Tommy Hilfiger was one of the first major brands to design clothing for people with disabilities.
It can be challenging to find the right size when buying clothes as a gift. But in a retail landscape that favors able bodies and straight sizes, it can be even more challenging to shop for someone who requires adaptive clothing or a plus size. Thankfully, brands are slowly waking up to the reality that most women in the U.S. wear a clothing size between 16 and 18, the average American man falls into the plus size category and 61 million adults in the U.S. live with a disability—designing for all body abilities, shapes and sizes is in their best interest.
We still have a long way to go but a growing body positive movement, coupled with the fight for adaptive fashion and rising popularity of gender-neutral clothing, make us optimistic that 2023 will be our most body-inclusive year yet. Here are the brands to shop for clothing that makes your giftee not only look good, but feel good this holiday season and beyond.
Knix makes comfortable bras in 28A to 44G and underwear up to XXXL.
If comfort is your giftee’s priority, this is the brand for them. Knix uses fabrics and cuts that make their clothing feel like a second skin, without compromising style. Convenience is also a priority here with front-zip bras and leakproof underwear. Period-proof underwear is how Knix got their start back in 2013, so it’s what they do best—with a variety of absorbencies available in several different styles (not just underwear, but swimwear and activewear too). Using their own customers as models with bras ranging from 28A to 44G, and underwear sizing up to XXXL, Knix designs for real women.
Wray offers art-inspired clothing in sizes XXS through 6XL.
You can tell this New York City-based prioritizes representation with their models coming from all gender identities, ethnicities and sexual orientations. They live up to their image, with sizes ranging from XXS through 6XL, and the option for a custom order if the clothing doesn’t fit. With bold patterns and bright colors, the line is inspired by the work of artists, typically from queer and marginalized backgrounds. If you want to gift something that celebrates your giftee and makes a statement, this is the brand for you.
Pepper specializes in bras for small breasts with AA to B cups in band sizes 30 through 40.
Pepper is proving small-breast women can represent a diversity of body types, and that they deserve fitting and stylish lingerie too, by offering AA to B cups in band sizes 30 through 40. While it can be hard to find a bra that gives small breasts a boost, Pepper has created sexy styles that actually create cleavage, without sacrificing comfort. Whether your giftee is looking for seamless underwear or wire-free bras, Pepper sells a variety of styles in several colors. It’s also a purchase you can feel good about—everything comes from a manufacturing facility in Colombia that prioritizes single mothers and “head of household” women in the hiring process.
Lululemon’s comfortable clothing comes in sizes 0 to 20 for women and up to XXXL for men.
When it comes to clothing that moves with you, Lululemon is a go-to. As the company that arguably started the athleisure trend, everything is designed to be functional and comfortable, without sacrificing style. Women’s sizing ranges from 0 to 20 and men can find most items in XS through XXXL. Lululemon is also unique for offering different lengths in most of their bottoms. While athleisure clothing companies tend to favor smaller, more toned bodies in their branding, Lululemon’s models represent a diversity of body sizes and ethnicities, proving that you don’t need to look a certain way to be active.
Tommy Hilfiger’s adaptive clothing aims to empower with features like keyhole and magnetic closures. … [+]
As one of the first major brands to launch adaptive clothing, Tommy Hilfiger is a go-to for stylish clothing that is designed for people with disabilities. Their latest fall collection includes cozy sweaters with easy-to-open necklines and button-downs with magnetic closures for both adults and kids. Scarves feature keyhole closures and hats have pull-on loops for dressing that empowers rather than causes frustration. As principal designer, Tommy Hilfiger said in a statement on the collection, “Getting dressed should be a joy—an experience that empowers you to look good and feel good in what you are wearing. Our adaptive collections have revolutionized everyday dressing for people with disabilities, giving them the independence and confidence to express their individuality through style.”
Universal Standard claims to be the first brand to make every style in sizes 00 through 40.
Claiming to be the first and only brand to offer every style in sizes from 00 through 40, Universal Standard is setting the standard for what it means to be size-inclusive. From jeans to underwear, they sell all the essentials with compromising quality, style or fit. While a medium in most brands is not true to the median size of the American population, Universal Standard makes size 18 their medium, since that is the size of most American woman. They’re also pushing against the rise of fast fashion with quality fabrics—think Peruvian cotton, Italian wools and French satin—that are meant to last. If you’re worried about not picking the right size, their Fit Liberty exchange program will allow your giftee to swap their gift for a new size.
MagnaReady clothing has adaptive features like specialty rises in pants for wheelchair users and … [+]
As the world’s first magnetic apparel brand, MagnaReady is leading the way in adaptive clothing for people with disabilities. Whether your giftee is working, attending a party or simply going about their day, MagnaReady has designed clothing that makes daily living easier with features like specialty rises in pants for wheelchair users, pull tabs on shorts and pants, and magnetic button closures. Straight leg pants come in both seated and standing fits while a specialty women’s tunic shirt has been designed to make it easier for caregivers to assist in a way that maintains the disabled person’s dignity. They’ve also got a comfortable athleisure line that is so stylish it easily transitions from day to night.
AnaOno specializes in bras for every type of chest—from post-mastectomy to plus-sized—and inclusive … [+]
This lingerie and loungewear line was created by a breast cancer survivor, so everything is designed to make women—no matter their shape or ability—feel empowered and beautiful. You can shop by breast treatment (radiation or post-surgery, for example), chest type (think, mastectomy and flat) or bra-style (from wireless to sports bras), to ensure you find the right bra for your giftee. With features like removable cups and front closures, the bras are designed to be super comfortable and accessible, without sacrificing style. If you’re looking to buy something less intimate, they’ve also got pajamas, loungewear and robes too, in sizes XS through XXL.
SmartGlamour makes clothing from size XXS to 15X and can customize orders.
If you’re looking for something one-of-a-kind, this New York City-based brand is run entirely by Mallorie Dunn who personally designs each piece. Models representing every size, age and ability showcase her creations in photos that haven’t been retouched, to show the real people she designs for. Sizes run XXS to 15X, but Dunn can customize the clothing if your giftee is a different size or needs adaptive features. There is something not only for every body, but every taste, with pieces coming in nearly as many patterns and colors as they do sizes.
Loud Bodies sells sizes XXS through 10XL and does custom orders free of charge.
The first thing you’ll notice when shopping on Loud Bodies website is the diversity of their models—they represent every race, religion and ability. Instead of professional models who’ve been retouched, they choose real people to showcase their clothing. And with sizes XXS through 10XL, they live up to their branding. If your giftee falls outside their size range or has accessibility needs, Loud Bodies will even do custom orders free of charge. It’s a gift that is good for both your giftee’s confidence and the planet, with every piece of clothing assessed according to Greenpeace’s Textile Procurement Standard.
A quote from Danielle Brooks as part of Aerie’s ‘We Are REAL’ campaign.
As one of the first brands to commit to not retouching models and instead featuring real people in their campaigns, Aerie has been a leader in inclusivity for nearly a decade. They work with adaptive intimates brands Liberare and Slick Chicks to empower women with disabilities by offering functional yet stylish underwear and bras with features like Velcro fasteners, and front and side closures. The rest of their clothing is meant to be inclusive too with varying pant lengths, sizes XXS through XXL and bras ranging from 30A to 42DD. Their latest ‘We Are REAL’ campaign shares inspirational messages from a diverse group of celebrities to encourage women to embrace their own unique qualities.
ELOQUII’s festive clothing runs sizes 14 through 32.
If your giftee likes sleek, chic pieces and falls between a size 14 and 32, this is the brand for them. From sexy faux leather leggings to elegant dresses with statement pieces like a giant bow, this inclusive brand offers an extensive range of styles to choose from. Their latest limited edition collection features seven looks that are perfect for the holidays—think: sequinned fringe, sheer layers, and black and white faux fur.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/annahaines/2022/12/12/12-body-inclusive-brands-to-shop-this-holiday-season-and-beyond/