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How Adaptive Fashion Creates Belonging for Disabled Individuals

by Laaibah Amjad

Clothing plays a crucial role in shaping our sense of belonging within different social groups or communities. 


Often used as a medium of self-expression, individuals feel included within a community when their clothing aligns with its norms and values.


A study by Adam and Galinsky (2012) on 'enclothed cognition' argued that “having the right clothing can include or exclude people from communities, opportunities, and participation in important life experiences, which affects their well-being.” 


This highlights how clothing can influence opportunities for participation in education, employment, social events, recreational activities, and other important experiences. 



In many cases, certain dress codes or expectations may dictate what is considered appropriate attire for these occasions. If disabled people do not have access to clothing that meets these expectations, they may risk missing out on valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth.


The rise of adaptive fashion has been a game-changer for disabled individuals. 


Adaptive clothing is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring elements like magnetic fastenings, easy-to-reach zips, and adjustable features. These innovations ensure that disabled individuals can enjoy the same fashion trends as everyone else, without compromising on functionality or comfort. 


This means adaptive fashion not only meets practical needs but also empowers disabled individuals to participate fully in fashion. By doing so, it breaks down barriers and creates a sense of inclusion. Disabled people can now engage with the latest trends and explore the fashion world.


Fashion has the unique ability to create connections and foster a sense of community. When disabled individuals wear styles that align with specific groups or subcultures, they signal their membership in those communities. Whether it’s wearing a band’s T-shirt, embracing a particular fashion trend, or donning clothes that represent a social cause, these choices can instantly create bonds with like-minded individuals.


For disabled individuals, fashion serves as a powerful medium to express personal identity and individuality. By choosing clothes that reflect their tastes, preferences, and personality, disabled people can assert their unique identity beyond the scope of their disability. This form of self-expression is important in a world that often attempts to define individuals by their physical limitations.


Inclusive fashion events, such as adaptive fashion shows and styling workshops, provide valuable opportunities for disabled individuals to connect and engage with others. These events create safe and welcoming spaces where people can share their experiences, offer support, and celebrate each other’s styles. These gatherings not only promote a sense of community but also serve as platforms for advocacy and education, raising awareness about the needs and capabilities of individuals in the fashion industry and beyond.


Fashion is a powerful tool that enables individuals to build meaningful connections within social groups and communities. Through self-expression and adaptive clothing, disabled people can engage with and participate in fashion culture, breaking down barriers and creating a sense of inclusion. These connections can not only challenge societal stereotypes but also create networks of support and solidarity. By embracing the connective power of fashion, we can move towards a more inclusive and accepting society where everyone feels they belong.


Edited by Emily Duff

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