Style is for Everyone

By: Celeste Mazloum

Hi DIG family!

I hope everyone had a great summer. In my last article, I talked to you guys about one of my favorite inclusive brands, Rare Beauty, which you can learn more about here. The brand embodies the idea that beauty should be for everyone.

This continues to stand true to me, and I think a big part of feeling beautiful is curating your own sense of style. Picking the style of jeans that flatters your body, the shirt you feel the cutest in, or the perfect bag to match your outfit are all things that can make us feel confident and beautiful. Beauty and fashion should be for everyone, which is why I care so much about clothing and accessories with inclusive designs that have everyone in mind.

One brand that has embraced this idea is Tommy Hilfiger, a global clothing brand founded in 1985 and known for its preppy style and iconic red, white, and blue logo. The brand launched its Tommy Adaptive collection with a slogan that captures its mission: “Designed with, and for, people with disabilities.” The line was created to deliver Tommy Hilfiger’s classic style with innovative and accessible designs.

One of the features I found most interesting is their use of one-handed magnetic zippers. Polo dresses, quilted jackets, and other clothing items are designed with these zippers to make getting dressed easier for individuals with limited dexterity or physical conditions that make traditional two-handed zipping difficult.

They also created button-down shirts and pants with magnetic buttons and velcro attachments, which can benefit people with limited hand dexterity, mobility challenges, or age-related changes in hand function.

Tommy Hilfiger has also designed clothing with seams that open to accommodate prosthetics. This is especially important because less than 1% to 2% of the global clothing market is made for prosthetics. These clothes feature outseam plackets, which are side seams that can open wide at the hem, usually on pants. This allows the fabric to expand around prosthetics. Zippers, Velcro, and hidden button loops inside the seams allow the individual to adjust the width of the leg opening, creating a more comfortable and customizable fit.

Of course, no perfect outfit is complete without the perfect bag! However, the harsh truth is that people who use wheelchairs can have trouble finding bags that work for them because standard bags can drag on the ground, hit the wheels, or be difficult to reach. That’s why I wanted to highlight the JanSport Adaptive Collection.

JanSport is a staple American backpack company that partnered with the nonprofit Disability:IN to develop its adaptive collection. Before its launch in January 2023, the collection went through three years of research, product testing, and focus groups with members of the disability community. In JanSport’s words, their bags are more than just bags, they’re “tools of liberation.”

The adaptive bags feature easy-to-adjust straps, making it easier to find a comfortable fit and making them ideal for wheelchair users. They also feature smooth, secure zippers that make it easier to access your essentials, regardless of your mobility level. Spacious compartments help keep belongings organized while on the go, with thoughtful designs that cater to different needs. And, like other JanSport products, the adaptive backpacks are built to be durable, so you can enjoy your adventures for years to come.

Overall, fashion is about expressing yourself and feeling confident. Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience that, regardless of their abilities. Brands like Tommy Hilfiger and JanSport are showing that accessibility can be incorporated into stylish, everyday products without sacrificing quality or personality. I hope more brands continue to work towards a fashion industry that truly accommodates everyone. After all, style is for everyone!