Over the past five years, there has been a surge of startups entering the adaptive clothing in the United States. These startups are developing innovative products designed specifically for those with disabilities or medical conditions. Companies like Gap's accessible clothing line "GapAbility," Tommy Hilfiger's "Adaptive," and longtime brand Nina Ottosson Design have expanded their offerings. However, many new startups are solely focused on this niche and are leading the way with cutting-edge designs.
ModiBodi, founded in Australia in 2014, recently expanded to the US. Their flagship product is absorbent underwear for those with incontinence issues or heavy periods. Made from super-absorbent materials, these underwear look and feel just like regular underwear but offer leak-proof protection. Since their US launch, ModiBodi has seen exponential growth and brought new innovation to the category.
Another fashion-focused startup is Citizen State, which launched in 2020. Their mission is to make stylish, comfortable clothing accessible to all bodies with adjustable design features. One of their signature pieces is the adjustable jumpsuit, which can be customized in length and fit with zippers and ties. Citizen State also offers dresses, shorts, and tops that come in extended sizing with extra adjustments built-in. Their products allow individuals to find their perfect personalized fit.
Accessories are also a growing category within adaptive apparel. Brookly, founded in 2018, produces disability-inclusive jewelry, bags, and other accessories. All of their products are designed with versatile closure systems and adjustable straps to be usable and stylish for all abilities. Brookly's growth shows the demand for fashionable accessories that don't limit functionality or style based on disability.
Funding And Partnerships United States Adaptive Clothing
The influx of these new startups would not be possible without support from venture capital firms and non-profits investing in the space. In 2021, Canadian startup Knix Wear, known for leakproof underwear, raised $30 million in funding to accelerate their global expansion and product development. ModiBodi has also raised over $13 million since 2014. This influx of capital allows these companies to focus fully on research and pushing design boundaries.
Partnerships are also fueling innovation. In 2022, Tommy Hilfiger's "Adaptive" line partnered with Toyota to create a concept car interior with accessibility in mind. The interior included features like one-hand opening doors and seats that can easily adjust or fold down. This type of cross- collaboration will be crucial to meet the diverse needs of the disability community. Major brands working directly with people with disabilities will generate breakthrough solutions.
Adaptive Athleisure And Performance Wear
As the adaptive clothing grows, demand is also increasing for specialized performance and athleisure apparel. Several companies have emerged focused on active wear designed specifically for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. Ryan's Case, founded in 2017, produces protective, breathable, and durable shirts, shorts and pants made for sport Wheelchairs. Their products are designed to withstand the rigors of wheelchair sports and activities while offering SPF protection.
Another startup in the performance category is FitSkech, launched in 2021. They developed the world's first customizable compression sock specifically for wheelchair users. Their signaturesock features adjustable closurestraps and padding positioned exactly where needed toprovide support, comfort and blister protectionduring active movement. FitSkech hassince expanded their line to includecompression sleeves and leggings.
The rise of companies like Ryan's Case andFitSkech shows that the adaptive apparel understands diverse participation insports requires specialized gear. As morestartups pioneer performance adaptations,disabled individuals will face fewer barriersto being active and finding clothing made fortheir abilities and interests.
Mass Retailers Expand Private Label Adaptive Lines
As the demand for adaptive clothing has grown exponentially, mass retailers are taking notice. In 2022, major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Kohl's launched their first private label inclusive and adaptive clothing lines. Walmart's "Free Assembly" brand now offers apparel and accessories with easy-access closures, adjustable waistbands, and one-hand operation.
Target's "AllFamily" collection features clothing designed for caregivers as well as those requiring assistance with dressing. Their mission is to make getting dressed easier and more dignified for everyone. Reviews have been highly positive for accessible features like rear-zip pants and snap shirts. As these mass retailers dedicate significant product development resources, it expands the availability of adaptive clothing nationwide at affordable price points.
Predictions For 2023 And Beyond
With the adaptive clothing growing at over 15% annually, experts predict 2023 will be a breakthrough year. Increased awareness and mainstreaming of inclusive fashion will drive even more capital investment into startups and expansion plans. Collaboration between clothing brands, medical companies, and assistive technology designers will yield groundbreaking designs.
The fitting rooms of the future may start incorporating computer vision and pressure mapping to analyze mobility and fit challenges. 3D printing technologies will allow for on-demand customization of garments. And as the economic impact of supporting disabled consumers becomes undeniable, major retailers will continue integrating adaptive lines as a standard offering nationwide. If innovation keeps accelerating, 2023 may be remembered as the year adaptive clothing officially went mainstream.
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Author Bio:
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163 )
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