Functional Fashionista

CCO 1.0

“Style is knowing what suits you, who you are, and what your assets are. It’s accepting it all.”

– Bianca Jagger 1

Embrace your body and express your style. Wearing an orthosis or a prosthesis does not have to hamper your fashion or function. The fashion industry has expanded its repertoire with greater options for adaptive clothing. Whether you’re looking for ease with donning or fabric durability to withstand friction against metal joints, there is a bevy of sites to explore your choices.

Adaptive clothing encompasses a variety of modifications to apparel and accessories to address an individual’s needs. This could include magnetic closures in lieu of buttons, access to O&P technology and other medical devices, higher-cut pants without back pockets for wheelchair use, and so much more.^2,3  Whether you wish to shop anew or modify an existing item, there are avenues for you to investigate.

CCO 1.0

DIY vs. Hire

In a world of self-starters and digital access, availability has reached new heights. From your local alterations shop to online tutorials, you can make the necessary changes to meet your needs. Interested in doing your own? Check out YouTube to modify a sweatshirt, make accessible pants, or place magnetic buttons on a shirt.^4,5,6 Wish to leave it the experts? Discuss with your local tailor modifications that suit you or check out Equability online. Equability provides adaptive services for your existing clothing via online order and either local Illinois drop off centers or by USPS.⁷

Another great resource is the Ball of Wax Community created by an Occupational Therapist committed to sharing adaptive apparel and assistive technology.⁸  Here you’ll find access to shopping, adaptive equipment and a Facebook group for support and ideas.⁸

Image with permission of Ball of Wax Community

Wish to check out high fashion or get involved with advocacy for adaptive clothing? Discover the possibilities with Runway of Dreams Foundation.⁹  From partnerships to internships to NY Fashion Week, this non-profit organization provides a number of ways to support inclusive, accessible fashion.⁹

Resources

Physical Therapy may be my area of expertise, but Retail Therapy is definitely a favorite of mine. I hope this list of adaptive clothing websites helps you in your pursuit of self-expression and ease with activities of daily living.

• Aerie Slick Chicks
• Adaptive Clothing Showroom
• Amazon Adaptive Clothing
• Buck & Buck
• Etsy
• Independence Day Adaptive
• IZ Adaptive
• JC Penney
• June Adaptive
• Kohls
• LandsEnd
• Liberare
• Magna Ready
• No Limbits Clothing
• Patti+Ricky
• ReboundWear
• Seven7 Adaptive
• Silverts
• Smart Adaptive Clothing
• SpecialKids.Company
• Target
• Tommy Hilfiger
• Unhidden Clothing

References

1. Henning, Deborah. “Chronicles of Style: Bianca Jagger.” DeborahHenning.com, October 11, 2020, https://deborahhenning.com/blog/muses/chronicles-of-style-bianca-jagger/.
2. Seymour, Emma. “11 Best Adaptive Clothing Brands.” Goodhousekeeping.com, September 15, 2021, https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/clothing/g35408937/adaptive-clothing/.
3. Crow, Cheryl. “Adaptive Clothing for Disabilities and Body Differences.” Everydayhealth.com, September 14, 2022, https://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-living/adaptive-clothing-for-disabilities-and-body-differences/.
4. “DIY adaptive clothing for wheelchairs.” Sew What Alicia, YouTube, https://youtu.be/OuqfWbQVWZU. Accessed April 29, 2023
5. Peddler, Lagniappe. “How to alter fleece pants for accessibility.” YouTube, https://youtu.be/AFcQnsEodGg. Accessed April 29, 2023
6. Lippincott, Clare. “How To: Magnetic Button Down.” YouTube, https://youtu.be/LUmkzJ0LsSo. Accessed April 29, 2023
7. Equability, https://equability.co/shop. Accessed May 15, 2023.
8. Ball of Wax Community, https://msha.ke/ballofwax/#about. Accessed May 15, 2023.
9. Runway of Dreams Foundation, https://www.runwayofdreams.org/. Accessed May 15, 2023.