The need for adaptive clothing brands is more transparent than ever as a search for easy-on, functional, and stylish items yields very few results. And the companies that do offer solutions for those living with disabilities maintain they have yet to see most mainstream brands introduce similar adaptable features to their products.
Tommy Hilfiger and Brooks Brothers actually have MagnaReady to thank for the technology necessary to bring adaptive clothing to the retail space — the company, started by Maura Horton in 2012, pioneered and patented a total of four magnetic closures that are today used as a creative solution in design at both heritage fashion houses. On the lingerie front, Liberare's magnetic front fasteners and assistive grip loops for a no-pinch closure have given way to bestselling wireless bras since 2022, and Victoria's Secret is fast following in its footsteps, also applying sensory-friendly fabric and adjustable and convertible straps to its world-famous intimates. Neodymium Magnets Block
The 13 adaptive clothing brands ahead run the gamut from multi-brand stockists such as Target, QVC, and Zappos, to lesser-known small businesses started by those who have seen family members struggle while getting dressed or experience the same frustration living with disabilities themselves. Take Jillian Maddocks, for example, who is currently rebirthing her 323 project as "Just 4 U," a resource for custom designs and/or alterations that are produced sustainably using upcycled fabrics.
Ahead, learn about 13 adaptive clothing brands that should be on your radar, then read an interview with TikTok creator April Lockhart about the online community she has fostered with conversations surrounding the need for accessible fashion.
Tommy Hilfiger's adaptive clothing line, launched in fall 2017 across the US and now available in Europe, Japan, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Chile, marked the first global lifestyle company to update its apparel to fit the needs of people with disabilities. With a "shop by solution" feature on the website guiding users through all adaptive modifications, orders arrive in easy-to-unwrap, user-friendly packaging. In the US, customers are also able browse the collection using accessibility tools powered by AudioEye.
VS & PINK Adaptive is available online and in select stores, having launched on Oct. 17, 2023. The line of intimates includes bestselling Body by Victoria bras, PINK's Wear Everywhere bras, and panties that feature details like magnetic closures, sensory-friendly fabric, and adjustable and convertible straps. In collaborating with GAMUT Management, the brand, which has been making a conscious effort to be more inclusive, integrated over 200 women with disabilities into the two-year process of bringing the line to life. It was debuted at the Runway of Dreams Foundation's New York Fashion Week runway show.
Target works with its network of guest designers plus local and national organizations to develop adaptive products through prototyping and user testing. With Cat & Jack's adaptive and sensory-friendly apparel launched in 2017, Universal Thread, and Goodfellow & Co., Target has been able to provide customers with an assortment of fashionable and affordable high-quality products in the kids', women's, and men's categories.
Launched April 29, 2022, the Skims Adaptive Fits Everybody collection includes an assortment of bralettes, briefs, camis, and bodysuits with details such as center or side hook and eye closures and adjustable straps for easy-on, easy-off access. In March 2023, Christina Applegate applauded founder Kim Kardashian for the inclusion of the adaptive line in a Skims campaign, which led to an internet conversation about educating others on the disabled community.
QVC's Accessible & Adaptive category officially launched in March 2023; however, its stock of solution-based brands — including Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive, Slick Chicks, Yarrow, and Two Blind Brothers — had been previously available. On Aug. 1, QVC introduced its private label Denim & Co. Adaptive, replete with details such as hook and loop closures, magnets, accessible zippers that include wider and varying types of rings, loops, and openings, functional vents, and adjusted fit points. Sizes range from XXS to 3X, and wheelchair design apparel is fit tested using wheelchair models and considering all feedback. Additionally, Isaac Mizrahi and Selma Blair collaborated on an exclusive fashion collection for QVC inspired by Blair's personal style and featuring easy open necklines, magnetic closures, stretch fabrics, and flat seams. New drops from both brands are on the way.
The Zappos Adaptive shopping experience was introduced in April 2017 to promote universal footwear designs, most notably launching a collection with SOREL that led to the Out N About III Classic Strap Waterproof Boot that hit the site in September 2023. Business Development Manager of the category Dana Zumbo would like to see more multi-brand retailers working with brands to spread awareness and update bestsellers with functional and adaptive details.
Officially launching in February 2022, Liberare's production began with Founder and CEO Emma Butler conducting research and testing products back in 2019. Butler wanted to help her mom, who lives with chronic pain in her hands, get dressed easier, and today touts the Everyday Easy-On Bra as a bestseller. It's a size-inclusive, wireless bra with a magnetized front closure and adjustable band designed for women with disabilities, chronic pain, arthritis, or postsurgery. The magnetic front fasteners and assistive grip loops for a no-pinch closure are specialties, according to the design team, who have a range of disabilities and are involved in testing products. Size inclusivity is also prioritized at Liberare, with bras ranging from A-G cups and bands from 30-44.
Founded by designer Jillian Maddocks, who originally launched 323 to create adaptive clothing for physically disabled and neurodivergent people like herself, the brand is currently undergoing a shift. The reintroduction of the collection will be called Just 4 U and be geared toward one-of-a-kind custom pieces for people with physical disabilities, even offering adaptive alterations for people who wish to fit their old clothing to their new bodies after undergoing change or transition. Just 4 U will champion sustainability by focusing on upcycling in the production process.
Commercially launching its adaptive clothing line in 2018, Slick Chicks continuously churns out innovative clothing that was being dreamed up as early as 2012. With products that feature VELCRO® brand fasteners and magnetic zippers, feedback from customers powers products that are thereby built by the community of shoppers. The brand is excited to announce a capsule collection collaboration with a major retailer in early 2024 and is exploring opportunities to exist in brick-and-mortar stores.
Maura Horton launched MagnaReady in 2012 after her husband's Parkinson's disease diagnosis. The company pioneered and patented a total of four magnetic closures for adaptive clothing, which was then extended to the mainstream apparel lines at Tommy Hilfiger, and now Brooks Brothers, so that these heritage brands can continue to incorporate inclusive options. Horton keeps pushing for change in the industry by working closely with brands as a mentor to dream up creative solutions and technologies that lead to game-changing products.
Unhidden was founded in November 2020, collaborating with Lucy & Yak to create high street adaptive clothing. In 2024, the brand will introduce lingerie and swimwear with We Are We Wear, along with kids adaptive ranges and additional retail partners. Using deadstock and responsibly sourced fabrics, adaptations are uniquely "hidden" within the designs, and inclusivity is championed on the runways with the help of the brand's British Fashion Council membership.
IZ Adaptive was launched as an online retail space in June 2009, consisting of a custom-made collection that led to full clothing lines for women and men. The brand is soon expanding to accessories, footwear, and undergarments. With the use of its patented IZ Seamless Technology, pants are void of seams at the back, reducing the risk of life-threatening pressure sores that are common for wheelchair users. Founder Izzy Camilleri maintains that she is seeing more companies and brands enter this category, which means lower pricing in the future.
Neodymium Fishing Magnets Wendy Wong launched June Adaptive at the end of 2022 after seeing close family members who lived with disabilities struggle to put on clothing. With a mission to expand its designs in function and quality, you'll find pieces that have magnetic buttons, closures on bras, and jewelry. Various zipper and Velcro details are offered across shoes, and there are open-back tops and bottoms, as well as grip socks stocked on the site.