Imagine being caught in a tug-of-war every time you try to get dressed. That was Yeye’s (grandfather) life after his first stroke attack in November last year. The attack happened on his left brain, rendering his right side practically immobile.
His go-to attire is a neat set of pyjamas, which sounds comfortable at first but actually requires his body to be in a strange angle every time he had to put his left arm through the armhole. His caregiver would have to give it quite a few tugs for the top to finally fit. When we saw him again in February, just three months after his stroke, he had already accumulated quite a few bruises just from the daily struggle. Beyond the tugging, the existing mass-market pyjamas could also get uncomfortably warm with our Singapore weather.
Seeing Yeye struggle through the process was a heart-wrenching sight. Trying to make his recovery process a smoother one, we sat down with him and his caregiver to dive into the daily dressing challenges that they faced. More importantly, we also wanted Yeye to have a set of clothing with a style that he would be proud to wear both at home and in public.
After brewing on Yeye’s needs and requests, these are the customised features we created for him:
Functional Sleeves
The key point of these customised shirts is its functional sleeves!
With zippers along the Raglan sleeves, Yeye will no longer need to go through the struggle of having his arms repeatedly tugged in an uncomfortable angle just to put on a shirt!
Twin Buttons at the Collar
A finishing closure after the twin zips on the sleeves that would allow an easier dressing process.
Flap-over Zippers
A neat look that doesn’t highlight that it's specially tailored to meet his post-stroke needs.
Mandarin Collar
For a smart-casual look, no matter the occasion.
Slit on the Sides
An aesthetic addition so Yeye wouldn't need to tuck the shirt in to look neat.
Breast Pockets
A touch of convenience for storing tissue, cards and cash.
100% Egyptian Cotton
A softer, finer and longer-lasting material that is well-suited for the weather in Singapore.
The designs and colours of the material were also based on Yeye's choice!
Even though Yeye is already in his 80s, he still hopes to get back to his previously active lifestyle. Hopefully, with these customised shirts made with love, he will grow stronger each day and live the life he desires again!
