The concept of making fashion inclusive to people with disabilities has been a long-standing issue in the fashion industry. Dating back to the mid-20th century, American fashion designer Helen Cookman and New York Times style editor Virginia Pope were pioneers in advocating for adaptive fashion accessibility. Together, they founded the Clothing Research and Development Foundation, leading the largest collaborative effort to create adaptive fashion in the U.S. Cookman also launched Functional Fashions, an adaptive clothing line designed by herself and nearly 30 other designers. Cookman’s collaboration with Levi’s in creating the 1975 jeans, featuring functional design elements, highlighted the importance of catering to people with disabilities in the fashion industry.
Despite the historical efforts of Cookman and Pope, the fashion industry’s dedication to adaptive fashion has fluctuated over the years. However, in recent times, there has been a resurgence in the commitment to inclusivity from both independent and global brands. The recognition of the significant market potential within the disabled community, with a disposable income of over $490 billion, has prompted brands to prioritize adaptive fashion. Tommy Hilfiger, a prominent figure in the fashion industry, made history by modifying his collections to be more accessible for people with disabilities, setting a new standard for global brands.
The emergence of new brands like No Limbits, JAM the Label, and major retailers like Zappos and Target entering the adaptive fashion space has further propelled the movement towards inclusivity. In 2021, Anthropologie launched its adaptive clothing line, responding to the requests of its community for more inclusive options. The brand’s commitment to merging functionality with style has resulted in innovative design features that cater to a diverse range of customers.
Victoria’s Secret also joined the adaptive fashion category, launching its first adaptive intimates line in 2021. By incorporating direct feedback from people with disabilities throughout the design process, the brand focused on features like magnetic closures and sensory-friendly fabrics to enhance the wearability of their products. Collaborations with adaptive brands like Liberare have expanded the reach of adaptive fashion to a wider audience.
In the footwear space, brands like Kizik and Nike have introduced hands-free technologies to make putting on and removing shoes easier for people with disabilities. The evolution of Kizik’s technology and its partnership with Nike have revolutionized the accessibility of footwear, providing greater independence and safety for individuals with limited mobility or dexterity.
Advances in adaptive fashion extend beyond garments and footwear, with brands like Gucci partnering with Aira to provide virtual accessibility assistance for customers who are low vision or blind. Stephanie Thomas, a disability fashion stylist, has introduced innovative solutions like fashion descriptions to make runway shows and fashion imagery accessible to those with disabilities. By incorporating tech-driven solutions and consulting services, Thomas aims to bridge the gap and enhance the shopping experience for people with disabilities.
The future of adaptive fashion holds immense potential for growth and innovation. Brands like Anthropologie are committed to expanding their adaptive offerings, driven by the desire to meet the evolving needs of their customers. With a focus on inclusivity and accessibility, the adaptive fashion landscape is poised to reach new heights, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can express themselves through style and have equal access to the world of fashion.