It's no secret that the fashion industry has (since its inception) turned a blind eye to those with disabilities. There are tons of people in the US, and around the world, who have had to get extra creative with their wardrobes in order to adapt clothing to their needs.

So how do the 61 million people with disabilities in the US build their wardrobes with so few clothing options available? Sometimes with great difficulty. It’s more than about time for an updated conversation about adaptive clothing, and for brands to start meeting the needs of this wildly overlooked demographic.

Adaptive clothing is designed to serve user needs. Here are some examples of adaptive clothing:

• Pants, shirts and dresses that open at the back or side and feature magnetic closures (often, “traditional” buttons are sewn in the front to maintain a fashionably inclusive look)
• Shoes that open or unzip far enough for wearers to step into them from the top
• Shoes and clothes that feature Velcro closures
• Pants that are lower in the front and higher in the back so that the wearer may sit comfortably. This type of garment is good wheelchair users.
  – Pants with elastic waistbands and stretch fabric can assist with going to the bathroom.
• Wide legged pants with added straps or loops can also make it easier for some wearers to use the bathroom.
• Shirts and pajamas with medical equipment access. These are particularly useful for G-tubes and oxygen lines.
• Sensory-friendly clothing: tagless, soft fabrics, and flat seams
• Orthotic-ready shoes
• One-piece outfits
• Pica clothing, made for people who pick at, chew, and tear at their garments.

Target Adaptive Clothing

Target’s in-house line of children’s clothing, Cat & Jack, carried at all Targets nationwide, has a selection of adaptive garments from pants to pajamas.

Cat & Jack was materialized with the intention of serving all shoppers, instead of just some. Sensory-friendly pieces were the starting point for their collection, and they plan to add more adaptive items to accommodate children with disabilities. For example, there may be styles with zip-off sleeves and side openings that make dressing easier, as well as pieces that have back openings that allow those lying down or sitting to get dressed.

MagnaReady

Designed for people living with physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities, MagnaReady produces adaptive t-shirts and leggings equipped with magnets instead of buttons or zippers. The MagnaReady clothing line is designed as an adaptive-first clothing line that offers an extensive selection of items for everyone.

CEO Maura Horton founded MagnaReady after her husband's Parkinson's disease diagnosis. Her husband is a college football coach. “One day after a game he was trapped in the locker room unable to button his shirt. Unfortunately, limited mobility is one of the side effects associated with Parkinson's, and his hands just were not working. Luckily, a player noticed his struggle and buttoned his shirt for him. That night my husband came home and relayed the story.” said Maura.

MagnaReady has given Coach Horton and countless others the freedom to dress without fear.

7Seven Adaptive

Sandra McCracken, a Fashion Designer and author of 7Seven Adaptive began an adaptive clothing line to help people with a variety of different disabilities. Her line is all about customizing clothes, especially shirts, to be perfect for whatever users’ specific needs are. Sandra emphasizes that the clothes must be functional, yet fashionable enough to wear outside the home. She gives her customers the power and freedom to choose what they would like on their clothing, including making different color blankets that they can match their shirts to.

Dignity Pajamas

Dignity Pajamas makes it easier for people with disabilities to change into and out of their pajamas. They feature super soft materials and nice prints. Some garments open at the back and others (like the pajama pants) open at the sides with Velcro closures.

Smart Adaptive Clothing

Smart Adaptive Clothing is another company that uses Velcro, but this time in place of traditional fasteners. They've been designing adaptive clothing for over 25 years. Their adaptive clothing line includes items for men and women. “Everyone deserves independence and dignity,” says Smart Adaptive Clothing founder, Nancy M. Connor, “And that’s what Smart Adaptive Clothing is all about.”

Bonus: Etsy

Etsy has a little bit of something for everyone, and that includes companies that offer adaptive clothing. Companies like SensorySmart Clothing, BeEasyKid, befreeAdaptive, and RenovaMedicalWear offer every items from post surgery to tagless tees. These companies also offer specialty clothing for children and adults with disabilities.

If you're looking for adaptive footwear, check out this post.