Adaptive clothing

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Adaptive clothing is clothing designed around the needs and abilities of people with varying degrees of disability, including congenital disabilities, acquired disabilities (such as the result of an injury, illness or accident), age (elderly people may have trouble with opening and closing buttons [1] ) and temporary disabilities, as well as physical disabilities. Adaptive clothing is influenced by factors such as age, disability type, level of independence, mobility and dexterity, as well as whether a person requires help when dressing, such as from a caregiver. [2] People who struggle with zippers, shoelaces, buttons or even fabrics and texture due to a type of disability may need adaptive clothing. [3] Most adaptive clothing designs are taken from general-market clothing, the comfort of which began to increase in the 1950s, with new technologies such as elastic waistbands and stretchy fabrics. [4]

Contents

Adaptive clothing is utilized by people with a wide range of disabilities, from wheelchair users and people with visible disabilities to those whose disabilities are not as visible, but still find themselves limited by the construction of typical clothing. Those with autism may experience sensory sensitivities to certain fabrics, which is not a visible ailment. [5] There is also use of adaptive clothing by the elderly and children with and without disabilities, to make it easier to operate their clothing without assistance or to assist caregivers in dressing the user. [6] [7] Adaptive design, a core component of adaptive clothing design and construction, proactively addresses these foreseen limitations by adapting clothing to the user, [8] benefitting both them and caregivers or healthcare professionals to be more efficient, increasing independence, as well as preventing potential back and shoulder injuries. [9] [10] If both functional and fashionable, adaptive clothing can increase an individual's quality of life and confidence. [10]  

Types of adaptations

There are some other adaptations that take place in order to make the clothes as comfortable as possible for these individuals.

One example is breathability as well as using natural fibres as to not irritate the skin. Another is specialized garment patterns, seams, and closures, for example having outward facing seams in order to not irritate skin or closures that are easily opened and close like magnets. [4] Being able to adjust temperature is important because people with physical disabilities sometimes have different temperature needs than others. [5] Adaptive clothing typically incorporates flat seams to reduce friction, and discreet adaptations that provide an outward appearance as consistent with fashion norms as possible. For example, pants can have longer inseams in the back to provide more coverage for wheelchair users. [4] These adaptations may include easy-access snap fasteners and velcro fastenings, fabric that stretches in one or both directions, clothing design with room to accommodate incontinence aids, a longer rise in the back of trousers to accommodate wheelchair users, and an elasticated waist for increased comfort and easier dressing.

Individuals with limited or no dexterity may experience difficulty in manipulating certain fastenings, such as buttons and zippers. For this reason, it is common for adaptive clothing to utilize velcro or magnetic closures in the place of closures that would require more dexterity.

Similarly, disabled people whose mobility limits them from engaging in the typical full range of motion commonly experience difficulty when dressing in clothing that must be pulled up from the feet or pulled over the head; as such, adaptive clothing may feature hidden flap-openings or additional closures that allow the garment itself to be pulled on without having to bend over or reach up. These may take the form of velcro flaps at the neck and shoulders, allowing the neckline to expand when the garment is pulled down over the head. The same adjustments may also be made for shoes and other accessories, with velcro closures being the most common feature in adaptive shoes. [11] [12]

The development of adaptive-functional clothing tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities is a complex undertaking that necessitates ongoing research and draws upon knowledge from various fields. The sophistication of these garments designed for the disabled hinges on two primary factors. First, the clothing should incorporate an aesthetic dimension, ensuring it aligns with the aesthetic preferences of individuals with disabilities without emphasizing their impairments. This clothing should promote psychological well-being, maintain a harmonious color palette, and contribute to concealing any disabilities. Second, [13] the clothing should be attuned to the physical characteristics of the disabled individuals, both in static and dynamic situations, taking into account factors such as age, health status, and other relevant considerations. Furthermore, the clothing should offer comfort during both the dressing and undressing processes, requiring as little physical effort as possible.

Examples

DisabilityAssociated problemAdaptive clothing solution
Alzheimer's diseaseIndividual disrobes at inappropriate times. Locking clothing
OedemaSwelling of feet and legs leads to difficulty wearing conventional footwear or pants.Adaptive shoes and pants adjustable in size, offering non-restrictive closures. Compression socks and clothing can improve blood flow and reduce oedema.
IncontinenceReduced bladder control and urgencyClothing that can be removed easily and quickly and can accommodate incontinence aids discreetly and comfortably.
Parkinson's disease and arthritis (e.g., Rheumatoid arthritis)Loss of fine motor skills and dexterityButtons and zippers are replaced with easy touch Velcro or magnetic closures.
Contractures, arthritis, MS, MDS, SCI, MD, paraplegia, quadriplegiaInability to bend muscles or move jointsOpen back clothing which allows the clothing to be put on frontwards, eliminating the need to bend or rotate muscles or joints.
Digestive Disorders & Bowel DiseaseMedical devices are common, including G/GJ feeding-tubes, colostomy, and ileostomyClothing that provides access to the abdomen via snaps, zippers, or strategic layering and draping. Depending on the individual, looser clothing may be preferred to conceal abdominal devices, or comfortably tight, supportive clothing may be preferred to keep devices in place (e.g. high-waisted leggings, supportive waistbands).
ScoliosisCurved SpineBack bodice to help hold spine straighter [14]

Factors of design

Clothing is designed with human, environment, and, obviously, clothing in mind. This is called the “Human-Clothing-Enviornment.” These 3 factors contribute to the design of each piece of clothing. The human category is further broken down into subcategories, which includes visible or invisible disabilities and how that affects the user of an article of clothing. Only when all of the “Human-Clothing-Environment” is in equilibrium will the clothing be comfortable, functional, and fashionable for the user. [15]

There is a process by which clothing creators may follow to design more functional clothing articles. The first step is to identify the problem at which they are trying to solve. For example, are there issues with zippers or buttons, or is the user wheelchair-bound? Next the get preliminary ideas. After making initial designs and seeing what works and what doesn’t, creators make design refinements. Finally, it comes time to make a prototype. Once the prototype it done, it will be evaluated for its form and function. If it does not meet the criteria, the design process is repeated, starting where the creator believes the mistakes were first made. At the end of the process, the clothing design can be implemented and used. [16]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Assistive technology</span> Assistive devices for people with disabilities

Assistive technology (AT) is a term for assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities and the elderly. Disabled people often have difficulty performing activities of daily living (ADLs) independently, or even with assistance. ADLs are self-care activities that include toileting, mobility (ambulation), eating, bathing, dressing, grooming, and personal device care. Assistive technology can ameliorate the effects of disabilities that limit the ability to perform ADLs. Assistive technology promotes greater independence by enabling people to perform tasks they were formerly unable to accomplish, or had great difficulty accomplishing, by providing enhancements to, or changing methods of interacting with, the technology needed to accomplish such tasks. For example, wheelchairs provide independent mobility for those who cannot walk, while assistive eating devices can enable people who cannot feed themselves to do so. Due to assistive technology, disabled people have an opportunity of a more positive and easygoing lifestyle, with an increase in "social participation", "security and control", and a greater chance to "reduce institutional costs without significantly increasing household expenses." In schools, assistive technology can be critical in allowing students with disabilities to access the general education curriculum. Students who experience challenges writing or keyboarding, for example, can use voice recognition software instead. Assistive technologies assist people who are recovering from strokes and people who have sustained injuries that affect their daily tasks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wetsuit</span> Garment for thermal insulation from water

A wetsuit is a garment worn to provide thermal protection while wet. It is usually made of foamed neoprene, and is worn by surfers, divers, windsurfers, canoeists, and others engaged in water sports and other activities in or on water. Its purpose is to provide thermal insulation and protection from abrasion, ultraviolet exposure, and stings from marine organisms. It also contributes extra buoyancy. The insulation properties of neoprene foam depend mainly on bubbles of gas enclosed within the material, which reduce its ability to conduct heat. The bubbles also give the wetsuit a low density, providing buoyancy in water.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Accessibility</span> Modes of usability for people with disabilities

Accessibility is the design of products, devices, services, vehicles, or environments so as to be usable by people with disabilities. The concept of accessible design and practice of accessible development ensures both "direct access" and "indirect access" meaning compatibility with a person's assistive technology.

Universal design is the design of buildings, products or environments to make them accessible to people, regardless of age, disability or other factors. It addresses common barriers to participation by creating things that can be used by the maximum number of people possible. Curb cuts or sidewalk ramps, which are essential for people in wheelchairs but also used by all, are a common example of universal design.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blanket sleeper</span> One-piece, footed sleeping suit

The blanket sleeper is a type of especially warm sleeper or footie pajama worn primarily during the winter in the United States and Canada. The garment is worn especially by young children.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frog (fastening)</span> Fastening in the form of an ornamental knot

A frog is a type of ornamental braiding closure made out of cord, consisting of a button and a loop; it is used to fasten garments without creating an overlap. Its purpose is to act as a fastener as well as providing a decorative closure for the garment. It is especially used on the cheongsam, where the frog represents the cultural essence of the dress.

Inclusive design is a design process in which a product, service, or environment is designed to be usable for as many people as possible, particularly groups who are traditionally excluded from being able to use an interface or navigate an environment. Its focus is on fulfilling as many user needs as possible, not just as many users as possible. Historically, inclusive design has been linked to designing for people with physical disabilities, and accessibility is one of the key outcomes of inclusive design. However, rather than focusing on designing for disabilities, inclusive design is a methodology that considers many aspects of human diversity that could affect a person's ability to use a product, service, or environment, such as ability, language, culture, gender, and age. The Inclusive Design Research Center reframes disability as a mismatch between the needs of a user and the design of a product or system, emphasizing that disability can be experienced by any user. With this framing, it becomes clear that inclusive design is not limited to interfaces or technologies, but may also be applied to the design of policies and infrastructure.

Clothing terminology comprises the names of individual garments and classes of garments, as well as the specialized vocabularies of the trades that have designed, manufactured, marketed and sold clothing over hundreds of years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cargo pants</span> Loosely cut trousers

Cargo pants or cargo trousers, also sometimes called combat pants or combat trousers after their original purpose as military workwear, are loosely cut pants originally designed for rough work environments and outdoor activities, distinguished by numerous large utility pockets for carrying tools.

Sweater design is a specialization of fashion design in which knitted sweaters are designed to fulfill certain aesthetic, functional and commercial criteria. The designer typically considers factors such as the insulating power of the sweater ; the fashion of its colors, patterns, silhouette and style lines, particularly the neckline and waistline; the convenience and practicality of its cut; and in commercial design, the cost of its production and the profitability of its price point. Sweater designs are often published in books and knitting magazines. Sweater design is an old art, but continues to attract new designers such as Nicky Epstein and Meg Swansen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Extended Cold Weather Clothing System</span> Protective clothing used by US Army

The Extended Cold Weather Clothing System is a protective clothing system developed in the 1980s by the United States Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, Natick, Massachusetts. The first generation ECWCS consisted of parka and trousers plus 20 other individual clothing, handwear, headwear and footwear items which are used in various combinations to meet the cold weather environmental requirements of the US military. The Extended Climate Warfighter Clothing System, or Gen III ECWCS, is designed to maintain adequate environmental protection in temperatures ranging between -60° and +40° Fahrenheit

A back closure is a means for fastening a garment at the rear, such as with a zipper, hooks-and-eyes or buttons. Back closures were once common on Western female clothing, but have recently become less so, especially on female casual and business attire. They continue, however, to be widely used in underwear, formal wear and specialized clothing. Back closures are also common in garments for infants and toddlers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Locking clothing</span> Garments that cannot be removed by the wearer

Locking clothing are garments which prevent the person wearing the clothing from removing the clothing. One example would be clothing designed to prevent a person with dementia from inappropriate undressing. Sometimes locking clothes are used for sexual purposes, such as in feminization.

Clothing technology involves the manufacturing, materials - innovations that have been developed and used. The timeline of clothing and textiles technology includes major changes in the manufacture and distribution of clothing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wrap (clothing)</span> Simple length of fabric worn as clothing

In the context of clothing, a wrap can refer to a shawl or stole or other fabric wrapped about the upper body, or a simple skirt-type garment made by wrapping a piece of material round the lower body. Many people of all genders throughout the world wear wraps in everyday life, although in the West they are largely worn by women. They are sometimes sewn at the edges to form a tube which keeps the required size. A wrap may be secured by a corner being tucked beneath the wrapped material, by making a knot, or using ties, buttons or velcro.

Sewing is the craft of fastening or attaching objects using stitches made with needle and thread. Sewing is one of the oldest of the textile arts, arising in the Paleolithic Era. Although usually associated with clothing and household linens, sewing is used in a variety of crafts and industries, including shoemaking, upholstery, sailmaking, bookbinding and the manufacturing of some kinds of sporting goods. Sewing is the fundamental process underlying a variety of textile arts and crafts, including embroidery, tapestry, quilting, appliqué and patchwork.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lining (sewing)</span> Inner layer of fabric, fur, or other material

In sewing and tailoring, a lining is an inner layer of fabric, fur, or other material inserted into clothing, hats, luggage, curtains, handbags and similar items.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Assistive technology in sport</span>

Assistive technology in sport is an area of technology design that is growing. Assistive technology is the array of new devices created to enable sports enthusiasts who have disabilities to play. Assistive technology may be used in disabled sports, where an existing sport is modified to enable players with a disability to participate; or, assistive technology may be used to invent completely new sports with athletes with disabilities exclusively in mind.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hook-and-loop fastener</span> Type of textile fastener

Hook-and-loop fasteners, hook-and-pile fasteners or touch fasteners consist of two components: typically, two lineal fabric strips which are attached to the opposing surfaces to be fastened. The first component features tiny hooks; the second features smaller loops. When the two are pressed together the hooks catch in the loops and the two pieces fasten or bind temporarily. When separated, by pulling or peeling the two surfaces apart, the strips make a distinctive ripping sound.

Silvert's Holdings Ltd., operating as Silvert's Adaptive Clothing & Footwear, is a U.S. and Canadian based retailer that designs and distributes adaptive clothing and footwear for men and women. The company makes a variety of types of adaptive apparel, including wheelchair clothing, easy access clothing as well as diabetic shoes, socks and slippers, designed to assist physically challenged individuals in their daily dressing and undressing.

References

  1. ↑ Bolster, Mary (August 2019). "Design for All". Brain & Life. 15 (4): 36. doi:10.1097/01.nnn.0000579280.63798.85. ISSN   2576-2273. S2CID   202096857.
  2. ↑ "What is Adaptive Clothing -". Errine Adaptive Clothing. Archived from the original on 22 July 2012. Retrieved 1 July 2012.
  3. ↑ "Apparel Causes Additional Barriers for People Living with Disabilities". www.socialworktoday.com. Retrieved 2023-03-10.
  4. 1 2 3 Rutledge, Brittany (2017). "Autoethnograhic Study in the Process of Applied Design: Creating Adaptive Clothing for a Child with Spinal Muscular Atrophy". Art and Design Theses. doi:10.57709/10025817.
  5. 1 2 Kabel, Allison; McBee-Black, Kerri; Dimka, Jessica (2016-10-22). "Apparel-related participation barriers: ability, adaptation and engagement". Disability and Rehabilitation. 38 (22): 2184–2192. doi:10.3109/09638288.2015.1123309. ISSN   0963-8288. PMID   26731674. S2CID   13758816.
  6. ↑ "Adaptive Clothing for Disabled Makes Dressing Children with Permanent or Temporary Disability Stress-free for Parents and Children." Web News Wire, 6 August 2013. Gale OneFile: News, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A338990430/STND?u=albu78484&sid=ebsco&xid=ad799d37. Accessed 10 March 2023.
  7. ↑ Kim, Jaewoon (2021-06-30). "The Effect of Stabilization Exercise using Tele-rehabilitaion on Muscle Activity, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index in Rural Elderly People with Chronic Shoulder Pain". Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science. 10 (2): 106–111. doi: 10.14474/ptrs.2021.10.2.106 . ISSN   2287-7576. S2CID   236229922.
  8. ↑ "What is Adaptive Clothing?". CBO Baby. 5 June 2015. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
  9. ↑ "Adaptive Clothing/Apparel for Health Care Professionals". Silvert's Adaptive Clothing & Footwear . Retrieved 22 August 2019.
  10. 1 2 Azher, Naheed; Saeed, Muhammad (2012). "ADAPTIVE CLOTHING FOR FEMALES WITH ARTHRITIS IMPAIRMENT". Journal of University Medical & Dental College. 3 (2): 52–59. ISSN   2310-5542.
  11. ↑ "Adaptive Clothing – Information and Availability". Disabled World. 20 March 2014.
  12. ↑ "What is Adaptive Clothing?". Silvert's Adaptive Clothing & Footwear . Retrieved 22 August 2019.
  13. ↑ Elena, Florea-Burduja; Aliona, Raru; Daniela, Farîma; Marcela, Irovan (2021-12-01). "THE ANALYSIS OF THE SYSTEM "HUMAN–CLOTHING–ENVIRONMENT" WITH APPLICATION IN THE DESIGN OF FUNCTIONAL ADAPTIVE PRODUCTS" (PDF). Annals of the University of Oradea: Fascicle of Textiles, Leatherwork. 22 (1): 17–20. ISSN   1843-813X.
  14. ↑ Mosleh, Sara; Abtew, Mulat Alubel; Bruniaux, Pascal; Tartare, Guillaume; Xu, Yukang; Chen, Yan (January 2021). "3D Digital Adaptive Thorax Modelling of Peoples with Spinal Disabilities: Applications for Performance Clothing Design". Applied Sciences. 11 (10): 4545. doi: 10.3390/app11104545 . ISSN   2076-3417.
  15. ↑ Florea-Burduja, Elena; Raru, Aliona; Farima, Daniela; Irovan, Marcela (2021). "THE ANALYSIS OF THE SYSTEM "HUMAN–CLOTHING– ENVIRONMENT" WITH APPLICATION IN THE DESIGN OF FUNCTIONAL ADAPTIVE PRODUCTS" (PDF). Archived from the original on June 18, 2022. Retrieved March 10, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  16. ↑ Imran, A.; Drean, Emilie; Schacher, Laurence; Adolphe, Dominique (2017-11-08). "Adaptive bra designs for the individuals with special needs". IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. 254 (7): 072012. Bibcode:2017MS&E..254g2012I. doi: 10.1088/1757-899X/254/7/072012 . S2CID   149100712.
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