Many people do not think twice about getting dressed. They might think of the style of the clothes they want to wear, but they may not put much thought into the function of clothes. However, this is not the case for many people with disabilities. Indeed, it can be difficult to find functional, stylish, and adaptive clothing for people with:
- Mobility or medical devices
- Disabilities affecting limb length or body structure
- Sensory disorders
- Mobility disabilities
This article will discuss four brands that offer adaptive clothing in Canada. These companies specialize in clothing for people who may have a hard time dressing or are sensitive to materials or textures.
Adaptive Clothing Brands Offered in Canada
Silvert’s
Firstly, Silvert’s started as a small town store in Ingersoll, Ontario. Later, it grew into a chain of stores across the province. As their customer base aged, Silvert’s saw a need to create a clothing line to service them. Years later, Silvert’s has grown into a business that caters to the needs of both older patrons and those with disabilities. Their collection includes features, such as:
- Magnetic closing shirts
- Side opening elastic waist pants
- Open back shirts, dresses, and pants
- Wide width and Velcro closure footwear
- Diabetic footwear
- Non-skid socks
- Wheelchair pants for seated dressing
- Front closure bra with snap or Velcro closure
Sensory Smart Clothing Co.
Secondly, Sensory Smart Clothing makes a line of wear for sensory- sensitive kids. Owner Alison Edwards had the idea for the clothing line when she realized her son was very sensitive. Indeed, she struggled to find clothes he would wear. Alison then started to make clothing for kids with sensitive skin. She hopes that the clothing can make life easier for parents and kids. Sensory Smart Clothing offers clothes with:
- No tags
- No outside seems
- Ultra soft fabric
- A comfy, loose fit
Super-Fly Adaptive Apparel
Another adaptive clothing line is Super-Fly. Michelle Cameron-Coulter, an Olympic gold medal winner, launched Super-Fly. At first, she was inspired by her parents’ creativity in making clothes for her father.
Her father Jack had a disease that weakened his muscles. The disease kept him in a wheelchair. To make sure that Jack always looked great, Michelle’s mother sewed adaptive clothing.
The online store offers clothes with their Super-Fly zipper system. The system makes it easier to put on and take off clothing. The store offers wear for people with mobility impairments, such as:
- Limited mobility
- Spinal cord injury
- Muscular dystrophy
- Stroke
- Alzheimer’s
- Cerebral palsy
- Parkinson’s
- ALS
- MS
Izzy Camilleri
Lastly, IZ Adaptive is a clothing line developed by Canadian fashion designer, Izzy Camilleri. IZ Adaptive clothing launched in 2009. It focused on clothes that adapt to wheelchair users. Although the line was put to a halt in 2016, IZ Adaptive is relaunching this fall. When it does, it will include a 55-piece collection. Also, it will feature wardrobe basics for people who use a wheelchair. For instance, the design elements include:
- Magnetic closures
- Pull tabs on zippers and pants
- Elastic waistbands
- Open back tops
Adaptive Clothing is a Growing Market
The adaptive clothing market is large and growing. In fact, it has the potential to be a multibillion-dollar business. As designers meet this growing demand, people with disabilities will have more functional and stylish clothing choices. More clothing lines, such as the ones listed above, need to start designing clothes that are inclusive. Not only will wearers have more clothing to choose from, but they will also look great and feel confident.