Adaptive clothing shows strong market potential

Several international brands and retailers are launching their line of adaptive apparel, signifying the rise of a market, which is a significant part of a growing global shift toward inclusivity.

Designed for people with disabilities, who find it difficult to dress independently, or with sensory issues, who are sensitive to certain fabrics and textures, adaptive apparel is getting mainstream attentionbecause it also has the appearance of regular clothing.

Tommy Hilfiger is among the prominent companies that have ventured in the line. The US-based lifestyle brand has launched a new line of adaptive clothing for spring as a follow-up to its initial October 2017 launch. The updated collection includes clothes for adults and children with braces and prostheses.

Done in collaboration with Runway of Dreams, a nonprofit organization working toward inclusivity in the fashion industry, the collection features clothing with one-handed zippers, adjustable pant hems and MagnaReady faux buttons. The last is a brand of magnetic closures inspired by people suffering from Parkinson's disease.

MagnaReady, which has gained a large following because of social media, also has a line of magnetic closure shirts sold in retailer giants Kohl's, Sears, J.C. Penney and Bon-Ton.

Retail chain Target, the second-largest in the US, also unveiled its Universal Thread collection for adults last February, following a successful 2017 launch of its Cat & Jack line designed for children with disability and sensory issues. The kid's collection includes diaper-friendly leggings and bodysuits and zip-off-sleeved outerwear while the adult version has jeans with wide legs and flat seams, and tagless tops.

Online clothing and footwear e-commerce company Zappos.com released an adaptive selection for all ages last year as well.Pull-on pants and easy-to-wear orthopaedic shoes are among the highlights.

Experts believe adaptive apparel presents a great potential in the fields of healthcare and fashion. In the US alone, there are more than 40 million people with a disability and about 14 million of them find daily living activities such as dressing up difficult, according to a 2016 Census Bureau report.

One main challenge the market facing, however, is high prices. A quick look on Tommy Hilfiger's website shows an adaptive women's round-neck shirt goes for $29.50 while a down jacket is priced at $210. Adult pants are $70 while those for children are quoted at $50. Adaptive adult pants from Target list at $15 to $20. Children's versions range from $25 to $40.