Have you ever given up on wearing clothes you want because of a disability or body shape, or felt discomfort while wearing them?
This time, we introduce seven fashion brands that are easy for everyone to wear, regardless of disability!
This article is also recommended for those who want to enjoy matching outfits with friends and family.
1. What do people with disabilities consider when choosing fashion?
1st place "Price" (82.9%), 2nd place "Design" (65.8%), 5th place "Ease of wearing and removing" (29.7%).
This is the result of a survey asking about the "criteria for choosing when purchasing" regarding issues in fashion for people with disabilities.
The survey was conducted in 2022 by the "Disability Comprehensive Research Institute," a research and study organization of General Partners Co., Ltd., which operates comprehensive employment and career change services for people with disabilities, in collaboration with SOLIT Co., Ltd.
From these results, it is clear that design is emphasized even more than ease of wearing.
Your favorite fashion is one of the elements that color your daily life. Why not take this opportunity to find a fashion brand that suits you perfectly?
2. Introducing fashion brands that combine ease of wear and design!
2-1. "UNITED CREATIONS" by United Arrows
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The first brand we introduce is "UNITED CREATIONS 041 with UNITED ARROWS LTD.", which creates new fashion starting from one individual.
It was born from a collaboration between United Arrows Co., Ltd. and the social unit "Social WEnnovators," which tackles social issues with the power of "WE."
They offer items like the "2-way coat with removable back," made from water-repellent material, which originated from the concerns of wheelchair users about raincoats, and the "apron dress that doubles as a bib," which combines practicality with stylish looks.
They sell clothes that solve the concerns of one person with a disability or their family, while being clothes that everyone wants to wear on their e-commerce site.
Reference: UNITED CREATIONS 041 with UNITED ARROWS LTD.｜United Arrows Co., Ltd.
2-2. "SOLIT!" offering semi-customizable fashion with 1,600 combinations
The second brand is "SOLIT!", aiming to realize an "all-inclusive" society that leaves no one behind, including diverse people, nature, and animals.
Since you can customize sizes and specifications for each part according to your preferences and body characteristics, there are over 1,600 combinations!
They sell items like "Thought Shirts" with magnetic buttons that are easy to attach and detach with one hand, and "Dawn Pants" that have a beautiful silhouette when sitting.
Although "SOLIT!" doesn't have a physical store, they offer features like "online sizing" to help you choose items that fit you, and a service where you can "consult via LINE."
If you want to try them on, you can use "SOLIT STAND," where items are displayed, or "SOLIT at Home," where items are mailed to your home for fitting.
Reference: SOLIT Co., Ltd.
2-3. "Play fashion! for ALL" by a fashion specialty store with 1,400 locations
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The third brand is "Play fashion! for ALL", with the concept of "Let's change and expand the standard."
It started as an internal business proposal project of Adastria Co., Ltd., which operates about 1,400 stores domestically and internationally.
They produce functional and stylish items like "Hospital Pajama Set that Supports Me," "Casual Wear for Wheelchair Users," and "Casual Set-up for Short People," which can be worn in the perfect size for those with concerns like short stature.
On the special page of their official website ".st," they also introduce clothes that are easy to wear for people with disabilities or illnesses.
Additionally, Adastria Group's special subsidiary "Adastria General Support Co., Ltd." plans to open a job transition support office "Agus Career Fukuoka Hakata" in April 2023 to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for apparel-related work.
Reference: Play Fashion! for all Special Site｜Adastria Co., Ltd.
2-4. "OHK" born from voices in rehabilitation
The fourth brand is universal fashion "OHK", delivering excitement through ease of wear, wearable with one hand.
It is care clothing devised by a physical therapist, featuring "boat-shaped buttons" that are easy to open and close with one hand, and strings that allow pants to be pulled up with one hand. It focuses on ease of wear while offering a variety of colors and patterns, achieving both functionality and fashion.
Easy to put on and take off with one hand, it's suitable for anyone, including those with limited shoulder mobility or those raising children. You can also try them on at home at your leisure.
Additionally, Holiday Shoten Co., Ltd., which manages "OHK," also operates the employment continuation support type B office "Nonprofit Organization Holiday Parade".
Reference: OHK｜Holiday Shoten Co., Ltd.
2-5. "carewill®︎," a two-time Good Design Award winner
The fifth brand is "carewill®︎," a specialized brand of care clothing®︎, aiming to create clothes that prioritize the desire to "want to wear, choose, and meet people in them."
Under the vision of "solving clothing inconveniences," they collaborate with wearers, caregivers, rehabilitation and medical professionals, designers, and clothing makers to create clothes that accompany the lives of those needing care for a long time.
Their representative item is the "Arm Sling Cape" (2021 Good Design Award winner).
It is a care clothing®︎ that integrates a triangular bandage-style arm sling and cape, supporting the arm with the entire fabric, preventing neck and shoulder pain often caused by triangular bandages. The design matches any outfit, and some use it to prevent skin exposure for breastfeeding or religious reasons.
They also sell items like the "Laundry Net Bag" (2022 Good Design Award winner), which combines a laundry net and laundry basket, recommended for those who want to make laundry easier!
Reference: Carewill Co., Ltd.
