The Best Adaptive Clothing Brands, According to People with Disabilities
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The fashion industry has a long way until it's truly inclusive to all people. Accessible fashion for people with disabilities is often overlooked, with many adaptive clothing options being shapeless rather than stylish. But today, more and more brands are embracing adaptive clothing with assistive technology, which enables people to wear the latest trends while still accessing adjustable and functional designs.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab screened brands to find the best adaptive clothing brands that offer an assortment of options to suit a wide range of preferences and needs.
Our top picks:
What is adaptive clothing?
Adaptive clothing makes getting dressed and functioning within clothes more accessible to people with a wide variety of needs. The disability community is diverse, so designers embrace a variety of styles of adaptive clothing with one goal in mind: to create an innovative garment that makes life easier for the wearer. And, now, brands are also focused on showcasing the wearer's personality.
Runway of Dreams is a non-profit organization that works in conjunction with brands to create "a future of inclusion, acceptance and opportunity in the fashion industry for people with disabilities." Mindy Scheier created Runway of Dreams after her son, who has a rare form of muscular dystrophy, wanted to wear jeans to school but couldn't find styles without challenging buttons or zippers. She used her background in design to create a pair of adaptive jeans for him and saw his confidence skyrocket.
When we spoke with Mindy, she emphasized the importance of designers working collaboratively with people with disabilities when creating adaptive clothing. Her biggest hope for the future is that more and more brands offer adaptive clothing as it helps not only customers but the companies themselves: "Nearly $3 trillion is left on the table by not including people with disabilities," she said.
Examples of adaptive clothing:
- Pants, shirts, dresses or skirts that open at the sides with magnetic closures instead of buttons
- Shoes that allow the wearer to step into them without forcing them on
- Pants cut higher in the back and lower in the front that are more comfortable for wheelchair users
- Clothes with easy access points for medical equipment
- Sensory-friendly clothing items
- One-piece outfits
There's still a long way to go for the entire fashion industry to be more inclusive and to produce more adaptive clothing, but you can shop these brands that are creating trendy options now.
Don't forget to check out all the stories from our first-ever Accessibility Issue, including expert-approved ways to future-proof your home, an interview with Broadway star Ali Stroker and more.
Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive
Tommy Hilfiger has worked to create a line of adaptive clothing that is professional and stylish, staying true to the brand's classic look. This men's shirt has traditional sewn-on buttons, but there are hidden magnetic clasps behind the placket for easy on and off. The brand also offers styles with Velcro closures. We love that Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive has options for men, women and children too.
Jeans are typically designed to look their best when the wearer is standing up, which can make them uncomfortable for wheelchair users. Seven7 Adaptive jeans have a lower cut in the front with a higher back for a more flattering look and comfy feel. This skinny jean style has Velcro openings on the bottom to accommodate orthotics and reinforced belt loops so caretakers can assist with dressing if needed. We especially like the easily accessible front cargo pocket.
Zappos has worked diligently to increase its adaptive shoe offerings. The brand sells certain styles individually, so if you require different-sized shoes because of orthotics or need only one shoe, Zappos has you covered.
For wheelchair users, traditional backpacks don't stay secure on the back of a wheelchair and risk falling off. Jansport recently launched a line of adaptive bags and backpacks designed to use with wheelchairs and walkers. Wheelchair users told us that they love having a bag that's easily accessible, stays secure and doesn't look like a hospital bag. These bags have the classic appearance of JanSport bags with adaptive features like anchor straps on the bottom to keep them in place on a mobility device, easy-release buckles and shortened height for easier access.
Designed specifically for wheelchair users, IZ Adaptive features on-trend styles known for excellent fit and longevity. The pants and jeans are especially popular; they offer an inclusive size chart and a seamless back design with no back pockets. Reviewers rave that the price is worth the quality and fit, lasting season after season.
Buck and Buck offers clothing items specifically for the elderly. Garments are designed with accessibility for the user and caretaker alike, with bright prints and comfy styles. The brand's slogan is "We make dressing easier," and reviewers agree: Many say that these clothes suit their needs while loving the brand's responsive customer service.
Billy Price founded Billy Footwear and designed these shoes when he was searching for a pair of attractive accessible sneakers after he became paralyzed. The sneakers zip all the way around the front, so you can place your foot into them without having to slide them on. The brand has a range of colors and styles for men, women and kids.
With everyday styles and sexy lingerie options, Liberare offers a great selection of adaptive bras, underwear and pajamas. The underwear feature loops for better grip and magnetic side closures, making it easier to put on from a seated position. One online reviewer exclaimed, "I love this bra! I can finally get dressed independently! I bought a size XXXL and it definitely holds! The magnets are great and strong and supportive." Another said, "Stylish, accessible and comfortable. What more could you want?"
Using athletic technical fabrics, Rebound Wear makes apparel that can hold or accommodate medical equipment. You can shop by specific need including incontinence, surgery recovery and port/IV access. Reviewers share that not only did the clothing and accessories fulfill their needs, but they also loved the stylish look.
Target has an excellent range of adaptive clothing with designs that won't inhibit playful kids. Some styles feature openings designed for easy abdominal access for medical care while others have features designed for children with sensory sensitivities. Parents love that Target offers a wide selection of options with trendy details, so they can find an outfit that showcases their kids' personalities.
Sense-ational You
Designed specifically for children with autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder or other sensory sensitivities, Sense-ational You features trendy children's clothing with innovative designs like a built-in compression tank and flat seams for less irritation. The brand currently offers a limited assortment of tops, bottoms and outerwear. For a larger selection, we also recommend the Special Kids Company.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Emma Seymour is the senior textiles product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab where she has evaluated all types of apparel products, including these adaptive brands. To make these recommendations, she partnered with Mindy Scheier, founder and CEO of Runway of Dreams, an organization that partners with fashion brands to help them offer more inclusive options for people with disabilities.
Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.Â
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