Tommy Hilfiger
For many individuals with disabilities – especially those with mobility challenges – getting dressed independently can be a significant challenge. Fastening buttons, tight-fitting garments and other common place items can, in fact, act as barriers rather than fashion statements. While there are millions of individuals around the world that are affected by these barriers, none in the international fashion industry had taken steps to design clothing that was universally useable and accessible to people with disabilities.
In 2017, Tommy Hilfiger revolutionized the fashion industry by launching the Tommy Adaptive Collection, a line of clothing tailored to the needs of people with disabilities. More than just being the first mainstream fashion brand to design a clothing line specifically for the disability community, Tommy Hilfiger has relied upon the advice and feedback from the disability community to create each design. Modifications such as one-handed zippers, side-seam openings, bungee cord closure systems, magnetic buttons were incorporated into the design of each piece to maximize comfort and ease of use for people with disabilities.
Apart from their inclusive design, Tommy has partnered with numerous key influencers in the disability community to advocate for increased participation and visibility of people with disabilities across the fashion industry. Now entering its third iteration, Tommy Hilfiger’s Adaptive Line has been a true game-changer in the fashion industry, and the brand’s commitment to disability inclusion – beginning at the very top with the company’s Founder, Tommy Hilfiger – serves as a cross-industry gold standard.
