Clothing needs

gemmca

Hi all, Just wanted to check in here and see if anyone wanted to share their story or their needs for specific clothing. 
I am currently doing some research into adaptive clothing and would love to discuss if anyone suffering from a disability have any specific requirements that would make clothing easier. 
For example, you might have difficult fastening buttons or difficulty putting on socks. 

Any advice / feedback is valuable!

Ross_Scope

As a visually impaired person, it would be much easier if labels were made more accessible. Maybe if they could be scanned by a smartphone app so you can view the information electronically? Who knows, that may already be possible. And with online shopping, I find the descriptions of items do nowehre near enough to give me a full picture of how it will look on me. I do have some useful vision but can't pick out much detail from a few images and a vague description.

Either way, interesting research and welcome to the community @gemmca
 

gemmca

Thank you @Ross_Scope, That is very useful! 

Ross_Scope

gemmca said:

Thank you @Ross_Scope, That is very useful! 

No problem  

[Deleted User]

Because I'm hopeless with my hands, I can't do formal ties or shirt buttons, however the rare times I get to the interview bit in a job application, it's kind of expected to do the shirt and tie thing... Apart from clip on ties, and even they're fiddly, would there be any solutions?

gemmca

hi @MrAllen1976, There are shirts available to buy that have magnet/velcro closures - They have buttons on the outside so appear like traditional shirts but they do not require you to have to fiddle with buttons (they are great).
With regards to ties that is a good question - perhaps there is a need for a tie that is already tied and then perhaps It has a velcro opening that is hidden under the shirt collar. 
I would love if you could fill in my survey or even share it with those that you feel could benefit from suggesting clothing ideas to make dressing easier!
This is the survey if you would like to take part
[link removed by moderator pending review]

deanna

I have rh arthritis so can't wear tight clothes over my hips, knees or feet, causes quite a lot of pain.  Even pulling clothes on hard hurts my hands.  But I'd still like to look 'normal' or smart.  I wear leggings but would love to not have to wear them all the time.  I'd like, is as said above,  all clothing (particularly when buying online) to have  exact measurements not size (sizes are very different from one manufacturer to another).  I'd like fabric type so we will know how they feel.  

I'd like to look smart.  I'd like to not have to buy the same thing every time I buy clothes.  I'd like to be able to wear shoes instead of trainers.  Trousers instead of leggings.  God forbid, even a dress occasionally!

Garza

if other adaptive items are anything to go by I would have to say cost must be a consideration, put "adaptive" before anything and the £££s seem to go through the roof

Tori_Scope

Hi @gemmac Welcome to the community! It certainly seems like interesting research. Just to let you know, I've temporarily removed the link to your survey. Would you be able to send a quick email to [email protected] so that we can check a few things? We do allow research to be posted on the community, but we just have to verify a couple of bits first. 

gemmca

hi @deanna, Thank you for your reply! Every bit of info is so valuable to me in helping to bring more inclusive fashion products to the UK. I think it is very important to include as many measurements as possible for clothing as then individuals will know if it can fit their own body, When I launch my website I will be wanting to do this in as much detail as possible. 
If you don't mind me asking, What do you think could help you for your clothing, You have mentioned it hurts to pull clothes on - would inside loops on the clothing help to solve this and make it easier for you to get different clothing on? I would love to hear more and hopefully come up with some ideas for you. 

gemmca

Hi @Garza ,  We understand that a lot of clothing brands when they mention adaptive or inclusive they usually have a high price point. I would love to hear from you as to what would be the maximum you would be willing to pay for the following items as it is important to engage with the community and actually see what their price points would be before creating a great product that then no one will buy due to the price.
What is the maximum you would pay for 
- a tshirt , a sweatshirt , jeans , smart trousers , coat , hat , underwear. 

I look forward to hearing from you! Thanks for your comment.
 

Garza

gemmca said:

Hi @Garza ,  We understand that a lot of clothing brands when they mention adaptive or inclusive they usually have a high price point. I would love to hear from you as to what would be the maximum you would be willing to pay for the following items as it is important to engage with the community and actually see what their price points would be before creating a great product that then no one will buy due to the price.
What is the maximum you would pay for 
- a tshirt , a sweatshirt , jeans , smart trousers , coat , hat , underwear. 

I look forward to hearing from you! Thanks for your comment.
 

@gemmca

I have to use Jacamo for the sizing of tops i need, 4xl long length, i need the longer length to accomodate a significant abdominal hernia  so I am very limited in choice and also being on budget i would tend to wait for sales for most pieces 

in answer to your pricing question, I would probably pay upto £30 for a polo shirt or dress shirt, maybe £15 for a t shirt upto around £60 for a coat, jeans and trousers maybe around the £20 - 25 mark, if the product was really high quality or a designer piece that fit me I would pay more, i never buy designer bottoms as I am seated all the time 

gemmca

Thanks so much for the reply, This is very useful information. 

Do you find it difficult to shop with other brands due to the size of clothing you need?
Do you require any adaptive features to make clothing easier?

What about your bottom options are they limited?
Thanks