School Pants That Fit Over AFOs: What Actually Works
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If your child wears AFOs, you know the school morning routine. Pants go on, AFOs go on, then you try to drag a narrow pant leg down over a rigid brace and a shoe. Something gives, and it's usually your patience.
Lloyd wears AFOs every day. Finding school pants that actually fit over them is one of the reasons RareWear exists. Here's what I've learned works.
What to look for in AFO friendly pants
1. Ankle zips
This is the game changer. A zip at the ankle opens the leg wide, so it goes over the AFO and shoe instead of being forced down over them. Zip it up and it looks like any other pair of pants.
2. A wide, straight leg
Skinny and tapered styles don't work over braces. A straight leg sits neatly over the AFO all day, without bunching or riding up.
3. An adjustable waist
A drawstring or adjustable waistband means a good fit without tight elastic. It also helps if your child uses continence aids or has a feeding tube.
4. Extra room in the rise
A little extra length through the seat leaves room for nappies or continence aids, without the pants slipping down. It's a dignity thing as much as a comfort thing.
5. Tough knees
Kids who crawl, kneel, transfer or do physio wear out knees fast. Reinforced or double knees mean the pants last the school year.
6. No back pockets for wheelchair users
If your child sits for most of the day, back pockets and rivets can rub. A plain back is more comfortable.
Our morning order
With ankle zips, the order changes and the battle goes:
- Pants on first, with the ankle zips open.
- AFO socks and AFOs on.
- Shoes on.
- Zip the ankles closed over the top.
No dragging, no pulling, and the AFO stays exactly where your physio or orthotist set it.
Don't forget the socks
A good AFO sock reduces rubbing between the brace and the skin. Our AFO Socks come in white and black 3 packs to match school uniforms.
School uniform tips
- Check the colour. Most schools are fine with plain navy or black pants. If your school has a strict policy, a quick email to the office explaining your child's needs usually sorts it.
- Buy two pairs. One in the wash, one on.
- Label the zips. Show the classroom aide and teachers how the zips work so changes at school are easier too.
What we designed for AFOs
- OrthoEase Adaptive Trackpants: fleece trackies with ankle zips, adjustable waist and double knees. Our go-to for school, physio and play.
- OrthoEase Signature Chinos: smart chinos with ankle zips for days that call for something dressier.
- Lloyd Dress Pants: named after my boy, made for weddings, graduations and big days.
See the full range in our AFO and Orthotic Friendly collection.
If you're unsure about sizing over AFOs, check our sizing chart or send us a message. We've been there and we're happy to help.
Maya, RareWear founder and Lloyd's mum
