Is the fashion industry inclusive for all?

Abstract

The population with disabilities represents a quarter of adults and is an estimated $490 billion market in the United States alone. They seek equal rights, possibilities, and opportunities and have great purchasing power. Designers must develop products that fit this population’s body, needs, and skills, promoting autonomy, independence, and quality of life. Thus, they help disabled users and their carers when dressing and undressing (Brogin & Okimoto, 2019). New ideas are needed for a co-design platform dedicated to this population to create inclusive fashion. This platform can positively affect the well-being of millions of citizens with mobility/physical disabilities (Soares et al., 2016). The progress for inclusion in fashion is limited, as one’s abilities are rarely included. Has a designer ever wondered how their clothes would be used by someone with limited use of their hands or how a new pair of pants would work for someone with prosthetics?