Discover why adaptive fashion is more than a trend-it's a necessity. Explore how adaptive clothing increases comfort, independence, and confidence for people with diverse needs. Learn about the key benefits and why inclusive design matters.

Inclusive Fashion For Everyone

Adaptive fashion has taken the industry by storm, now catering to a once severely under served market that is now slowly being fully catered too. From then until now, here’s a look at how it all began and what sparked the outcry for new fashionable clothing for people with disabilities.

The Start of Adaptive Fashion

The name ‘Adaptive Fashion’ was once known for elderly clothing solutions such as easy to pull up trousers or wrap around jumpers that didn’t require being pulled over the head. At the same time, similar clothing products helped people with disabilities to dress independently, however, the only solution that was being solved was the practical side and not a fashionable one.

The question never occurred to these companies that a choice of style and a variety of colour and print should be an option.

As more people with disabilities spoke out about their fashion nightmares including DIY jobs, it became more apparent that there was a gaping hole in the fashion industry and one that needed filling fast.

The Change In Adaptive Fashion Companies

From colourful ostomy support by the likes of Abilitee Adaptive Wear to Ribcap Soft Beanie Medical Helmets, the industry boomed with clothing and gadgets that make living with a disability that bit easier while removing the stigma around them. Finally, a person no longer needed to choose a product for its practicality as now they could have the freedom of choice, as an individual, to opt for highly fashionable styles, colors and choice to match the unique person that they are.

The Results of Adaptive Fashion

1. Practicality: To make it safe or easier for a person with a disability to live their life independently.

2. Non-Stigmatizing: Medical products and clothing no longer need to be visually big, bulky and ugly.

3. Freedom of Choice: Because fashion should be inclusive of everyone as we all have the right to choose our individual style.

4. Inclusivity: To highlight and build awareness that a disability isn’t who a person is.

5. Support - More solutions for adaptive wear will develop as the market grows.

Why Ribcap Prides Itself on Supporting the Adaptive Fashion Industry

At Ribcap, our passion comes from a need to create non-stigmatizing medical helmets that protect an individual from a harmful fall while looking and feeling like regular hats.

As with other adaptive fashion categories, medical helmets like Ribcap’s were created from a need to tackle the stigma around protective helmets. If a doctor suggested that you or a loved one is required to wear a medical helmet, the first thought you may have is one of those oversized, wrestling style helmets that are big and bulky. Your next thought may be ‘that’s going to make me or my loved one stand out’. Another thought could be how comfortable it is, especially for a rightfully overactive child who wants to play with their friends.

This is where we come in...

We have designed an array of fashionable medical helmets that look and feel like regular hats. Thanks to our unique soft foam, our helmets are light and breathable, so much so, that they can be slept in! As well as being air light to wear, they are vigorously tested against International Rugby Impact Standards and are backed by several neuro-associations providing complete 360° protection from brain trauma.

Who Would Need a Medical Helmet?

To understand who would require a helmet, how often they would need to wear it, and what options are available in the current market, check out our complete guide to medical helmets.