We all know what it feels like to be left out, some of us dislike it so much that we’re labelled as FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). However, the feeling of being disregarded goes much deeper than we think. It’s more than not being invited to a party but about being seen as a significant person in society. That’s why beauty brands have been constantly challenged (by consumers and themselves) to create more diverse shade ranges and products to cater to everyone’s needs, not just that of the majority.
Tommy Hilfiger has brought this spirit of inclusiveness to the fashion industry, releasing a collection featuring designs that were adapted for the disabled, on Tuesday. Being able-bodied, we may never know what it feels like to struggle to button our shirts or zip our pants so it hasn’t occured to us that the clothes designed for us are a chore to put on and uncomfortable to stay in for the whole day.
The collection pieces stay true to the All-American style of Tommy Hilfiger, featuring the signature red, white and blue palette, in their designs. The only difference is that there are sneaky (and genius) hidden adaptations that make it easier for the disabled to get dressed in the morning.
This isn’t the first Adaptive collection from the American brand. Its debut collection, in partnership with adaptive children’s clothing brand Runway of Dreams, was released in 2016 and extended the line to cater to adults, in 2017. They replaced buttons, zips and hooks with magnetic closures and made waistbands, sleeves and pants lengths fully adjustable for those with limb differences or low muscle tone.
According to Elle, the team took constructive feedback from consumers and made improvements to the design for its Spring 2018 collection, such as higher quality Velcro closures, bungee cord closures instead of zippers so that it’s easier to get in and out of clothes.
The pieces also include plackets at the waistline so that those in wheelchair are able to put on their pants easier. There are also adjustable pants hems to accommodate prosthetics or braces, wrist loops for pulling up pants, easy open necklines, expanded back and side openings so there’s more room for movement, one-handed zippers and Velcro closures so that they can fasten their clothes with ease.
It’s heartwarming to see big brands take on the role of innovators, for a more inclusive industry. In an official statement, Tommy Hilfiger proudly proclaimed that “inclusivity and the democratization of fashion have always been at the core of my brand’s DNA,” and he wanted to use fashion as a tool for different communities to feel empowered.
The campaign features notable figures from the disabled community, like motivational speaker Mama Caxx, paraplegic dancer Chelsie Hill and Paralympian gold medalist Jeremy Campbell.
Being able-bodied, we never think twice about buttoning our shirts or pulling up our pants which is why there has been an oversight in the fashion industry, for those who are disabled. We’re sure many of us have had a hard time with clothes when our arm was in a sling or our leg was in a cast so it’s interesting that adaptive clothes weren’t developed sooner. However, we’re still grateful that Tommy Hilfiger has taken the first steps towards a more inclusive fashion industry and we hope others will soon follow suit.
Shop Tommy Adaptive collection at usa.tommy.com.
Images: Tommy Hilfiger
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