It’s no secret that the fashion industry has long neglected the clothing needs of people with disabilities, and what little clothing that was designed to be adaptable to the needs of people with disabilities—known as adaptive clothing—was often not on the cutting edge of style. In earlier years, adaptive apparel often looked more suitable for a hospital room than it did for the runway. The good news is that times are changing and with them the industry’s attitude toward adaptive clothing. There is a paradigm shift within the industry toward inclusivity prompting designers big and small to think about adaptive designs that meet the needs of people with disabilities without sacrificing style. Tommy Hilfiger has become a leader in the adaptability movement with a slew of up-and-coming designers following right behind with adaptive lines.
What is adaptive clothing exactly?
Adaptive clothing is apparel designed to address issues people with disabilities might have while dressing and undressing. Adaptive designs also address the needs of amputees, the comfort and support of people who use wheelchairs, as well as the needs of individuals with sensory sensitivities. To be adaptive, designers implement small and simple modifications like:
- Magnetic or Velcro closures instead of buttons or tedious hooks
- Shoes with Velcro closures instead of laces
- Pants that sit lower in front but include built-in back support for the seated comfort of wheelchair users
- Orthotic footwear designed to provide support and improve foot functionality
- Soft, tagless clothing for people with sensory sensitivities
- Apparel that accommodates easy entry for those connected to medical equipment such as G-tubes or oxygen lines
Understanding that high fashion and adaptive modifications need not be mutually exclusive, a crop of innovative designers are producing high-quality adaptive apparel that is as trendy as it is functional. Here’s a list of some of the best adaptive brands on the market in various categories.
For kids
Kohl’s—The national favorite for everyday basics is also a great source for adaptive basics for babies, kids, and juniors/teens. Jumping Beans is their adaptive line that offers intuitive pieces that make dressing easy for both the child and caregiver as well as pieces designed with children with sensory sensitivities in mind.
SpecialKids Company—Apparel designed specifically to address the needs of children with sensory sensitivities. In addition to tagless clothes with hidden fasteners, SpecialKids offers accessories like chewies, fidget devices, and bibs.
Intimates and swimwear
American Eagle has become a leader in adaptive apparel and accessories for women. Slick Chicks is their underwear brand that specializes in stylish adaptive intimates that are easy for caregivers to put on and remove. And their loungewear/underwear line Aerie offers adaptive clothing and accessories that are great for accommodating medical devices. The Aerie adaptive line offers sleeves, waistbands, ostomy covers, insulin pump belts, and catheter clips, all of which are practical while also being cute and stylish.
Intimately.Co—For intimates with a few more frills so to speak, check out this brand that offers adaptive, accessible intimates, including everything from lacy lingerie to basic underwear.
Miga Swimwear—An extremely sustainable, progressive, and conscientious swimwear line dedicated to making high-quality swimwear for women of all body types and abilities.
Recovery wear/activewear
Reboundwear—Specializes in apparel for post-surgery care that makes dressing easier by minimizing strain, pain, and discomfort. Reboundwear also offers adaptive activewear for those in physical therapy who need to remain active after surgery.
Care + Wear—Health wear meets high fashion when clinicians combine with fashion icons like Oscar de la Renta and Lucy Jones to design chest port access clothing, PICC line covers, recovery bras, wheelchair gloves, and NICU bodysuits.
Women’s
Yarrow—Women’s wear that’s professional, polished, and poised. Their styles drape seamlessly making them great for layering and flattering for all body types.
Tommy Hilfiger—Simple, casual, all-American styles that are as adaptive as they are timeless. Yes, Tommy is back in a big way, and the adaptive brand of choice for actress Selma Blair.
Men’s
Land’s End—Professional yet practical men’s basics that are soft and comfy with a versatile style that can go straight from the office to a casual weekend trip without a wardrobe change.
Tommy Hilfiger—Due to thoughtful design and a plethora of options, Tommy is a top choice for women, men, and kids alike.
Footwear
Billy Footwear—Featuring styles similar to popular casual sneakers like Vans and Toms, Billy’s shoes zip up in a “U” shape around the front making it simple to slide directly into the shoe without having to tie laces or struggling to wedge in.
Nike—Their FlyEase line is lace-free in a variety of styles for a variety of activities, all great for the whole family. And the innovative tech of their HyperAdapt line could be the future of adaptive footwear. This “smart shoe” uses sensors to map a wearer’s foot shape and activates adaptive lacing technology that creates a customized fit unique to the individual.
Friendly Shoes—Parkinson-friendly footwear plus slip-on and mid-tops with biomechanical zippers that are easy to slide on. Great for the whole family.
Veja—This popular brand offers classic yet trendy Velcro sneakers that go with any style.
For seniors
Silverts is the go-to brand for adaptive apparel for seniors with some mobility issues (great for wheelchair users) but who remain active and maintain some independence. SIlverts looks are professional and polished, modern and minimal, great for an office or social setting. Buck & Buck offers adaptive garments for those who may need more care, with designs that maximize accessibility for the wearer and a caregiver alike, all in fun and lively styles that are also supremely comfy.
High end/luxury
Tommy Hilfiger—While the brand offers lots of casual and practical options, there are opportunities to splurge on some higher-end pieces.
Unhidden—Featuring bespoke, made-to-order pieces from an up-and-coming British designer, Unhidden’s clothing is organic, sustainable, and made from deadstock fabrics that would’ve been thrown out. For those reasons, it does have a slightly higher price point, but the price definitely matches the quality.
For wheelchair users
IZ Adaptive High-fashion tops, bottoms, and coats for both seated and standing frames designed by brand founder Izzy Camilleri. Adaptive features include flattened seams, one-handed zippers, and arm warmers, all available in unisex styles.
Seven7 Adaptive—Adaptive denim for seated and standing frames so that everybody can find the perfect pair of jeans. Adaptive features include lower pockets and fewer seams to prevent bunching, all available in every cut from skinny jeans to straight leg and washes that go with any style.
FFORA (Fashion For All)—A go-to for Instagram-worthy chair accessories that are as practical as they are adorable.
One-stop shop
JC Penney—A great one-stop-shop for basics, staples, and wardrobe-builders for the whole family featuring a variety of brands and an extensive plus-sized selection. Can’t go wrong with the American classic, a little more affordable than that other American classic, Tommy Hilfiger.
Zappos Adaptive—When it comes to adaptive wear, Zappos is more than just shoes. Though they have partnered with UGG for a comfy and cozy adaptive line, the online shopping giant also specializes in other adaptive apparel including seated wear, medical wear, intimates, sensory-friendly clothing, all for the whole family. Special bonus: One-shoe options are available for those who need two in different sizes or who only need one.
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