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Adaptive Apparel Line

Adaptive apparel collection developed during my senior year at Colorado State University.

Includes consumer research, technical sketches, CLO 3D development, garment construction, and adaptive design solutions.

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3D RENDERS

SWEATER

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JERSEY

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TECHNICAL SKETCHES

OVERALLS

For our younger demographic, these overalls are made with soft, stretchy denim and adaptive details like a removable top for easy dressing and buttons at the base for extra room. Contrast stitching, striped adjustable straps, and a classic front bib pocket, these overalls give a comfy and stylish fit for him or her. 

JERSEY

With a soft cotton jersey and an inspiring football screenprint, this tee is perfect for your little linebacker. Adaptable features include a zipper on the side offering easy accessibility and buttons on the bottom to keep him or her secure and stylish throughout the day.​

JACKET

This classically cool jacket is a must-have for every little wardrobe! A front closure, velcro design, disguised as buttons make for easy on and off. Large front pockets and a unique 70's look make this jacket practical and fashionable. ​​

SWEATER

Designed with long, raglan sleeves and crafted in soft cotton, this pullover sweater keeps him or her stylish and cozy. Zipper on side ranges from sleeve to bottom allowing for easy on and off access.​​​

PROJECT SYNOPSIS

  • For my research have made contacts with multiple organizations such as Special Olympics and Respite Care Inc, an organization that assists people ages 6-15 who have an intellectual or physical disability. My contacts from both organizations have helped me develop a 15-question survey to identify actual users, what they need, and what their current issues are in terms of adaptive apparel.

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  • Throughout the process of making this survey, my contacts have given me multiple tips and recourses to make sure I am asking the right questions in the right way, making sure my language is inclusive and informative.

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  • These organizations have also provided me with mentorship and a medium to get the survey out. Respite Care Inc. was kind enough to send the survey to many of the families in their network to take. Likewise, Special Olympics Fort Collins posted the survey on their Facebook page for families to take. This was a big help in reaching my target market. Most, if not all of the people who took the survey were parents with children ages 6-15 who have an intellectual or physical disability.

USER NEED IDENTIFICATION

Based on primary and secondary consumer research, the main objective of this design line is to create durable and comfortable adaptable garments that have on-trend and stylish silhouettes, colors, and prints for children 6-13.

THE PROBLEM

  1. Getting clothing on and off

  2. The fit of clothing is uncomfortable and awkward

  3. Durability of clothing

  4. Look and style of clothing available 

  5. Fastenings being too difficult to use and/or out of reach

BIGGEST OBSTACLES IN DRESSING

Based on primary and secondary consumer research, the main objective of this design line is to create durable and comfortable adaptable garments that have on trend, stylish, silhouettes, colors, and prints.

 

The target market for this line is parents, guardians, and care givers who look after teens ages 10-15, who have an intellectual or physical disability that may affect their ability to dress.

The user is kids 10-15 who may have difficulty manipulating closures on garments such as button, zippers, etc. some users need help getting dress, some need aspects that prevent them from taking clothes off, and some need closures that they can use themselves.

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All however, need clothing that is fashionable and age appropriate. One of the biggest problems that many consumers made clear in my research was that much of the current adaptive clothing available stands out too much, is not stylish, and/or is too childish. This project needs to bee done because everyone should have multiple stylish options when it comes to clothing. No one should be limited to what they can wear and how their clothes can look just beecouse of a disability.
 

Other problems include durability. This consumer needs clothing that is tough and able to go through a lot of wear and tear. Many consumers also showed frustration with comfortability, saying the current adaptive closures are ill fitting and make the wearer feel uncomfortable.

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My lines goal is to address all of these issues and more, making sure my consumer does not only feel good in the clothing, but look good as well.

DESIGN PROBLEM STATEMENT

SURVEY

  • 100% of participants know someone with or have an intellectual or physical disability 

  • ​76% say this affects their clothing purchases

  • Of these participants, only 44% currently wear adaptive clothing.

  • Of that 44% only 6 participants were happy with the garment.

RESULTS

QUOTES FROM PARTICIPANTS

  • "No matter what you shouldn’t be able to tell the difference when looking at 'adaptive' clothing vs what a typical person would wear."

  • "Ways to make fastening easier for children and adults with disabilities so that they can practice independently getting dressed."

  • "I would love to be able to find more clothes for her. It is almost impossible! Everyday wear that is cute and stylish."

  • "I would want to be sure it was comfortable and looked as typical as possible."

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