ADAPTED APPAREL COLLECTION
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT & INSPIRATION
The purpose of this product development capstone was to develop a five-piece adaptive clothing collection that catered to the unique needs of people living with disabilities. The four month undertaking began with market research, to better understand the needs of the consumer and assess the strengths and weaknesses of established competitors in the market. From there, the project moved into the digital line development stage which included the creation of technical illustrations, 3D CLO renders, and Backbone technical packages. The final stretch of the project culminated in a program-wide presentation where student’s digital collections and physical prototypes were ranked based on their innovation and ability to satisfy the needs of their target market.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
As the adaptive clothing market has expanded, a chasm has simultaneously grown alongside it, dividing the market between highly functional medical clothing and aesthetically limited high-price formal wear. The intent of this collection was to bridge that divide, and provide aesthetically versatile and functional adaptive clothing options to a market of 20 to 35 year old women who routinely rely on the use of a wheelchair.
DESIGN DIRECTION
The design aesthetic of the collection was rooted in the idea of translating minimalistic details into functional features for wheelchair users. Details like cutout back bodices were utilized to reduce bulk behind an individual's body and their chair, enhancing breathability and overall comfort. Small cutouts and stretch panels at tight garment entry points were advantageous for their ability to simplify the donning and doffing process. The color palette was inspired by soothing natural forms, with each color selected on its ability to maximize interchangeability within the collection.
Materials and trims were selected on the basis of their ability to meet the target market’s functional and expressive needs of thermoregulation and concealable adaptive features. Additionally, natural fabrics like lyocell and linen were chosen for their absorbency, breathability, and softness. Trimwise, conceable closure items like magnetic buttons and invisible zippers were added to the collection to allow for easier entry and seated comfort.
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COTTON PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY
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A variety of innovative cotton fabrics from CottonWorks were sourced for their superior performance finishes and mechanical properties. CottonWork’s woven Natural Stretch technology was utilized to aid range of motion, while Wicking Windows construction and TransDRY finishes were used to address aspects of heat buildup and comfort. The superior durability provided by Tough Cotton fabrics were favored for abrasion hotspots, specifically in areas that were found to regularly come into contact with the wheelchair.
DESIGN INSPIRATION BOARD

MATERIALS & TRIMS BOARD

PRODUCT PRESENTATION
THE MOTION BLAZER
STYLE #AA001
Constructed in a cropped seated fit that ends at the waist, this cotton blazer is great for bulk-less layering. Half-length sleeves with adjustable zippered openings stay out of the way when wheeling and a shoulder contouring stretch neoprene panel provides improved range of motion.
TARGET MSRP
$195.99
FABRICATION
92% COTTON, 8% POLYESTER
SIZE RANGE
SIZES 0 - 16


UNOBSTRUCTED MOVEMENT
Triangular cutouts at sleeve openings and full length invisible zippers allow for unobstructed arm extensions when wheeling.
PRODUCT FEATURES & DETAILS

PROTRACTION SUPPORT
Shoulder blade contouring neoprene stretch improves range of motion when the back is flexed forward in the wheeling position.

STRESS POINT MANAGEMENT
A multifunctional vent cutout at the lower back redirects garment stress towards the stretch panel while providing additional airflow.










PRODUCT COLORWAYS
THE MOTION TROUSERS
STYLE #AA002
With a seated fit, bulk eliminating back knee darts, and waistband pull tabs, these are the perfect pair of trousers for wheelchair users. Neoprene stretch panels ease dressing and improve range of motion, while Natural Stretch and TransDRY treated cotton fabrication adds comfort and breathability.
TARGET MSRP
$214.99
FABRICATION
97% COTTON, 3% POLYESTER
SIZE RANGE
SIZES 0 - 16

PRODUCT FEATURES & DETAILS

MOTION AIDING FLEX
Neoprene panels at the sides of the waistband allow for greater flexing around the abdominal region, improving comfort when wheeling.

NATURALLY SEATED FIT
Darts at the back of the knees reduce bulk and pull the legs towards a seated position while a pitched rise conforms to the seated body shape.

EFFORTLESS DRESSING
Waistband pull-tabs and neoprene stretch panels at the garment's tightest entry points enhance the overall donning and doffing process.










PRODUCT COLORWAYS
THE SWIFT SWEATER
STYLE #AA003
This mockneck sweater is made from single knit French terry cotton with a wheelchair friendly low-high hemline, stretch side panels, and a zipper secured pouch pocket. Glove-like Tough Cotton reinforced palm pads can be pulled over your thumbs and are built to withstand abrasion from wheel movement.
TARGET MSRP
$159.99
FABRICATION
95% COTTON, 5% POLYESTER
SIZE RANGE
SIZES 0 - 16

PRODUCT FEATURES & DETAILS

ANATOMICAL COMFORT
Split side seams and a low-high hemline contour around the seated form, minimizing fabric buildup between the wearer and their wheelchair.

USER-CENTERED UTILITY
Thumbhole cuffs with reinforced abrasion resistant palm pads can be utilized to protect the user’s hands while wheeling.










PRODUCT COLORWAYS
THE BREEZE BLOUSE
STYLE #AA004
An airy cotton-linen sleeveless blouse with magnetized side seams for improved ease of dressing. Wicking Window technology across the back bodice and yoke provides additional thermoregulation for seated users.
TARGET MSRP
$104.99
FABRICATION
65% COTTON, 35% LINEN
SIZE RANGE
SIZES 0 - 16


MAGNETIC ENTRY POINTS
Discrete magnetic button bands along the bodice side seams generate alternative methods of donning and doffing for seated users.
PRODUCT FEATURES & DETAILS

MOISTURE WICKING COMFORT
Wicking Windows technology utilized in the back bodice and yoke helps minimize heat build up between the wearer and their wheelchair.

SYNERGISTIC DESIGN
Additional ease and a split edge design alleviates tension at the side seams, reducing the chance of the magnetic closures separating.










PRODUCT COLORWAYS
THE EQUILIBRIUM DRESS
STYLE #AA005
A cotton/lyocell blend fit and flare sleeveless dress with a low-high hemline that stays out of the way while wheeling. While a zippered closure system at the back bodice allows for easy garment entry and removal.
TARGET MSRP
$219.99
FABRICATION
60% COTTON, 40% LYOCELL
SIZE RANGE
SIZES 0 - 16

PRODUCT FEATURES & DETAILS

THERMAL BALANCE
TransDRY treated moisture wicking spacer mesh fabric at the lower back equalizes thermal proliferation around the wheelchair backrest.
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