Clothing for every body: what is adaptive fashion and why is it changing the industry

If fashion wants to become truly inclusive, it must take into account people with disabilities or disabilities: we increasingly hear about adaptive fashion, but how does it work?

Author: Beatrice Manca

photo from Zaland’s website

For too long, fashion has focused on a small group of people: conforming bodies, possibly white, possibly Caucasian, possibly thin. In recent years, designers, editors and influencers have tried to change the rules of the game, recognizing and celebrating the beauty of diversity: if it’s not really wide open, the fashion system’s doors have opened to the community LGBT +, ethnic diversity and disability. Without thinking, however, that the same clothes cannot be suitable for everyone: those who are in a wheelchair, for example, will find it more difficult to use certain items. That’s why the future of inclusion is adaptable fashionborn for a market hitherto neglected by the luxury market: people with disabilities.

What is adaptive fashion

When it’s about adaptable fashion we mean clothing designed to meet the specific needs of people with permanent or temporary disabilities. Clothing and accessories designed taking into account a wide range of needs, both for those in a wheelchair and for those with limited mobility. A large group, which also includes elderly, sick or simply injured people. To simplify the daily lives of these people, clothes need them adjustable hems, for example, of sliding fasteners and openings in the back and sides that facilitate the act of using them. Even little tricks make a difference: Velcro instead of laces or zippers instead of buttons can help you get dressed unaided. Pants designed for wheelchair users do not have back pockets, which are unnecessary and bulky. Think of a trivial detail like a tag or a seam – the continuous rubbing can be extremely annoying if you can’t move.

Tommy Hilfiger's Adaptive Collection
Tommy Hilfiger’s Adaptive Collection

From Tommy Hilfiger to Zalando, fashion is increasingly inclusive

Adaptive fashion does not appeal to a specific category of people: anyone in life can find themselves in the position of having to wear these clothes, whether for a leg in a cast or for an operation. If fashion wants to define itself inclusive you must not just take into account all sizes and all skin colors: you must start thinking about all body types, even those with prostheses, with disabilities. Until a few years ago, these categories were completely ignored by fashion: at best we were talking about adaptable clothing, not adaptable fashion.

Adaptive Zaland
Adaptive Zaland

Tommy Hilfiger was the first among major brands to design an adaptable collection, an experience that is now expanding with Zaland. The e-commerce giant has also launched its first adaptable lines through its own brands Zign, Pier One, Yourturn, Anna Field and Even & Odd. Steps that reflect a change in fashion direction: think of the prosthetic models on the BOSS catwalk, or Veronica Yoko Plebani’s debut as a testament to Dior without fear of showing scars. Fashion can no longer be a small circle: inclusion affects us all.

Source: Fan Page IT

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