5 early ideas for adapting clothes you already own, including a drawstring to gather a sleeve or pant leg from the inside. Construction and installation are still being explored for that new design.
These are design drafts from 2026-11-14. None has been built or tried by a wearer, so we make no claim that they work. They are not medical advice. If you have a pacemaker or another implanted device, ask your care team before using anything with magnets.
Concept line drawing. Not a photo or a sewing pattern.
UndergarmentsNo reaching or fastening behind your backNo magnetsDraft v0.1 · not yet built
Front-Close bra
A back-hook bra you already own and that fits
The bra is opened at the center front and given a soft press-closed tab, so it goes on like a vest. The back hooks are replaced with a flat, soft join.
No magnets. The closure sits at the center of the chest, so this version uses hook-and-loop only.
What changes on the garment
The back hooks are removed and the band is joined flat at the fit you already use, with seams kept away from any scar.
The center front is cut and each edge is bound in soft elastic.
One edge gets a soft patch; the other gets a tab with a small pull loop that presses onto it.
The hook side never faces your skin.
This change is permanent. It cannot be undone.
How it would be used
Put your arms through the straps like a vest, weaker arm first if one side is weaker.
Settle the band with the open edges at the front.
Steady one edge against your chest.
Hook a thumb through the pull loop, draw the tab across, and press it down.
To take it off, peel the tab back by its loop.
Not tested yet
Whether the tab holds through a day of movement
Whether the edges can be lined up with one hand
Comfort of the back join, and support compared with the unaltered bra
Still deciding
Patch size for different cup sizes
How to convert underwire bras without the wires working loose
Concept line drawing. Not a photo or a sewing pattern.
OuterwearTremor or less finger controlNo magnetsDraft v0.1 · not yet built
Easy-Start jacket
A zip-front jacket you already own
A larger zipper pull, a small tab under the zipper base to hold it steady, and hook-and-loop in place of storm-flap snaps.
No magnets in this version.
What changes on the garment
A ring or soft grip clips onto the existing zipper pull. No sewing.
A short ribbon loop is stitched inside the hem, just under the zipper base.
Storm-flap snaps are swapped for sew-in hook-and-loop. The snaps are kept so the change can be reversed.
How it would be used
Sit down and rest your forearms on your thighs.
Hook a thumb through the tab and pull down gently to hold the zipper base still.
With the other hand, push the pin up into the base.
Grip the large pull with your whole hand and pull up.
Press the flap closed with a flat palm.
Not tested yet
Whether the tab makes starting the zipper easier at all
Ring pull compared with a soft grip
Whether it can be stitched into padded or waterproof jackets without damage
Still deciding
Which side the tab belongs on for left-handed wearers
Concept line drawing. Not a photo or a sewing pattern.
ShirtsDressing with one handUses magnetsDraft v0.1 · not yet built
Keep-the-Buttons shirt
A button-front shirt you already own
The original buttons stay on the outside, sewn over their own buttonholes. Hidden sew-in magnets do the closing, and the cuffs stay fastened on an elastic shank so the hand slides through.
Magnets sit along the chest. A hook-and-loop version without magnets is planned for anyone who avoids magnets, including people with an implanted device.
What changes on the garment
Each button is removed and re-sewn over its own buttonhole, so the closed shirt looks the same.
One fabric-covered magnet goes behind each button; its partner goes where the button used to be.
The collar-band button stays a regular button.
Cuff buttons are re-sewn on a short loop of elastic thread.
Everything can be undone with a seam ripper.
How it would be used
Sit down with the shirt on your lap.
Put the weaker arm into its sleeve first, then bring the shirt across your back.
Slide the other arm in. The cuffs are already fastened.
Pinch the two front edges together at the hem until the lowest pair catches.
Run your hand up the front to close the rest.
Not tested yet
Whether it closes and opens more easily than buttons with one hand
Whether it stays closed when reaching or moving
How it holds up to washing and ironing
Still deciding
Magnet size and strength
Whether thin fabric shows the magnets
Concept line drawing. Not a photo or a sewing pattern.
PantsGathering fabric and adjusting lengthMaterials still being chosenDraft v0.1 · not yet built
Pull-to-Scrunch drawstring
The inside of a pant leg or sleeve you already own
An extra drawstring attached inside a pant leg or sleeve. Pulling the cord would gather the fabric upward, letting you scrunch or shorten that section without repeatedly folding it.
The cord, attachment method, and any retaining hardware are still being chosen. Magnet content has not been confirmed.
What changes on the garment
A cord would run along the inside of the sleeve or pant leg, rather than around the waistband.
A narrow channel or spaced attachment points would guide the cord and gather the fabric when pulled; the construction is still to be decided.
A way to hold the gathered length and release it again still needs designing.
How it would be used
Planned use: pull the accessible cord end to gather the sleeve or pant leg upward.
Hold the gathered length using the retaining method once that mechanism is chosen.
Release it to let the fabric extend again.
Not tested yet
Pulling and releasing it with different levels of grip or one hand
Whether the attachment stays secure and the fabric gathers comfortably
How the cord is kept contained, and how it holds up to washing
Still deciding
Sew-on, adhesive, or removable attachment
Cord position and length for sleeves versus pant legs
How to hold and release the gathered fabric
Final materials and hardware, including magnet content
Concept line drawing. Not a photo or a sewing pattern.
PantsDressing while seated, with limited reach or gripNo magnets in the standard versionDraft v0.1 · not yet built
Loop and Lift pants
Jeans or trousers you already own
Four soft loops hidden inside the waistband give your hands something to hook, and a press-closed waist tab replaces the stiff button.
The standard version has no magnets. A magnetic waist closure would only be offered after checking with the wearer.
What changes on the garment
Two webbing loops inside the waistband at the front hips and one at each side seam.
Nothing is added at the center back, where you sit against a chair.
A hook-and-loop waist tab you press closed with your palm. The original button is kept.
A ring pull clips onto the fly zipper. No sewing.
How it would be used
Sit with back support and get the pants over your feet and up to your thighs.
Hook a hand or thumb through the front loops and pull up.
Lean to one side and pull the opposite side loop over that hip, then swap. A helper can use the same loops.
Press the waist tab closed and pull the fly ring up.
Not tested yet
Whether loops make pulling up easier than gripping the waistband
Whether the loops rub or press on skin over a day of sitting
Loop size and position for different hands
Still deciding
Whether an elastic back-waist insert would help more than loops
Would one of these help you?
Join the interest list with your email to hear about Familiar Fits availability. These concepts remain untested; joining does not reserve a product or send your selections.
5 early ideas for adapting clothes you already own, including a drawstring to gather a sleeve or pant leg from the inside. Construction and installation are still being explored for that new design.
These are design drafts from 2026-11-14. None has been built or tried by a wearer, so we make no claim that they work. They are not medical advice. If you have a pacemaker or another implanted device, ask your care team before using anything with magnets.
Concept line drawing. Not a photo or a sewing pattern.
UndergarmentsNo reaching or fastening behind your backNo magnetsDraft v0.1 · not yet built
Front-Close bra
A back-hook bra you already own and that fits
The bra is opened at the center front and given a soft press-closed tab, so it goes on like a vest. The back hooks are replaced with a flat, soft join.
No magnets. The closure sits at the center of the chest, so this version uses hook-and-loop only.
What changes on the garment
The back hooks are removed and the band is joined flat at the fit you already use, with seams kept away from any scar.
The center front is cut and each edge is bound in soft elastic.
One edge gets a soft patch; the other gets a tab with a small pull loop that presses onto it.
The hook side never faces your skin.
This change is permanent. It cannot be undone.
How it would be used
Put your arms through the straps like a vest, weaker arm first if one side is weaker.
Settle the band with the open edges at the front.
Steady one edge against your chest.
Hook a thumb through the pull loop, draw the tab across, and press it down.
To take it off, peel the tab back by its loop.
Not tested yet
Whether the tab holds through a day of movement
Whether the edges can be lined up with one hand
Comfort of the back join, and support compared with the unaltered bra
Still deciding
Patch size for different cup sizes
How to convert underwire bras without the wires working loose
Concept line drawing. Not a photo or a sewing pattern.
OuterwearTremor or less finger controlNo magnetsDraft v0.1 · not yet built
Easy-Start jacket
A zip-front jacket you already own
A larger zipper pull, a small tab under the zipper base to hold it steady, and hook-and-loop in place of storm-flap snaps.
No magnets in this version.
What changes on the garment
A ring or soft grip clips onto the existing zipper pull. No sewing.
A short ribbon loop is stitched inside the hem, just under the zipper base.
Storm-flap snaps are swapped for sew-in hook-and-loop. The snaps are kept so the change can be reversed.
How it would be used
Sit down and rest your forearms on your thighs.
Hook a thumb through the tab and pull down gently to hold the zipper base still.
With the other hand, push the pin up into the base.
Grip the large pull with your whole hand and pull up.
Press the flap closed with a flat palm.
Not tested yet
Whether the tab makes starting the zipper easier at all
Ring pull compared with a soft grip
Whether it can be stitched into padded or waterproof jackets without damage
Still deciding
Which side the tab belongs on for left-handed wearers
Concept line drawing. Not a photo or a sewing pattern.
ShirtsDressing with one handUses magnetsDraft v0.1 · not yet built
Keep-the-Buttons shirt
A button-front shirt you already own
The original buttons stay on the outside, sewn over their own buttonholes. Hidden sew-in magnets do the closing, and the cuffs stay fastened on an elastic shank so the hand slides through.
Magnets sit along the chest. A hook-and-loop version without magnets is planned for anyone who avoids magnets, including people with an implanted device.
What changes on the garment
Each button is removed and re-sewn over its own buttonhole, so the closed shirt looks the same.
One fabric-covered magnet goes behind each button; its partner goes where the button used to be.
The collar-band button stays a regular button.
Cuff buttons are re-sewn on a short loop of elastic thread.
Everything can be undone with a seam ripper.
How it would be used
Sit down with the shirt on your lap.
Put the weaker arm into its sleeve first, then bring the shirt across your back.
Slide the other arm in. The cuffs are already fastened.
Pinch the two front edges together at the hem until the lowest pair catches.
Run your hand up the front to close the rest.
Not tested yet
Whether it closes and opens more easily than buttons with one hand
Whether it stays closed when reaching or moving
How it holds up to washing and ironing
Still deciding
Magnet size and strength
Whether thin fabric shows the magnets
Concept line drawing. Not a photo or a sewing pattern.
PantsGathering fabric and adjusting lengthMaterials still being chosenDraft v0.1 · not yet built
Pull-to-Scrunch drawstring
The inside of a pant leg or sleeve you already own
An extra drawstring attached inside a pant leg or sleeve. Pulling the cord would gather the fabric upward, letting you scrunch or shorten that section without repeatedly folding it.
The cord, attachment method, and any retaining hardware are still being chosen. Magnet content has not been confirmed.
What changes on the garment
A cord would run along the inside of the sleeve or pant leg, rather than around the waistband.
A narrow channel or spaced attachment points would guide the cord and gather the fabric when pulled; the construction is still to be decided.
A way to hold the gathered length and release it again still needs designing.
How it would be used
Planned use: pull the accessible cord end to gather the sleeve or pant leg upward.
Hold the gathered length using the retaining method once that mechanism is chosen.
Release it to let the fabric extend again.
Not tested yet
Pulling and releasing it with different levels of grip or one hand
Whether the attachment stays secure and the fabric gathers comfortably
How the cord is kept contained, and how it holds up to washing
Still deciding
Sew-on, adhesive, or removable attachment
Cord position and length for sleeves versus pant legs
How to hold and release the gathered fabric
Final materials and hardware, including magnet content
Concept line drawing. Not a photo or a sewing pattern.
PantsDressing while seated, with limited reach or gripNo magnets in the standard versionDraft v0.1 · not yet built
Loop and Lift pants
Jeans or trousers you already own
Four soft loops hidden inside the waistband give your hands something to hook, and a press-closed waist tab replaces the stiff button.
The standard version has no magnets. A magnetic waist closure would only be offered after checking with the wearer.
What changes on the garment
Two webbing loops inside the waistband at the front hips and one at each side seam.
Nothing is added at the center back, where you sit against a chair.
A hook-and-loop waist tab you press closed with your palm. The original button is kept.
A ring pull clips onto the fly zipper. No sewing.
How it would be used
Sit with back support and get the pants over your feet and up to your thighs.
Hook a hand or thumb through the front loops and pull up.
Lean to one side and pull the opposite side loop over that hip, then swap. A helper can use the same loops.
Press the waist tab closed and pull the fly ring up.
Not tested yet
Whether loops make pulling up easier than gripping the waistband
Whether the loops rub or press on skin over a day of sitting
Loop size and position for different hands
Still deciding
Whether an elastic back-waist insert would help more than loops
Would one of these help you?
Join the interest list with your email to hear about Familiar Fits availability. These concepts remain untested; joining does not reserve a product or send your selections.
