Our history

The creator of Petal Back Clothing, Linda Dugan, spent much of her career as a clothing and swimwear designer and buyer for an iconic Australian retailer.

In the early 1990s, she identified the need for adaptive clothing after her Nana suddenly lost her independence and moved into care.

Seeing how difficult dressing and undressing was with limited mobility, Linda designed a nightdress for her Nana, with the now-famous petal-shaped closure at the back.

The nightie was an instant hit, and Linda was asked to make them for other residents. When talking to the nursing staff, she learned that singlets were the hardest item to put on and take off, so that became her second piece.

More than three decades since she started Petal Back Clothing, Linda now offers more than 30 products in dozens of colours and designs.

In creating this innovative clothing range, Linda considers wearers’ needs first and foremost. She designed the adaptive daywear and nightwear in association with people who know the difference it can make:

  • professionals working in dementia and aged care nursing
  • incontinence organisations
  • occupational therapists.

Her products have been recognised with multiple awards in Australia and overseas.

Linda Dugan, owner of Petal Back Clothing, standing in her store. She is white, with blond hair, and is wearing a white top.

Linda’s story

I first realised the need for special items for nursing home residents while caring for my grandmother, who was in a nursing home for the last years of her life.

Nana was a proud and determined lady. Although there was little she could do to help herself, she wanted to be comfortable yet look and feel good at the same time.

My task was to find assistive clothing and accessories for her that were comfortable, practical, easy to put on and attractive enough to retain her self-esteem and dignity. I couldn’t find anything I thought was suitable.

Then the inspiration came. My 22 years of experience in design and supply in the fashion industry led me to develop – with input from nursing home management and care providers – an attractive yet practical extended range for the aged and those in need of care.

The importance of the ‘petal back’

I’d previously designed a swim skirt with an overlap for putting on and taking off and I realised I could adapt it to meet my goal. The open back design of our products helps make dressing easy for people with limited mobility – such as those with arthritis or after a stroke or even recovering from shoulder surgery.

The same approach to women’s pants and men’s trousers also makes it easier to care for people using wheelchairs or princess chairs.

Comfort and style, not just practicality

I knew Petal Back Clothing needed to be attractive and comfortable to the wearer. From the front, all items look like standard clothing. That is a deliberate part of the design, so people can still look stylish and feel like themselves.

I have designed feminine Petal Back nighties for women alongside smart nightshirts for men. The wide range of leisurewear is ideal for people using a wheelchair or spending long periods sitting or in bed. Socks and hosiery offer protection for fine skin, while singlets and ponchos add warmth and cosiness.

Colour is also important. I design patterns and choose colours based on the needs and lifestyle of customers.

The fabric colours are a cool, calm palette or warm, rich palette and always easy to wear. I’m always designing new prints so my long-term customer have new options.

I choose the fabric mixes and weights specifically for the feel and texture and selected a manufacturer who I knew had the same attention to detail as me.

Affordable care and dignity

I’m proud to have created Petal Back Clothing for those in need of extra care, placing great importance on comfort, practicality and affordability. Our aim is to improve the quality of life of people in care or help them live more independently – and always with dignity.

If you care for a loved one who is elderly or has a disability, or you work in healthcare, you can browse all our products in our online store. For queries or advice on any of our product range, please contact us.

Linda Dugan
Petal Back Clothing Owner/Manager