FASHION: Designer Tommy Hilfiger introduces Disability inclusive Clothing line for Adults

Tommy Hilfiger has designed a disability-inclusive clothing line perfect for those who are in a wheelchair, wear braces, and those with other forms of limited mobility. Better yet, the adaptations are seamlessly integrated into the designs. They look like Hilfiger’s traditional line.

The Adaptive Collection features 37 men’s and 34 women’s styles and button-down shirts with magnetic buttons, pants with Velcro brand flies, cuffs with adjustable seams (to accommodate braces and prosthetics), and hidden magnetic closures at the shoulders expand dress neck openings.
Innovations provide ease of access and wear both for individuals and caretakers.

“Inclusivity and the democratization of fashion have always been at the core of my brand’s DNA,” said Tommy Hilfiger in a statement. “These collections continue to build on that vision, empowering differently abled adults to express themselves through fashion.”

Philip Connolly, Policy and Development Manager at Disability Rights UK is a doubly satisfied customer. “I myself have lost some sensitivity in my fingers as a result of Parkinson’s and I find buttons and cuff links more difficult than I used to,” he told the Telegraph. “The best part of this is that Tommy Hilfiger has not designed a collection that looks any different to his other ranges, he’s simply adapted them to offer this choice of fastenings and shapes.”

According to warnings clearly listed on the site, the magnets could cause problems for those who wear a pacemaker, and, obviously, if swallowed.

In Spring of last year, the red, white, and blue brand introduced the idea with a 22-piece children’s adaptive line, in collaboration with nonprofit Runway of Dreams. Recently Target introduced “sensory-friendly” kids attire, with flat seams and no itchy tags, to “minimize discomfort,” as the site says. The Bullseye company plans to add similar disability adaptive styles in the future.