Adaptive apparel refers to clothing that offers alternative methods for dressing and undressing, such as snap buttons and velcro, whereas conventional buttons and zippers can be challenging to manipulate.
Bigger name retailers such as Target, Zappos, and Tommy Hilfiger are expanding their product lines to be more inclusive, and entrepreneurs around the world are contributing innovations to make adaptive apparel more accessible. These three female founders have created companies and products to expand the adaptive apparel market, and are moving the industry forward not only with their innovations, but with their passion.
Thus, Jones created the “Seated Design” line, designed specifically for those who use wheelchairs. As a result, she won the Parsons Womenswear Designer of the Year award in 2015. Seated Design is “the method of analyzing our existing design infrastructure and encouraging implementation of functional, attractive and more comfortable design solutions for seated individuals.” she states.
She sources adaptive panties and bras from sites that may not declare themselves as “adaptive,” but still has sensory-friendly products. “We protest brands that aren’t skin tone inclusive or size inclusive, but we forget the disabled community,” she shared in a conversation. “We need to add accessibility to the forefronts of our minds.” There is much work left to be done, but the adaptive apparel market is continuing to grow and expand at a rapid rate.