From Skims to Anthro: 9 Brands You Might Not Know Make Adaptive Clothing
Of the roughly 340 million people in America, about 42.5 million live with some type of disability, making up about 13% of the total population. According to the American Institutes for Research, or AIR, this group has an estimated spending power of $490 billion, or nearly half a trillion dollars, and many in it are willing to use a portion of that to invest in fashion. That is, as long as there are brands to design pieces that fit their wants and needs.
Understanding the financial and societal benefits of catering to the sartorial wishes of people with disabilities, some of the biggest names in retail have entered the adaptive-fashion market in the last few years, designing everything from bralettes and thongs with magnetic or hook-and-eye front closures for comfort and accessibility (thank you, Victoria's Secret and Skims) to hands-free sneakers courtesy of Nike and Kizik that use a variety of advanced, patented technologies to make putting shoes on and taking them off an easy, one-and-done movement. But those are just a few of the highlights. Ahead, check out the functional fashion offerings of nine brands, all of which are putting in the work to push the fashion industry into a more inclusive future where everyone has access to clothing, shoes, and more that work for them, both practically and aesthetically.
Anthropologie
These cropped, wide-leg trousers feature due to their decorative front fly, adjustable back-waistband elastic, and side-seam zippers with loop pulls. Plus, you can shop based on whether you're seated or non-seated, ensuring that the pair you purchase fits your exact needs.
Tommy Hilfiger
Skims
It's no secret that Skims makes the softest underwear pretty much ever, but did you know that Kim Kardashian's shapewear brand also designs a version of its iconic Fits Everybody briefs with a hook-and-eye closure that makes them accessible and yet still invisible under clothes? Well, if you didn't, you do now.
Kizik
These stylish sneakers have a 4.5 rating and over 1600 reviews, with many raving about how comfortable and easy they are to slip on and off. That's because all of Kizik's sneakers are hands-free, designed with the brand's HandsFree Labs technology that eliminates the need to bend down and tie your sneaker's laces every time you go to put them on or remove them.
JAM
This vibrant green wrap skirt is designed to be easy to put on for people who are seated, with Velcro adjustments that allow you to fit it high or low depending on your comfort and style preferences. Once you've fit it to your liking, fasten the front flap with the magnetic closure—no buttons or zippers in sight.
There are no complicated buckles on these overalls. Instead, they feature magnetic closures on both straps with easy pull tabs that allow you to adjust their length. Both calves have zippered entries to provide access to prosthetics, braces, and more, and there are pockets on the front of both thighs as opposed to on the back to avoid discomfort or pressure risks.
Slick Chicks
No Limbits
These denim-like bottoms were designed by occupational therapists to ensure that every detail on them is both safe and comfortable for people who use a wheelchair. They feature a zipper opening on both sides with ring pulls that make zipping easy from a seated or lying-down position. For a comfortable fit, the rise is lower in the front and higher in the back, with a super-soft, stretchy knit waistband.
One reviewer said, "These pants are the nicest-made pants I own! The material is thick and stitched really well. I'm an RBKA [Right Below Kinetic Amputee]—the material around the knees is extra thick so my prosthetic doesn't rub through! I am so glad I happened along this very personal company. I have also ordered several pairs of jeans and they are exactly as awesome!"
Nike
One reviewer said, "I'm partially paralyzed. I can independently put these shoes on, and they're comfy. I have a few pairs now. They're always tight-fitting against the arch of my foot, but they stretch out and fit perfectly. So much better than velcro that I still find difficult—most other shoes are just a pain to get my foot in to start."
Victoria's Secret
This super-soft, full-coverage bra has front adjusters to allow for shortening or lengthening of the straps as well as a magnetic front closure. Just remember to remove the protective sticker from any magnets before use to ensure they stay closed.
All of Victoria's Secret's adaptive panties feature magnetic side closures at the hips that were designed in partnership with GAMUT Management, a consulting firm that works with and for people with disabilities.
Eliza Huber is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and the intersection of sports and fashion. She joinedBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing in 2021 from Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a business degree from the University of Iowa. She's launched two columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top runway trends each season. Eliza lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, watching WNBA games, and scouring The RealReal for discounted Prada.
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