T-Shirt For Someone Who Can't Lift Arms

[chaoscent]

I need assistance in finding t-shirts that I can iron on designs for my Mom. She can't lift her arms above her head (actually above her shoulders) to put on a t-shirt. Since the rest of the family is going to be wearing matching t-shirts that we have designed, I am trying to come up with a way that she can wear them also. The only creative thought I have had is to cut the shirt in the back and put velcro on it, but that is going to look very tacky. Does anyone know a place I can buy polo/t-shirts that button in the back and then I can put the design in the front? She's in a wheelchair so putting the design on the back of a button down the front shirt really won't work?
Thanks for any ideas, Penny

 

[Forevryoung]

What about cutting the top of the arms of the shirt and lining the opening with those small easy sew on snaps? You could put them close enough together and use small enough ones that nobody would ever notice.

I'll keep thinking but that's my original idea

 

[merryweather20]

A T-shirt with buttons on the back wouldn't be very comfortable for your Mom. I suggest you slice open the side and put either soft side velcro or snap tape (whatever she'd prefer).

If you are feeling a little more adventurous, there is a book called "108 ways to transform a T-shirt" ( I bought mine at Michael's). There are lots of easy in-easy out options and some are no-sew.

Have you considered buying her a front button shirt and shrinking down the logo to put on the shirt pocket?

 

[chaoscent]

Thanks for your ideas. I will look for the book in Michaels. I like the idea of cutting the side of the shirt or the arms. I could put iron on velcro on one side and she can just put it on over her regular shirt. I offered to put them on the shirt pocket but she was concerned that people couldn't see it. If I close the shirt on the side, it wouldn't be so obvious. She just wants to match her great grandchildren and it has been worrying her that she can't put the t-shirt on. I didn't think about the buttons in the back being uncomfortable. thanks for pointing that out.
Thanks, Penny