Fashionable and Functional Adaptive Clothing for Wheelchair Users

Clothing designed for people in wheelchairs is called adaptive clothing. While most adaptive clothing lines used to focus on the elderly, new designers realize there is a need for fashionable adaptive clothing for the younger generations too. Their new creations are current and trendy, yet comfortable for spending much of your day in a seated position.

The following designers and stores are a select sample of those that are working toward producing great looking, durable clothing lines for the disabled consumer.

Silvert's

African American man in wheelchair smiling near bedroom closet
LWA/Dann Tardif / Getty Images

Silvert’s offers a wide variety of casual clothing, accessories, and undergarments for the disabled community. Their website allows the user to navigate by selecting their specific ​disability, which then guides the user to items specifically designed for their needs. Their clothing includes colorful styles and designs with clever adaptations, such as a cardigan with a snapback for easier dressing.

Rackety's

Rackety's provides a wide variety of casual clothing options for all ages. They have selections for children and for adults. Their mission is “to add a rainbow of color and sparkle into the rather gray healthcare industry, reflecting the vibrant, challenging, and colorful lives of our customers.”

Able2Wear

Able2Wear sells adaptive men’s suits, shirts, trousers, and outdoor wear, as well as women’s and children’s outdoor wear and accessories. While their focus is primarily for seated customers, they offer adaptive clothing options for other disabilities, such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and ​cerebral palsy. Items include waterproof capes suitable for use on a scooter or wheelchair.

Adaptations by Adrian

Adaptations by Adrian offers a wide arrange of clothing and accessories. Both ready-made and custom-made pants and shorts are available. They also have arm warmers, swimsuits, and cute boots made for people of all ages.

Ross Daniel Adaptive Apparel

Ross Daniel Adaptive Apparel designs fun and fashionable items for children, teens, and adults. They primarily offer adaptive socks and colorful clothing protectors. "Our fashion philosophy is what drives our business to provide clothing that is trendy, upbeat, and unique, so young people who are physically challenged can creatively express themselves just like their mainstream peers."

Izzy Camilleri Adaptive Clothing

Izzy Camilleri designs beautiful and functional adaptive clothing for men and women. Her adaptive clothing line, IZ Collection, was shut down at the end of 2016 for financial reasons. Her design studio continues to offer custom designs. Her designs have been featured in shows and favored by celebrities.

By Charlotte Gerber
Charlotte Gerber is a disability writer and advocate. She has made a career of educating the public about various diseases and disabilities.