The Aerie x Liberare collection introduces intimates designed for people with disabilities that don't sacrifice style for function. The collection is simple and feminine with lace details and features like magnetized interlocking mechanisms in place of hook-and-eye fasteners. Geared towards users with limited dexterity or hand mobility issues, these styles are made to be easy to take off or put on while seated or lying down. This collection of intimates also includes details like side fabric-covered soft velcro openers on the side.
“Most adaptive apparel is medical or ugly. It isn’t cute, and feminine, and sexy. There isn’t much out there for disabled people to feel beautiful in,” says Liberare’s Chief Creative Officer Alyssa Silva, who has type-one spinal muscular atrophy.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Adaptive Intimates
- The market for adaptive intimates presents opportunities for companies to create stylish, feel-good undergarments that prioritize function as well as form.
- Magnetic Fasteners
- The use of magnetized interlocking mechanisms in place of traditional hook-and-eye fasteners in adaptive clothing can greatly benefit individuals with limited dexterity or hand mobility issues, and presents opportunities for innovative product design.
- Soft Velcro Openers
- Side fabric-covered soft velcro openers provide easy access to adaptive clothing, and companies can create more efficient solutions to openers to ensure ease of use for individuals with disabilities.
Where This Applies
- Fashion Retail
- Fashion retailers can tap into the growing market of adaptive clothing by incorporating stylish and functional adaptive intimates and apparel into their product lines, opening up a new demographic of customers.
- Assistive Technology
- Assistive technology companies can capitalize on the need for adaptive clothing by designing and integrating tech-based solutions into clothing to assist those with disabilities in getting dressed more independently.
- Healthcare Industry
- The healthcare industry can benefit from the production of adaptive clothing that cuts down on the physical exertion and labor of dressing patients, making the process more efficient and easier for both patients and caregivers.
