Adaptive clothing is clothing created for those with physical limitations, the elderly, the infirm, and post-surgery patients. These folks favour adapted clothing since it is simple for them to dress and undress. Magnetic closures from buttons and zippers are commonly used in adaptive clothing.
These garments make it easier for caregivers to dress or undress patients or people who may not have the complete range of motion required for self-dressing. People with spinal cord injuries, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, incontinence, contractures, and other disabilities can wear adaptive clothes.
Adults and children with impairments, the elderly, and the infirm may find it difficult to dress themselves due to an inability to manage closures such as buttons and zippers.Furthermore, these garments lack traditional buttons and zippers in favour of Velcro and magnetic closures and are made of stretchy fabric. However, adaptive clothing for patients with Down syndrome, such as jumpsuits, feature zippers to prevent the wearer from disrobing.
The growing elderly population, combined with an increase in disabilities among children and adults, is a crucial driver driving the global adapted apparel market. According to a research given by the World Health Organization in November 2021, over 1 billion people worldwide are predicted to be disabled. This equates to around 15% of the global population, with up to 190 million (3.8%) people aged 15 and older experiencing major functional impairments, often necessitating health care.
