Welcome! We believe that well-fitting, comfortable clothing should be accessible for every body.

We are the Swindon-based charity providing clothing adaptations and tailoring for people with disabilities, older people, and anyone with limited dexterity. Clothing comes in all shapes and sizes, but sometimes that is simply not enough! For people with physical disabilities, learning difficulties and the over 65's, finding clothes that reflect a personal style, fit well and are easy to take on or off, can be hard. To make life easier Dressability provides a low cost clothing adaptation and alteration service to people who need their clothes to fit well, feel comfortable and remain stylish. Whatever physical challenges you face, Dressability can help tailor your clothing so that getting dressed or being dressed becomes an everyday routine rather than a daily problem! Dressability is one of only two independent clothing services in the UK which caters specifically for the needs of disabled people. We work with other voluntary organisations, disability support groups, social workers and healthcare professionals. Because of our experience of clothing and disability, our advice has also been sought by the legal profession. Dressability is a registered charity which has a board of trustees who are legally responsible for all the charity´s activities.

01/04/2026

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡

Getting dressed should be simple, but for many people it can be one of the more frustrating parts of the day.

Buttons that are difficult to manage, fabrics that irritate the skin, clothing that does not work comfortably when seated, or fastenings that require constant help can all turn a normal morning into a stressful one.

At Dressability we adapt clothing for disabled children and adults, as well as those with limited dexterity, helping remove some of those everyday challenges. As a charity, our aim is to make everyday clothing easier, more comfortable and more practical to wear.

From easier fastenings to more comfortable designs, small practical changes can help make daily routines calmer and more manageable.

If clothing has become a barrier, we may be able to help.

Give us a call on 01793 512878 or email dressmaking@dressability.org.uk
and one of our team will see how we can help make things easier for you.

You can also find more about our services at
www.dressability.org.uk

Remember, if you're feeling overwhelmed or struggling with stress in everyday life, organisations such as the Stress Management Society offer tools, guides and information to help manage it: https://www.stress.org.uk/

Support is also available through the NHS Every Mind Matters service:
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/

28/03/2026

Great to be part of something new in the local care community.

We were invited along to the very first networking session hosted by Walfinch this week, following a visit from Managing Director Sarah Stanbrook to Dressability last year.

After seeing first-hand the impact of what we do, it was great to be invited into a room of like-minded professionals, all focused on supporting people within the elderly care sector.

It was a really positive morning, with plenty of open conversation, new connections and shared ideas around how we can better support individuals within our community.

Opportunities like this are a great reminder of how much can be achieved through collaboration, and we’re looking forward to being part of future sessions.

If clothing has become more difficult to manage, we may be able to help.

📧 dressmaking@dressability.org.uk
📞 01793 512878
🌐 www.dressability.org.uk

26/03/2026

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤

Not all fabrics behave the same.

Some stretch.
Some hold their shape.
Some are soft and breathable.
Others are more structured or durable.

When we’re adapting clothing, this makes a huge difference.

The right fabric can make something easier to put on, more comfortable to wear, and better suited to everyday life.

The wrong one can do the opposite.

This “Periodic Table of Fabrics” put together by Stone Fabrics is a really useful way of seeing just how many different options there are, and why choosing the right one matters.

At Dressability, it’s not just about the alteration. It’s about making sure the fabric works for the person wearing it.

If you’d like to chat about clothing adaptations or see how we can help:
📧 dressmaking@dressability.org.uk
📞 01793 512878
🌐 www.dressability.org.uk

https://www.stonefabrics.co.uk/periodic-table-of-fabrics/

23/03/2026

𝐖𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭

We’re currently recruiting for a part-time role at Dressability, focused on connecting with people across Swindon and the surrounding area.

This role is all about building relationships, raising awareness of what we do, and helping more individuals access the support available through Dressability.

We’re looking for someone approachable, organised and confident, with experience in community engagement or partnership working, and a good understanding of the local area. An awareness of disability-related needs is important, along with a full driving licence and access to a vehicle.

You can find full details and apply here:
https://www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/dressability/community-engagement-assistant/1058489?tsId=1

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Sharon Tombs at sharontombs@dressability.org.uk

17/03/2026

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤

Most clothing on the high street is designed with one assumption, that everyone dresses the same way, moves the same way, and has the same range of movement.

But that is not always how real life works.

You might be dressing one handed.
You might spend long periods seated.
You might use mobility aids, manage fatigue, or need discreet access for medical equipment.

Small things like buttons, zips, seams or fastening positions can suddenly make everyday clothing frustrating.

Sometimes a change in circumstances can make clothes that once worked perfectly suddenly difficult to wear. That does not mean you need to replace your whole wardrobe.

Often the solution is much simpler. We can adapt the clothes you already own and like wearing, making small practical changes so they are easier and more comfortable for you.

If getting dressed has become more difficult than it should be, we may be able to help.

Feel free to give us a call on 01793 512878 or email our team at dressmaking@dressability.org.uk

15/03/2026

🌷 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲

Wishing a happy Mother’s Day to all of the mums, grandmothers and mother figures in our Dressability community.

We are fortunate to have such a vast and impactful Dressability family, made up of clients, volunteers, staff, trustees, friends and followers. If you are marking the day today, or simply enjoying a bit of time to yourself, we hope it’s a lovely one.

12/03/2026

𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐚𝐲

For some students and young adults, getting dressed is not a quick or simple task.

Disability, mobility needs, sensory sensitivities or medical equipment can make standard clothing difficult to manage or uncomfortable to wear. When you are balancing lectures, assignments, placements, work and social life, that extra effort can feel exhausting. When everyday tasks become harder, it can also affect confidence, independence and overall mental wellbeing.

Clothing should not add to the pressure.

At Dressability, we adapt everyday garments so they are easier to put on, more comfortable throughout the day, and still reflect personal style. From alternative fastenings to discreet access adaptations, small changes can help support independence and confidence.

Whether you are navigating university life yourself or supporting a young adult who is, we are here to help. For students living away on campus, we also offer a full UK postal service.

You can call on 01793 512878 or email at dressmaking@dressability.org.uk

www.dressability.org.uk

05/03/2026

𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

We were pleased to welcome Becky from Hillier Funeral Service to Dressability recently.

Hillier Funeral Service are a well known local company who regularly support charities and community organisations, and we were very grateful to receive a donation from their community fund. Funding like this helps us continue offering our service to those who need it most.

During the visit we were able to show Becky around our workshop, talk about the work we do and demonstrate some of the adaptations we create to help people wear clothing more comfortably and independently.

It was a pleasure to share more about the service we provide and the difference thoughtful clothing adaptations can make in everyday life.

Thank you to Becky and the team at Hillier Funeral Service for their support.

03/03/2026

𝐖𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 – 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭

Dressability is looking for a Community Engagement Assistant to help grow our presence across Swindon and the surrounding area.

This part-time role focuses on building local relationships, raising awareness of our services and helping more people access the support we provide.

We’re looking for someone friendly, confident and organised, with experience in community engagement or partnership working and good knowledge of the local area. An understanding of disability issues is important. A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are required.

Full details and how to apply can be found here:
https://www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/dressability/community-engagement-assistant/1058489?tsId=1

For any questions about the role, please contact Sharon Tombs at sharontombs@dressability.org.uk

01/03/2026

𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐲 ♿♥

A day to recognise the independence wheelchairs provide, while also highlighting some of the everyday barriers that still exist.

One of those barriers is clothing.

Most clothes are designed with standing bodies in mind. When you spend much of your day seated, garments sit differently. Trousers can pull at the back, fabric can bunch, seams can rub, and fastenings are not always in the easiest place to reach.

Because every situation is unique, the right adaptation can transform comfort, independence and confidence.

At Dressability, we regularly adapt clothing to make it more comfortable and practical for wheelchair users, while ensuring it still looks like the clothes our clients have chosen to wear.

Examples of adaptations include:

• reshaping garments for better seated comfort
• adjusting the back rise of trousers to prevent pulling
• creating discreet openings for medical access
• replacing buttons with magnets or Velcro for easier fastening
• making bespoke items such as gowns or aprons to support dignity during personal care
• adapting favourite items so they continue to work for everyday life

We believe clothing should support independence, not limit it.

If you would like to see real examples of people we have supported, you can read some of their success stories here:
https://www.dressability.org.uk/category/success-stories/

If you would like to talk to us about an adaptation, call 01793 512878 or email dressmaking@dressability.org.uk

25/02/2026

📦 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐭. 𝐖𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭 𝐈𝐭. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐈𝐭.

You don’t need to be local to Swindon or Wiltshire to access our services. We support people across the UK, because distance should never be a barrier to clothing that works for you.

Getting started is simple.

The first step is to get in touch with us. We’ll talk through what you need, explain the process clearly, and advise what may be required, including any measurements or information that will help us understand your situation and what you may be hoping to achieve.

In some cases, there may be more than one adaptation option available. We can talk you through the alternatives and, where appropriate, help you trial different approaches to see what works best for you.

Once agreed, you post the item to us at our workshop. We carefully adapt it based on what has been discussed, keeping the clothing looking and feeling as familiar as possible. When complete, we send it safely back to you, ready to wear.

We understand that no two adaptations are ever the same. We work closely with you throughout to understand your individual needs and do our very best to create a practical, comfortable solution.

If you’re unsure whether something can be adapted, just ask.

Call us on 01793 512878 or email us at dressmaking@dressability.org.uk

www.dressability.org.uk

Address

Bradbury House, Westmead Drive
Swindon
SN57ER

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 3pm
Tuesday	9am - 3pm
Wednesday	9am - 3pm
Thursday	9am - 3pm
Friday	9am - 3pm

Website

https://localgiving.com/charity/dressability, https://www.dressability.org.uk/

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