Designing Fashion for All: Insights from Universal Design
Taking Fashion Beyond Bounds: The Rise of Adaptive Clothing
Katherine Annett-Hitchcock, a professor at NC State's Wilson College of Textiles, stumbled upon a necessity for inclusivity in fashion after a friend with post-polio syndrome asked her for custom dresses. This encounter ignited her passion for universal design, which focuses on creating products for a wide range of abilities.
Now, Annett-Hitchcock is inspiring students to apply the principles of universal design to clothing. This spring, she's working closely with Kathryn Wozniak, an NC State assistant teaching professor of industrial design, to guide students in creating adaptive garments for a fashion show organized by the North Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Association.
Two of Annett-Hitchcock's students, Sabrina Martin and Mary Grace Wilder, are venturing into the realm of inclusive fashion by launching a company based on designs they developed in a recent course.
The Abstract chatted with Annett-Hitchcock about the meaning of adaptive or inclusive clothing, and whether these terms are synonymous.
The Abstract: Adaptive or inclusive clothing—are they interchangeable?
Annett-Hitchcock: Adapting something means tailoring it to a specific need, whereas inclusivity in design denotes a focus on creating items usable by various people from the start. Universal design, in line with these principles, was pioneered by NC State alumnus Ron Mace, who also founded the Center for Universal Design in the College of Design.
Take the built environment as an example; applying universal design principles means designing products to accommodate users with diverse physical capabilities. Consider door handles: a traditional rounded handle isn't practical for everyone, but a horizontal lever is more universally accessible.
The Abstract: How has fashion incorporated adaptive or universal design?
Annett-Hitchcock: The fashion industry has been gradually embracing adaptive design. Prominent brands are adapting existing garments, while some focus on creating specific items designed for accessibility, like jeans with adaptive features. Additionally, larger retailers are venturing into the adaptive market. This shift has gained momentum in the last four to five years, with growing activism calling for changes in the industry.
The Abstract: What options are there for consumers who can't find what they need in standard clothing?
Annett-Hitchcock: Some consumers resort to having their clothes custom-tailored, but many retailers don't offer tailoring services. In these cases, one must rely on a family member or professional who can customize garments to meet specific needs.
The Abstract: What sparked your students' passion for adaptive fashion?
Annett-Hitchcock: I encouraged my students to keep the principle of applicability to various individuals in mind when designing inclusive items. For instance, one of their designs—a shirt—includes an adjustable sleeve that can be easily manipulated using a ribbon. This sleeve's design offers the choice to conceal or reveal, catering to both individuals with disabilities and those needing practicality.
The Abstract: How has your research contributed to this field?
Annett-Hitchcock: Recently, I was part of a project focusing on body scanning and incorporating this technology into virtual reality for consumers with disabilities. This would allow disabled individuals to visualize themselves in various clothing options, eliminating inconveniences related to in-person fittings.
This post was originally published in NC State News.
Enrichment Data:
Developments in Adaptive Fashion
- Inclusive Design Process
- Brands are involving individuals with disabilities in their design processes, ensuring clothing is both stylish and meets the specific needs of people with various disabilities.
- Advanced Features
- Fashion brands are integrating innovative elements like seamless labels, magnetic fasteners, and adjustable closures into their designs to enhance comfort and accessibility.
- Body Positivity and Diversity
- The fashion industry is embracing body diversity and recognizing that style should be inclusive of all body types and sizes. This includes using AI-powered virtual fitting rooms and 3D body scanning to create more accurate sizing systems.
- Influencer Power
- Social media platforms are giving voices to fashion influencers of all sizes, pressuring brands to expand their size ranges and offer more diverse collections.
- Sustainable and Inclusive Fashion
- Brands are integrating sustainability into their inclusive fashion lines by using eco-friendly materials, ethical practices, and extended size ranges.
Future of Adaptive Fashion
As the fashion industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative designs that merge style and functionality. The integration of technology and collaborative design processes will likely play significant roles in shaping the future of adaptive fashion, ensuring it remains fashionable and accessible for all.
- The rise of adaptive clothing in the fashion industry demonstrates a shift towards universal design, inspired by a professor at NC State's Wilson College of Textiles, Katherine Annett-Hitchcock, who noticed a need for inclusivity in fashion after a friend with post-polio syndrome requested custom dresses.
- NC State students are applying the principles of universal design to clothing, collaborating with professors to create adaptive garments for a fashion show organised by the North Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Association.
- Two of Annett-Hitchcock's students, Sabrina Martin and Mary Grace Wilder, are venturing into the realm of inclusive fashion, launching a company based on designs they developed in a course.
- Understanding the difference between adaptive and inclusive clothing is essential when discussing this realm; while adaptive clothing refers to items tailored to specific needs, inclusivity in design means creating products usable by various people from the start.
- Adaptive fashion research by Annett-Hitchcock and her students is pushing the boundaries, with recent projects focusing on body scanning and virtual reality technology, allowing disabled individuals to visualize themselves in various clothing options, eliminating inconveniences related to in-person fittings.
