How adaptive fashion combines aesthetics and functionality

Adaptive fashion is not a trend. It’s a sign of the shift towards a more open, inclusive society. The term appears both in Germany and throughout the world when describing well-designed, stylish clothing that caters to the individual needs and requirements of people with various disabilities. REHACARE.de takes an aesthetic and functional look at this attractive topic. 

When we talk about individuality in terms of fashion and clothing, we are talking about having a choice of garments that combine styles, fabrics, colors and patterns in such a way that they meet individual tastes and optimally express personality through appearance. 

If a disability makes it difficult or impossible to use hands, arms or legs to dress and undress independently with buttons, zippers or laces, this is when well thought-out, sophisticated and changeable, adaptive clothing is needed. Functionality makes all the difference. 

If the person interested in fashion has body measurements that fall outside the range of clothing sizes – which is the case for people of small stature or often also for people with Down syndrome – further attention is required.

Fortunately, a lot has already been developing on the catwalks of the adaptive clothing industry in recent years:

The fashion label AUF AUGENHOEHE by designer Selma Gedik and the young design project hemdless from Lisa Polk and Christian Schinnerl have already taken important steps in the past to incorporate the needs of these target groups into the fashion world. They set themselves to the task of developing an adapted clothing line based on precise physique analyses and the identification of commonalities within the target group. Since then, there have been separate clothing sizes for people of small stature and a flourishing online business.

Designer Sema Gedik says of her collections: "Above all, our designs are suitable for everyday wear. We want our customers to be able to wear clothes to university, the office or a board meeting that allow them to express their individuality without having to compromise on comfort."

New research in May 2024 revealed that the hemdless project no longer has its own website.

The adaptive fashion industry is not just about functionality. It is also about aesthetics and being able to express one's own style in a tasteful way. Customers are often actively involved in the development of fashion lines.

Rolling Pants, a company specializing in "multifunctional yet stylish fashion", has a creative advisory board. Its tasks include testing the collections in everyday life, providing feedback and helping to optimize the garments.

Brands such as Kinetic Balance have their own design philosophy. Brand ambassadors provide feedback, inspiration and their own stories about adventures or sporting challenges on the website. 

In contrast, master tailor Jessica Lewerentz, who has been running the Fadenstolz label since 2013, focuses on customized individual items: "My wish was that wheelchair users shouldn't just have to wear what is somehow available but should be able to have just as much choice as non-wheelchair users."

Fashion designer Anna “Fee” Franken, who runs Wundersee® Fashion, has been offering "accessible designer fashion that fits and stands" since 2022. In addition to wheelchair-accessible design, she also attaches particular importance to feminine cuts. Her label also guarantees sustainability in terms of materials and production, recycled packaging and fashion made in Germany.

These examples show impressively how networking and exchange can ensure that diversity is created, and niches are gradually filled.

How must an adaptive garment be designed to not only adapt to the wearer's wishes in terms of aesthetics, but also to convince them in terms of functionality?

The common denominator of adaptive fashion can best be identified from what people with various disabilities say about their favorite clothing. The following attributes are based on this and show how functionality and aesthetics can come together:

Adaptive garments are functional when well thought-out solutions are found for zippers, jacket fasteners and buttons that are suitable for everyday use – for example with

• hook or magnetic buttons
• innovative fastening systems with magnetic or Velcro fasteners
• elastic bands with button fastening
• slip-on pants and jackets
• sturdy loops to help you get dressed
• technological innovations in the material.

For wheelchair users, the areas of the legs and ankles as well as the seat area are particularly critical, i.e. the fabric length of sleeves and trouser legs must be right, also in the back area, where more fabric must be available. The focus here is therefore not only on the what, but also on the how.

Adaptive clothing should also prevent long-term, negative effects. This is why ironed, or flat-stitched seams prevent any pressure points. It is worthwhile for customers to read the reviews of other buyers to check the quality in advance.

People who want to dress fashionably are looking for role models they can follow. Since the diversity and presence of models with disabilities in advertising and the fashion industry has become increasingly tangible, there are fortunately also more opportunities to find these role models and to develop and live out your own fashion style.

In addition to companies' websites, inspiration is also provided by the places where it is possible to experience fashion. If we have whetted your appetite for dressing up from head to toe, then take a look at the fashion suppliers who will be represented with their own stand at this year's REHACARE 2024:

Susanne Tewes
REHACARE.com