The Basics: Shirts and Jackets

I’m definitely not one to ask for fashion advice, but I will readily admit to spending too long obsessing over fashion models on instagram (I just can’t get enough of Karen Blanchard, Frédérique Harrel, Alyssa Coscarelli, and Carly Heitlinger). 

As much as I wish I could embrace my inner guru, having a brace definitely makes my fashion aspirations harder to pursue. Finding clothes that work with a brace and are still flattering can be hard. Being a teenager with scoliosis, I have to admit that clothing has been one of my biggest struggles with having a brace. When many of the popular clothing stores sell trendy clothing that may not fit well with a brace, it can be hard to find something that works for you.

I wear a Boston Brace, which goes around the torso and is elongated on the sides. As much as I embrace wearing my brace and many of my peers know that I wear one, it is not something that I try to advertise. Hence, longer shirts and jackets definitely come in handy. I usually go for a classic t-shirt, which can be found in almost every clothing store. Madewell has some great, high quality t-shirts, but more affordable brand like Old Navy can do the same job.

Jackets are my saving grace when it comes to covering up the longest parts of the brace. I love oversized sweatshirts and big jean jackets. Pro tip: the men’s section has very comfy, oversized jackets and sweatshirts if you’re on the hunt for one. In the winter in California, the coldest it gets is the mid 60s (freezing, I know), so I have definitely learned to love cardigans for their thin material, but long length. Hopefully these tips help, and even though finding clothes may be hard, just remember, we’re bent, not broken! :)