Dressing for MG: Comfort, convenience, and a little bit of sass

Living with myasthenia gravis (MG) means making daily adjustments, and getting dressed is no exception. What used to be routine is now strategic. Every piece of clothing has to pass the test: Is it comfortable? Will it make my symptoms worse? Can I put it on without feeling exhausted?

Over the past decade with MG, I’ve figured out what works for me: layers, easy-to-wear fabrics, and a steadfast refusal to wear anything that makes me miserable.

Buttons and zippers are a thing of the past. When my fine motor skills check out for the day, buttons and zippers become my enemy. If I can’t get dressed without needing a nap afterward, it’s a no-go.

I stick to pull-on everything, with loose dresses, elastic-waist pants, and tops that don’t require fastening. If it slides on effortlessly, we’re good. If it takes more effort than opening a bag of chips, we have a problem.

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Ready to wear

Temperature control is a guessing game with MG. I can go to overheating from freezing in minutes, and getting too hot worsens my symptoms. That’s why I dress in layers that I can peel off or pile on as needed. A lightweight cardigan or zip-up hoodie is always nearby. If you see me awkwardly wiggling out of a jacket mid-conversation, just know that it’s not a fashion statement; it’s survival.

The “Great Bra Rebellion” continues! I’ve been “freeing the tatas” since before it was a cool movement. A regular bra with tight bands and underwire feels like an MG torture device, making it harder for me to breathe. I opt instead for tank tops with built-in support, or — let’s be real — just skipping it altogether most days. My lungs deserve better than to be squeezed by an overenthusiastic push-up bra.

Shoes matter more than you’d think. Heavy shoes make my legs tire faster, and if they’re not supportive, it’s like walking on concrete barefoot, and my crap arches let me know it at the end of the day. I look for lightweight, cushioned shoes that don’t feel like ankle weights. Slip-ons are a lifesaver, but they still have to be snug enough to prevent tripping. It’s a fine balance, mastered through trial, error, and a few stumbles along the way.

Hats and sunglasses are more than just accessories when dressing for MG. Squinting in bright sunlight is a fast track to eyelid and facial drooping for me. I’m almost always wearing sunglasses and a brimmed hat when outside. It’s not just about blocking the sun; it’s about keeping my face from giving up halfway through the day.

Dressing with MG is all about making life easier. I’m not wasting energy on clothes that fight back. If it’s soft, easy to wear, and doesn’t drain my already limited battery, it’s a win in my book.

So if you ever see me in a loose top, comfy pants, and no bra while dramatically whipping off a cardigan in the middle of a day, just know that it’s not a fashion statement. It’s just another day of working with my MG, one comfortable outfit at a time.

Note: Myasthenia Gravis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Myasthenia Gravis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to myasthenia gravis.