Fashion is diverse and brings together a wide variety of people to experiment, create and express themselves. It is rapidly changing, and as the years progress fashion houses and solo creators are becoming more aware of existing social biases that affect various marginalized persons such as people who are abled differently. They are thus making the effort to be more inclusive and to create adaptive fashion for disabled persons, which can make the daily task of getting ready for work or going out much easier. Below is a list of some of the trends and inclusive that one can check out:
- Comfortable and adaptive clothing for people who use prosthetics
For people who use prostheses, finding comfortable clothing is a challenge since most do not have the extra room to fit the mechanical parts. The clothing also ages quickly as a result of the wear and tear from the movement of the prosthetic. To accommodate this, companies such as Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive have created shirts with detachable sleeves, which can make it easier for a person with a prosthetic arm to wear. They also have pants with zippers or velcro closures, also designed to create extra room for leg braces. Organizations are also using stretchier and stronger materials for the clothing, to reduce the occurrence of wear and tear and to increase durability.
- Adaptive innerwear for women
Slick Chicks was created to make the dressing process easier for women who are abled differently, or who are in recovery after undergoing surgery for instance. They have zeroed in on creating adaptive underwear for women, with the use of a patented side fastening design for panties which helps a person put on their underwear with ease while laying on a bed or while sitting down. Their clothing is made up of nylon and spandex, therefore making it easily stretchable and thus creating more room for mobility. It also has a cotton lining for extra comfort. They also have a collection of front zipper and velcro fastening bras which also make them easier to put on.
- Accessible fashion for little people
Many clothing stores all over the world cater to people who are of average height. This tends to be a challenge for people with dwarfism. Often, they have to buy clothing and then make adjustments to suit their size. Alternatively, they opt to have their clothes tailor-made from scratch. Auf Augenhoehe’s story, therefore, began as a result of this very problem. The founder of the company, Sema Gedik, noticed her cousin who was born with dwarfism struggled to find clothing that could fit. She, therefore, began the company to create ready-to-wear pieces for little people, to make their shopping experience much easier.
- Easy closures
Some of the most common tweaks that have been made to make fashion more adaptive include the use of magnetic closures. These are used in place of buttons in shirts, jackets, and even in the flier sections for men. Companies are also being more inclusive by creating clothing with discrete spaces that can easily support medical devices, as well as zipper shoes.
Speak Your Mind