For the past few years, there's been an emphasis on diversifying the fashion industry to be more inclusive towards all races and bodies. Brands have made commitments to expand their representation, pledging to consider size inclusivity and have more BIPOC faces fronting campaigns. But one aspect that is seemingly left out of mainstream conversation focuses on representing differently abled bodies, and creating adaptive clothing to support disabled, mobility-impaired, and chronically ill persons.
The fashion industry still has a long way to go, between ensuring physical shopping experiences are more accessible, and providing more options in collections that consider disabled people's needs when getting dressed. NYC brand Collina Strada has begun to recognise the importance of representation on and off the runway, often including disabled folks in their runway shows, a gesture which extends to their design practice with fluid, seamless silhouettes to ensure they're accessible to people in wheelchairs, and fastenings that consider the needs of people with all kinds of bodies. Tommy Hilfiger's range, Tommy Adaptive, has made a similar commitment, creating a line of clothing with innovative modifications, that empower people and make dressing easier.
In the luxury space, Gucci recently announced that they have become a certified part of the Disability Equality Index, and are the first and only luxury house to participate with a score of 80 out of 100. Which makes Gucci one of the best places to work when it comes to disability equality and inclusion.
As we look towards a future where all brands are pivoting to adaptive clothing, we're rounding up 5 adaptive fashion brands who are already making a point of offering it.
Yarrow
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Yarrow is an offshoot of Juniper Unlimited, the first online shopping site dedicated to products for people with disabilities, health conditions, and caregivers. Launched by Sinéad Burke and MagnaReady inventor Maura Horton, Yarrow is the e-commerce sites in-house adaptive clothing line, focusing on cozy pieces with soft draping that allow folks with limited dexterity or mobility to get dressed with ease.
Tommy Hilfiger Tommy Adaptive
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Tommy Adaptive is designed to offer pieces that are synonymous with the Tommy Hilfiger brand for work, weekends and activities while addressing the needs of disabled persons. Be it a discreet port opening, one-handed zipper or sensory-friendly knit.
Slick Chicks
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Slick Chicks is an adaptive underwear brand designed to bring dignity to something as intimate as underwear, offering side closure underwear, zip up bras, and more.
Averee
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Averee is a premium online destination which offers people living with a disability myriad options from brands like JAM the label, Christina Stephens, and Limonata, alongside homewares, technology, and lifestyle options.
Adaptista
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Another collective that offers adaptive clothing from a range of brands that work across adaptive designs, giving people a wide range of choice all in one place.
Images: @aaron__philip, @slickchicksonline.
