If you’ve ever worn standard jackets and clothes designed for non-disabled people, you have probably faced some problems: High-wasted denim that digs into your stomach, tight seams that create dangerous pressure points, and excess material bunching around your knees. Consequentially, adaptive clothes came around to fix this problem. Here’s a list of some of the best adaptive clothing brands for wheelchair users:
1. IZ Adaptive
IZ Adaptive is known for their trendsetting wheelchair clothes.
When IZ Adaptive was founded by Izzy Camilleri in 2009, it brought a whole new wave of clothing. Instead of following other clothing brands and changing their standard clothes to be inclusive, IZ Adaptive developed clothes specifically for wheelchair users.
How it benefits wheelchair users:
- The Seated Cut: Their signature pants have a higher back waist to prevent the pants from sliding down. Additionally, they have a lower front rise to minimize the material bunching at the waist.
- Pressure relief engineering: IZ removes back pockets, metal buttons, and thick center seams to minimize friction and prevent sores.
- Game-changing outerwear: Since putting on a coat while seated can be difficult, IZ Adaptive have developed capes and split-back coats for easier use.
2. Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive
When Tommy Hilfiger started their adaptive brand in 2016, it brought immense awareness to the public. Finally, a global brand shifted their attention to disabled people and became one of the best clothing brands for wheelchair users.
How it benefits wheelchair users:
- Hidden accessibility: The clothing of the adaptive brand is almost identical to their standard brand. They have managed to add features like magnetic buttons, Velcro straps instead of zippers, and seated cuts without it being noticeable from the outside.
- One-handed dress-ability: The magnetic buttons and velcro straps make it much easier to put on clothes, especially for those with limited hand movement.
- Wide leg openings: Tommy Hilfiger’s pants come are baggy and come with zippers on the sides to accommodate leg braces or bags.
3. Targets Universal Thread & Cat and Jack
Adaptive clothes don’t have to be costly. Target proved that by incorporating adaptive affordable clothes into their brands of Universal Thread (for adults) and Cat and Jack (for kids).
Affordability
While specialized brand products can cost to above $100, target sells adaptive clothing for a standard price ($20-$35).
How it benefits wheelchair users:
- Affordability: While specialized brand products can cost to above $100, target sells adaptive clothing for a standard price ($20-$35).
- Adaptive additions: Features soft fabric with flat seams, wide neck openings for over head use, and a side opening for medical purposes.
- Everyday Accessibility: Instead of having to order clothes weeks in advance and dealing with return policies, Target allows wheelchair users to try them on at the store and use online shipping.
In conclusion, fashion for wheelchair users has taken a leap forward, allowing them to dress how they want and express themselves. Thanks to brands like IZ Adaptive, Tommy Hilfiger, and Target, the wheelchair community no longer needs to force themselves into unfashionable garments.
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