Unhidden is a clothing brand meant for people with disabilities (Source: Unhidden)
Good news: It’s getting easier for people and parents of children with disabilities to find clothes that work for them as retailers lean into the adaptive clothing market.
What’s adaptive clothing?
Adaptive clothing is designed for people with disabilities. For example:
- Clothes that use magnetic or Velcro closures, which are easier for people with limited dexterity to fasten than buttons or zippers
- Clothes without seams or tags for people with sensory issues
- Clothes with openings for ports, feeding tubes, etc.
Some brands specialize in adaptive clothing — such as Silverts or Unhidden — but other major retailers are jumping on board, too.
- Tommy Hilfiger, inspired by his children with autism, designed an adaptive line in 2016 and will now release 2 collections per year.
- Target has expanded its line since launching in 2017 to include Halloween costumes and furniture
- JCPenney just released an adaptive line for kids through its private brand Thereabouts, plus added adaptive accessories to its website
In the US, 61m adults — or 26% — have a disability, per the CDC. The adaptive clothing market is predicted to hit $1B+ this year, but analysts with Coresight Research told The Washington Post it could grow to bring in $64.3B per year.
Curious about adaptive clothing for yourself or someone in your family? Here are 53 places to find it.
