How the Fashion Industry is Better Serving People with Disabilities
March is National Disabilities Awareness Month.
And about 25% of adults in the US have a disability. In a society that aims to uphold diversity and inclusion, there’s still a lot of room for improvement- especially when it comes to the fashion industry. But it isn’t all bad news. Many brands are paving the way for better representation as well as serving the needs of people with disabilities.
Modeling agencies like C Talent and Zebedee exclusively represent disabled models. They have already made an impact in increasing visibility. Fashion brands like FTL Moda and Savage X Fenty featured models with disabilities on the runway. Nordstrom, Target, and Tommy Hilfiger have featured models in catalogs. Plus, they’re among the leading brands that are creating adaptive clothing.
Photo: Chiara Marina Grioni
Adaptive clothing serves the varied needs of those with disabilities.
Some features include:
Magnetic closures or Velcro instead of buttons
Easy slip-on shoes
One-handed zippers
Clothes with easy access points for medical equipment
Sensory-friendly fabrics
Adaptive clothing helps people with disabilities feel good about getting dressed. But here is where fashion is dropping the ball. Actress and model Jillian Mercado is frustrated with the lack of options for adaptive clothing. She admits there’s been an increase in functional clothing, but style is lacking.
Expanding possibilities through creativity is exactly what the fashion industry is all about.
Hopefully, we’ll see more brands thinking outside the box and creating functional and fashionable clothes. In the meantime, you can shop these brands that are leading the pack.