Innovations in functional clothing: A review of fashion for individuals with special needs

Introduction

Functional clothing often referred to as adaptive clothing is specifically designed to meet the unique dressing needs of individuals with disabilities, limited mobility, or other special requirements. Adaptive fashion focuses on overcoming the limitations of conventional attire by integrating features that enhance accessibility, comfort, and autonomy. According to Gupta (2011) [4] , functional clothing is "specifically engineered to deliver a pre-defined performance or functionality… over and above its normal functions." Adaptive fashion includes garments with features like magnetic buttons, flat seams, and adjustable openings that facilitate self-dressing and reduce discomfort for people with physical impairments (Wikipedia, 2025) [24] . Literature reviews by Bhandari (2024) [1] also highlight Velcro closures, elasticized elements, and customized fit as critical components of adaptive apparel. Inclusive fashion not only serves a practical function but also promotes self-expression, confidence, and independence for people with disabilities. Kukiełko (2024) [8] emphasizes that adaptive clothing empowers individuals by allowing them to participate in social life without compromising style or comfort. The global market reflects this growing importance. Kapoor (2023) [6] reports that the adaptive clothing market was valued at USD 13.6 billion in 2022, with continued growth expected through 2030. Tommy Hilfiger's adaptive line, launched in 2016 through a collaboration with Mindy Scheier and the Runway of Dreams Foundation, marked a pivotal moment in mainstream adaptive fashion (Wikipedia, 2025; Scheier, 2016) [24,13] . From a psychosocial perspective, Park and Jeong (2025) [12] found that disabled male consumers in South Korea benefit from adaptive clothing that affirms their identity and boosts social visibility. Adaptive clothing is designed to address a broad range of physical and psychosocial needs associated with various types of disabilities. For individuals with mobility impairments, such as wheelchair users, garments often incorporate longer backs for full seated coverage, flat seams to minimize the risk of pressure ulcers, and strategically placed openings that facilitate easier dressing while seated (Wikipedia, 2025) [24] . Those with dexterity limitations, including individuals affected by arthritis or neurological conditions like stroke, benefit from adaptive features such as magnetic closures, Velcro fastenings, and oversized zippers, which reduce reliance on fine motor skills (Wikipedia, 2025) 24[] . In cases where individuals require medical device access such as feeding tubes or colostomy bags-adaptive clothing may include hidden panels or discreet openings that allow medical management without compromising comfort or dignity (Wikipedia, 2025) [24] . People with age-related or temporary limitations, such as elderly individuals or postsurgical patients, also require design modifications like elastic waistbands, sensory-friendly materials, and easy-towear silhouettes to accommodate shifting body needs and limited mobility (Wikipedia, 2025) [24] . Beyond functional considerations, psychosocial and identity-related needs play a critical role. As noted by Kukiełko (2024) [8] and Park and Jeong (2025) [12] , adaptive clothing should not only fulfill utilitarian purposes but also empower users through stylistic www.extensionjournal.com expression, boosting their confidence, self-image, and social inclusion.

Fashion as a Tool for Identity Expression

Fashion plays a crucial role in how individuals express their identity, personality, and cultural affiliation. It is a form of visual communication and self-representation, helping individuals to assert their presence and individuality in social spaces. For people with disabilities, fashion has historically been a site of exclusion, but recent developments in adaptive clothing have begun to change this narrative, empowering disabled individuals to express themselves more freely and authentically. Adaptive fashion enables people with disabilities to dress in ways that suit both their physical needs and personal styles. This intersection of function and fashion has helped redefine what it means to have autonomy and agency in clothing choices. As Frith and Gleeson (2004) [2] note, clothing is not only a practical necessity but also a medium through which disabled individuals can challenge stereotypes and reclaim their identities. The ability to choose and wear clothes that reflect one's personality is critical to self-expression and social participation. Innovative brands and designers are increasingly recognizing this need. Mindy Scheier, the founder of the Runway of Dreams Foundation, was inspired by her son with muscular dystrophy to create fashionable yet functional clothing. Her work led to collaborations with major brands like Tommy Hilfiger to produce adaptive clothing lines featuring magnetic closures, side openings, and adjustable fits. These designs allow individuals with limited mobility to dress independently, boosting confidence and enabling personal expression (Scheier, 2017) [14] . Angela Wanjiku, a Kenyan designer, further expands the possibilities of inclusive design by integrating Braille and tactile elements into her garments, allowing individuals with visual impairments to "read" and engage with fashion in new ways (Wanjiku, 2022) [21] . This kind of design not only addresses functional needs but also respects and celebrates the identity and culture of its users. Organizations like Open Style Lab, founded at MIT in 2014, adopt participatory design approaches to collaborate directly with people with disabilities. This co-creation process ensures that the clothing is not only accessible but also personalized, affirming each individual's unique identity and lifestyle. Clothing, therefore, becomes more than a necessity-it becomes a tool of empowerment. When people with disabilities are given access to clothing that reflects their style, fits their bodies, and supports their autonomy, they are better able to express who they are. Adaptive fashion plays a key role in challenging the traditional norms of the fashion industry, fostering visibility and inclusion for all.

Categories of Functional Clothing 1. Mobility Impairments

Clothing designed for individuals with mobility challenges often incorporates features to accommodate wheelchair use or prosthetic limbs. This includes longer garment backs for seated coverage, adjustable hems, flat seams to prevent pressure sores, and openings that facilitate ease of dressing (Bhandari, 2024; Zaytseva et al., 2021) [1,22] . Prostheticscompatible clothing ensures comfort and functionality around prosthetic sockets or devices (Leccia & Conti, 2020) [9] .

Sensory Sensitivities

For individuals with sensory processing disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, functional clothing includes seamless designs, soft, tagless fabrics, and non-irritating closures to reduce sensory discomfort (Park & Jeong, 2025; Kukiełko, 2024) [12,8] . These adaptations minimize tactile sensitivities and contribute to wearer comfort.

Cognitive or Neurological Disabilities

Clothing for people with cognitive or neurological impairments emphasizes simplicity and ease of use. Features include simple fastenings (e.g., magnetic buttons or Velcro), clear color coding for matching sets, and intuitive garment construction to aid dressing independence (Scheier, 2016; Kapoor, 2023) [13,6] .

Chronic Illness or Medical Needs

Individuals with chronic illnesses or medical devices require clothing that provides discreet access to ports, feeding tubes, or wound sites. Compression wear is also common to manage circulation issues or lymphedema. Designs focus on medical practicality without compromising aesthetics (Gupta, 2011; Bhandari, 2024) [4,1] .

Elderly and Age-related Impairments

Functional clothing for elderly users or those with agerelated limitations integrates elastic waistbands, easy-tomanage fasteners, and adaptive fits that accommodate changes in body shape and mobility. Sensory-friendly materials and easy-care fabrics support comfort and convenience (Zaytseva et al., 2021; Kapoor, 2023) [22,6] . [20,5] . [7,19] .

Technological Innovations in

Wearable Assistive

Magnetic and Velcro Closures: Magnetic closures

have become increasingly popular in adaptive clothing due to their ease of use, especially for individuals with www.extensionjournal.com limited dexterity. Velcro fastenings also remain a staple for quick and adjustable garment closure, promoting independence in dressing (Scheier, 2016; Bhandari, 2024) [13,1] . 5. Temperature-Regulating Fabrics: Innovations in temperature-regulating fabrics help maintain thermal comfort for users with sensory impairments or medical conditions affecting body temperature regulation. These materials use phase-change technologies or moisturewicking properties to adapt to external and internal temperature changes (Gupta, 2019; Zaytseva et al., 2021) [5,22] . [17] .

Materials and

Dual-Gradient Poly (ionic liquid) Nanofiber

Membranes: Zheng and colleagues introduced nanofiber membranes that are moisture-wicking, breathable, and intrinsically antibacterial. Designed for electronic skin applications, these membranes show great promise in wearable technology (Zheng et al., 2021) [23] .

Nanoporous Cloth with Silver Coating:

A multifunctional cloth with thermal regulation, waterproofing, breathability, and antibacterial properties was demonstrated. The nanoporous structure allows breathability, while a silver coating provides antibacterial effects (Gao, Yan & Li, 2017) [3] .

Moisture-Wicking Underwear and Base Layers:

High-performance garments made from synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon provide effective sweatwicking capabilities. Sustainability concerns have encouraged the exploration of alternatives such as merino wool, bamboo viscose, and hemp (The Guardian, 2025) [18] . 5. Spinnova Fiber: Spinnova developed a technology to produce textile fiber from wood, pulp, or waste without harmful chemicals. Their facility, Woodspin, opened in 2023 and produces 1,000 tonnes of sustainable, recyclable, biodegradable fiber annually.

References

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11. Open Style Lab. Open Style Lab -Inclusive design in fashion. 2025. Retrieved August 2025.
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