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Ultra-thin winter jacket for teen in wheelchair

33 replies

Laffydaffy · 23/11/2025 07:20

Posting for traffic. My teen son has been in a wheelchair since around 6 months. I bought a parka that covers the tops of his legs, thinking that he would be cozy, but it turns out the arms are big and not flexible enough for him to use his wheelchair comfortably. I have very little experience with winter clothes and wheelchairs and was wondering what other parents would suggest. Is there such a thing as a thin winter jacket? Should I buy one or just get him used to being pushed around when we are out? Pushing him is often necessary, anyway, given the nature of his illness.

We live in a cold country (-12 right now).

OP posts:
BoobsOnTheMoon · 23/11/2025 07:33

Definitely look at the Uniqlo ultra light down jackets, and buy in a bigger size than he needs. Or look at the stretch down jackets some companies make, but they tend to be ££.

Wheelchair users need clothes to fit a bit differently - most clothes are designed for standing and walking, not for sitting down. So going for soft fabrics with some stretch will help.

For someone with restricted mobility I'd look for natural fibres to help stay warm - wool (merino isn't itchy), silk, down etc.

How about a heated gilet under his jacket? That wouldn't restrict his arms at all.

Advent0range · 23/11/2025 07:31

A heated gilet? Plus - thin rab jacket as suggested?

Barnbrack · 23/11/2025 07:29

You can get wheelchair covers which may work better? A bit like a cosy toes for a pram, if very cold it might be better at trapping heat close to his body? Alternatively maybe a thinner jacket to allow for arm movement but a thicker gilet over the top for core heat?

Cornthin · 23/11/2025 07:25

-12???!!!!

caramac04 · 23/11/2025 07:24

Another vote for Uniqlo. They also sell down gilets which are ultra thin but very warm.

Bimblebombles · 23/11/2025 07:23

Rab have some excellent thin coats that are down-filled but not thick. Really good and warm but not bulky.

Orchidflower1 · 23/11/2025 07:21

Uniqlo have thin but warm coats.

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