Just a year ago, Zappos launched Zappos Adaptive as a curated collection of fashion-forward and functional products to assist those who have challenges getting dressed. Now, Zappos Adaptive has partnered with PBS Kids to create a collection of gender-neutral, reversible apparel for young ones with different sensory needs.
The autism-friendly clothing collection includes t-shirts and pants for infants from 18 months to kids of the age of six. 4Ward was one of the first brands to be featured in Zappos Adaptive and the new collection features themed sets inspired by travel, the rainforest, dinosaurs and undersea life. The ultra-comfortable pieces of apparel feature no buttons, dissolvable tags and styles that can be worn either frontward or backward.
The launch of this autism-friendly clothing collection from Zappos Adaptive and PBS Kids coincides with Autism Awareness Month.
Autism-Friendly Kidswear
Zappos Adaptive and PBS Kids Collaborated on Simple, Reversible Clothing
Trend Themes
1. Autism-friendly Kidswear - Creating gender-neutral, reversible clothing for young children with sensory needs provides a gap in the market and has disruptive potential.
2. Adaptive Clothing Collection - Curated collections of functional and fashionable adaptive clothing for all ages is a trend that has disruptive potential.
3. Sensory-inclusive Fashion Initiatives - The rise of sensory-friendly clothing is a trend that encourages thoughtful product design to serve marginalized populations and create new opportunities.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - The fashion industry is ripe for innovation in the field of adaptive clothing to build partnerships with marginalized communities and expand their reach.
2. Children's Apparel - Children's apparel is a sector that can disrupt traditional fashion norms by incorporating user-centered design to create truly inclusive products.
3. Non-profit Organizations - Non-profit organizations focused on assisting people with disabilities can benefit from these sorts of collaborations, which allow access to new markets and encourage social awareness.