Adaptive Fashion Brings New Options to the Multiple Sclerosis Community | MyMSTeam

Connect with others who understand.

sign up Log in
Resources
About MyMSTeam
Powered By
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
NEWS

Adaptive Fashion Brings New Options to the Multiple Sclerosis Community

Written by Anika Brahmbhatt
Posted on October 28, 2021

The fashion industry is known for being rather exclusive, but that is beginning to change. The future of the industry may lie in adaptive fashion: clothing designed to be put on easily, regardless of one’s physical abilities, with features such as wide neck openings, open backs, and Velcro and clips replacing buttons and zips.

Even though 1 in 4 American adults live with some type of disability, there remain many day-to-day barriers for inclusion.

No two people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) follow the same journey. Whereas some may not need adaptive clothing at all, others are interested in being fashion-forward with clothing that’s easier to put on and take off.

“People’s style is their self-identity. They still want to feel youthful and express who they are, rather than just dressing for ease,” wrote Serena Grove, director at Caring Clothing, who solidified her adaptive fashion business when a long-time friend with MS started to use a wheelchair. “Often the ease takes out the fashion and the fun. That is what we are trying to bring back. It is really important to me, the way we express ourselves is the way we dress. I don’t see why, because we get to a certain age, or we might need assistance, that we can’t maintain that self-identity throughout our lives.”

More designers are realizing there is a market for stylish, adaptive clothing. Several new brands, such as The Able Label and Social Surge, are filling a gap that has existed in the industry for too long. Cur8able offers style consultations for people with disabilities. Each company’s founder and brand has a different backstory and mission, reflecting the diverse needs and tastes of people living with a disability.

Social Surge aims to push the boundaries of clothing’s functionality and its gendered nature. The company’s co-founder, Meredith Aleigha Wells, describes herself as nonbinary and disabled. In a recent interview with Who What Wear, Wells said, “We take a slightly different approach known as universal design or creating clothing usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.”

The Able Label was founded by Katie Ellis, who observed the difficulties her grandmother went through with clothing after developing Parkinson’s disease. In an interview with Multiple Sclerosis Trust, Ellis explained, “The Able Label was born to help all those in the same situation as my grandmother — who do not want to, and should not have to, sacrifice their fashion for functional clothes.”

No matter what your fashion goals are, adaptive clothing is finally gaining increased attention and offering all of us more chances for self-expression.

Posted on October 28, 2021
All updates must be accompanied by text or a picture.

Become a Subscriber

Get the latest news about multiple sclerosis sent to your inbox.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Anika Brahmbhatt is an undergraduate student at Boston University, where she is pursuing a dual degree in media science and psychology. Learn more about her here

Related Articles

In this video, Dani explains that one of the most important lessons she’s learned since being dia...

How I Learned To Listen to My Body With MS

In this video, Dani explains that one of the most important lessons she’s learned since being dia...
Raising awareness about multiple sclerosis (MS) helps contribute to the well-being, support, and ...

MS Symbols: Ribbons, Butterflies, and Why Awareness Matters

Raising awareness about multiple sclerosis (MS) helps contribute to the well-being, support, and ...
Lea este artículo en españolWe all respond differently to information about our health. After lea...

Just Diagnosed With MS — Now What? 9 First Steps

Lea este artículo en españolWe all respond differently to information about our health. After lea...
People living with multiple sclerosis (MS) again face the choice of whether to get an updated mes...

MS Symptoms and COVID-19 Vaccines: Is There a Relapse Risk?

People living with multiple sclerosis (MS) again face the choice of whether to get an updated mes...
In a recent survey, 81 percent of MyMSTeam members reported that multiple sclerosis (MS) negative...

Stress, Affording Treatment, and Quality of Life With MS: See Survey Results

In a recent survey, 81 percent of MyMSTeam members reported that multiple sclerosis (MS) negative...
This is a short guided meditation by Dr. Christiane Wolf on self-kindness, which gives you more s...

Self-Kindness When Struggling: 6-Minute Guided Meditation

This is a short guided meditation by Dr. Christiane Wolf on self-kindness, which gives you more s...

Recent Articles

Meet Dani, Todd, and LaTasha. Real stories from real members.

MyMSTeam Stories: Real Stories From Real Members

Meet Dani, Todd, and LaTasha. Real stories from real members.
Dani works as the music program coordinator at a youth center. Watch this video to see how she fi...

Music and Community: How I Fight MS

Dani works as the music program coordinator at a youth center. Watch this video to see how she fi...
Dani had just started a new job when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.“I had to advocate...

My Advocacy Tips: Taking Care of Future Me With MS

Dani had just started a new job when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.“I had to advocate...
Your race or ethnicity can influence many aspects of your life, including how you’re affected by ...

MS Prevalence by Race and Ethnicity: In the Black Community and More

Your race or ethnicity can influence many aspects of your life, including how you’re affected by ...
Diphenhydramine — sold under many brand names including Benadryl — is a type of antihistamine tha...

Why Is Benadryl Given With Some MS Treatments?

Diphenhydramine — sold under many brand names including Benadryl — is a type of antihistamine tha...
Relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable disease, and most people living with it sw...

How To Switch MS Treatments

Relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable disease, and most people living with it sw...
MS News
MS News

Thank you for subscribing!

Become a member to get even more:

sign up for free

close