ADAPTIVE CLOTHING HAS ENTERED STORES TAILORED TOWARD PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AND PHYSICAL CHALLENGES.
While I was in the waiting room at the doctor’s office, I checked my email. Scrolling through the email, I saw work appointments, reminders for my upcoming dental cleaning, and coupons for every product imaginable.
One coupon, which I came across from Kohl’s, touted that my Kohl’s cash would expire soon, and these deals would end at midnight. Of course, this called me to Kohl’s webpage. Engaging my curiosity, I clicked housewares, shoes and seasonal items. Then, I happened to come across something I did not originally see listed on Kohl’s website before: adaptive clothing.
Under the women’s tab, it listed 61 products and said to shop for adaptive features and featured an adaptive clothing guide. Kohl’s offers men’s, women’s and children’s adaptive clothing.
The adaptive clothing guide •Easy dressing–easy-to use closures, functional openings, larger necklines and pull-up loops all making getting dressed much easier.
•Sensory friendly–flat and external hems, heat- sealed labels and soft fabrics provide comfort that is smooth to the touch.
•Seated comfort–higher back waistlines and adjusted pocket placements provide all-around comfort.
•Abdominal access and protective underwear.
•Convenient openings, quick and direct access, high waistlines and long lengths provide versatility and comfort over protective underwear.
My curiosity led me to see if there were other retailers that sold similar products.
I discovered Target, JC Penny’s, QVS, and Lands End. Some other brick and mortar stores are MagnaReady (magnetic button closures), Silverts, Buck and Buck, Goods for Life and more.
Adaptive clothes now on the market are designed by people with disabilities, designers who may have friends or family members with a disability and entrepreneurs who see a growing market to fill this special clothing need.
The aim of adaptive clothing from designers is to help people dress comfortably, yet stylishly.
Designers of adaptive clothing include Izzy Camilleri (AZ Adaptive); Victoria Jenkins (Unhidden); Katie Ellis (The Able Label). Even designer brands: Tommy Hilfinger, Victoria Secret and Primark have entered the market.
Adaptive clothing has been designed after studying people who might wear braces, are sedentary, or carry oxygen.
It is a turning point in the clothing industry for people with disabilities and those dealing with physical challenges to wear clothes that help a person feel comfortable and secure. When it is comfortable, it’s a winner!
Adaptive clothing has some specific details which offer a person easy dressing. A larger arm hole or sleeve may make it easier to get a skirt on when you are wearing an arm brace. Coat or shirt closures made out of hook and closure fasteners (Velcro) stay on and are easy to fasten. Something as simple as a wide neck or pullon pants might help a person dress independently. This new clothing arena is exciting and can offer a better fit for those who need a little tweak in their wardrobe. And whatever situation you may be in, doesn’t mean you can’t be “stylin.”
Sister Karen Zielinski is the Director of Canticle Studio. Canticle Studio is a part of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, OH’s overall advancement effort and has a mission of being a creative center where artists generate works, products, and services in harmony with the mission of the Sisters St. Francis. She can be reached at kzielins@sister sosf.org or 419-824-3543. ✲
