Embracing Inclusivity: Why the Fashion Industry Must Prioritize Adaptive Design
London, UK – Drapers Online has highlighted a critical call to action for the fashion industry, featuring an insightful piece by Victoria Jenkins titled, “Retailers and buyers must start taking adaptive fashion seriously.” Published on July 17, 2025, at 2:56 PM, Jenkins’ commentary underscores the growing imperative for mainstream fashion brands to embrace and invest in adaptive clothing, a sector designed to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.
Jenkins, a prominent voice in the adaptive fashion movement, argues that the time for tentative steps is over. The article makes a compelling case that adaptive fashion is no longer a niche market but a significant and underserved consumer group whose needs are increasingly being recognized and demanded. The current landscape, she suggests, often falls short of providing stylish, accessible, and functional clothing for the millions of people worldwide who could benefit from it.
Adaptive fashion encompasses a range of design considerations, such as:
- Ease of Dressing: Featuring closures like magnetic buttons, Velcro, or easy-pull zippers that can be operated with limited dexterity.
- Comfort and Fit: Incorporating features like flat seams to prevent irritation, tagless designs, and adjustable waistbands or leg openings.
- Sensory Considerations: Utilizing soft, breathable fabrics and avoiding restrictive elements for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
- Seated Comfort: Designing clothing that is comfortable and fits well when worn while seated, often involving adjusted hemlines and back rises.
- Access for Medical Devices: Incorporating discreet openings or designs to accommodate feeding tubes, ostomy bags, or other medical equipment.
The Drapers Online article emphasizes that the industry’s current approach often relegates adaptive wear to specialized, less fashionable collections, or overlooks it entirely. Jenkins’s message is a clear plea for retailers and buyers to integrate adaptive design principles into their core offerings, thereby making fashion more inclusive and accessible for everyone.
This shift is not merely about social responsibility; it represents a significant commercial opportunity. By catering to the disability market, brands can unlock a loyal customer base and demonstrate a genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion. Furthermore, many adaptive features can enhance the wearability and appeal of clothing for a broader audience, including the elderly, pregnant individuals, or those recovering from injury.
Victoria Jenkins’s commentary serves as a crucial reminder that fashion, at its best, should empower individuals and allow them to express their personal style. By prioritizing adaptive fashion, the industry can move towards a future where clothing is truly for all, reflecting the diverse needs and desires of its global consumer base. The message is clear: the fashion world must not only acknowledge adaptive fashion but actively champion it.
Victoria Jenkins: ‘Retailers and buyers must start taking adaptive fashion seriously’
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Drapers Online published ‘Victoria Jenkins: ‘Retailers and buyers must start taking adaptive fashion seriously’’ at 2025-07-17 14:56. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.