From time to time I’m asked why we don’t do more fashionable garments for wheelchair users. Fashion? For wheelchair users? From us? That would be a uniform, would it not? The shops are full of fabulous, fashionable clothes, and probably about 90% of the latest, fashionable tops are almost certainly suitable for wheelchair-using fashionistas. Generally speaking, that’s not the problem. It’s the 100% of badly fitting bottoms that causes the problem for wheelchair users – and that’s what we’re here for!
We specialize and excel in properly fitting trousers in fashionable materials and styles –chinos, denims, cargo pants are some of them – and we tell customers to get a pair of our trousers that fit properly and then hit the high street and get the tops to go with them.
No-one could tell if a stylish person in a wheelchair is wearing a pair of our denims (high back, longer legs, no lumpy seams) or a pair of ill-fitting famous brand denims that give them skin breaks and builder’s bum.
From the outset we have taken the view that wheelchair users are just people who use wheelchairs to get around. It’s our job to make sure that stylish people can get classic essentials – usually trousers, with the occasional skirt – that are properly cut, fit well and look no different from the fashion trousers in the shops.
Not everyone wants the latest fashions. Many need clothes that are easy to put on and off, and many people need garments that are easy for carers to manage, so we have a lot of easy-to wear garments in fleece and jersey that deliver on that front.
But don’t let that distract you if you’re looking for fashion. Have another look – For women who want fashion they should go for the trousers (the summer range has stretch denim and cotton) – choose the practical darker or muted colours (we change fabrics and colours) each spring and autumn, and then draw attention to your face with light colours, floaty tops in summer hues – or zingy tops, cosy knitwear and beaded evening tops for winter.
The men are spoiled for choice, with a wide range of Able2Wear classic casual trousers, smart tailored trousers for work with clever versions in the same fabrics for people who can’t manage zips, plus smart suits for business and even evening suits for business dinners or cruise holidays. There are also trousers that can be managed with one hand, shirts that are closed very cleverly with Velcro and clip on ties.
Society in general tends to marginalize wheelchair users, but we are trying to make it possible for them to go mainstream while having the benefit of properly cut basic garments that look after their skin, are comfortable to wear and make them feel good.
So, just to recap:
Top half Fashion – the High Street.
Bottom half Fashion – Able2 Wear.
It makes such good sense – and we’re here for you!
able2wear 