Last Updated on October 4, 2021
The fashion industry has been slow to prioritise adaptive clothing, but I’m happy to say that there are now more than just a handful of adaptive fashion brands on the market that cater to people with disabilities.
While there’s been a lot of discussion about inclusivity in fashion in the past few years, adaptive clothing, or clothing for people with disabilities, doesn’t appear to be one of the industry’s top priorities.
READ MORE: What is Adaptive Fashion?
At Wear Next, we believe that fashion should be enjoyed by every body, so we’re hoping that more and more adaptive clothing brands will continue to pop up and thrive in the near future.
But for now, if you’re looking for or know someone who is in need of more adaptive wear, here are 6 of the best adaptive fashion brands that cater to people with disabilities to get to know now.
For fashion advice and chit-chat, join our Facebook group What To Wear Next or follow us on Instagram.
Wear Next may receive a small commission if you click a link from one of our articles onto a retail website and make a purchase.
Tommy Hilfiger Tommy Adaptive
Tommy Hilfiger is the first designer brand to launch an adaptive clothing collection.
Introduced in 2016, the Tommy Hilfiger Tommy Adaptive line now carries clothing that offers different solutions for different types of disabilities.
The brand has pieces with easy closures, sensory-friendly and stretch fabrics, expanded openings, and designs specifically made for wheelchair users.
Unhidden
Unhidden was started by Victoria Jenkins, a garment technologist who decided to launch the sustainable and size-inclusive adaptive brand after spending time in hospital and seeing first-hand the difficulties those with disabilities face due to their clothing.
The brand offers clothing for wheelchair users, those with dexterity issues, and many more.
You can learn more about the brand and its plans through our interview with Victoria.
READ MORE: This is What a Diverse Catwalk Really Looks Like
Miga Swimwear
Able-bodied people may already find it hard to find the right swimwear, but those with disabilities have it even harder. That’s the reason why Miga Swimwear was launched.
Each swimsuit from the brand ties to a different woman’s story. The Lydia Cutout Bikini was inspired by Lydia, who has Type 1 Diabetes and Ulcerative Colitis. The Colette Tankini was inspired by Colette, who was born with Sacrococcygeal Teratoma.
Aside from being adaptive, the swimsuits are also made from sustainable fabrics.
Friendly Shoes
If you or someone you know is looking for a pair of adaptive shoes, I recommend Friendly Shoes.
The brand was created by an occupational therapist who saw first-hand how difficult it is for disabled people to wear the shoes that are available on the market.
Friendly Shoes are made with a patented zipper system that ensures easy wear, while the shoes’ outsoles also promote safer mobility.
READ MORE: London Lingerie Brand Celebrates #HotDisabledSummer in New Campaign
Veja
Veja is known for its sustainability efforts, but the sneaker brand has also branched out to adaptive wear.
Its V-Lock velcro shoes don’t have the usual shoelaces, which can be difficult for those with dexterity issues to use, opting instead for velcro.
Care + Wear
Fashion and function are the two vital factors that Care + Wear prioritises.
The brand offers ‘healthware’, which they define as ‘medically accessible apparel and accessories that have been expertly developed with the highest standards of design, comfort and performance.’
They have products that are great for people who need chest port access, those who have just gone through surgery, and more.
