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Wheelchair fashion storefront debuts

May 16 11:30

This may be a first. IZ Adaptive Clothing, one of the few clothing lines in existence that was created with wheelchair-users in mind (or as Izzy beautifully puts it - her “seated clientele”), has opened a posh new storefront in Toronto, Ontario, giving rolling fashionistas access to one of the most progressive fashion houses ever created.

The store showcases select pieces from the line, has 100% accessible fitting rooms, and offers custom alterations of their garments and exclusive items available only at the location. But perhaps the greatest thing about this store is that it allows customers the rare opportunity to try before they buy, which I know is something many of you have been wishing for (regarding adapted clothing) for years. It can be incredibly hard dropping $250 on a jacket you’ve never worn, but for Toronto-based wheelchair-users at least, the allure of adapted clothing is no longer an online interest, but an in-person reality.

If you’re not familiar with the line, IZ Adaptive creates clothing for women as well as men, and offers dozens of garments ranging from cleverly-designed trench coats and to jeggings and wheelchair wedding dresses. Anyone who has the chance to shop the store in-person should consider themselves lucky. This is an opportunity not yet available anywhere else in the world.

I’ve always fantasized a large department store like Macy’s would one day carry adapted clothing. They would create a special nook in the store for the clothes, carry a few pieces that are sure to be hot-sellers (like IZ’s Knit Pants or Little Black Dress) and market them as “Universal Clothing.“ They could talk about how they’re great for anyone with mobility problems, whether they’re temporary or permanent, from people with disabilities and seniors to women laid up and recovering from surgery or childbirth. These clothes are just easy to wear period. They WILL sell, but sadly my fantasy has yet to be realized.

Blame misconceptions or the short-sightedness of the buyers, but its a battle we’re a long ways off from winning. While we wait, we must be elated for every small step, and the new IZ Adaptive store is a definite step in the right direction.

Read more about the IZ Adaptive’s new store (and check out their clothes) here

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1. Joe | May 18 09:37

That is great. I love that you guys are out there for wheelchair athletes and everyday users who want to look good and perform well. It is great that you are now out there with your physical location.

2. transport wheelchairs | Jun 08 10:39

Ill be recommending this to my wife, thanks!

3. wheelchairs for sale | Jun 08 10:40

This is great! Ill be visiting you guys sooner or later! http://www.wheelchairstore101.com

Spin 2.0

By Tiffiny Carlson

Tiffiny Carlson Disability buzz, travel, fashion and dating — fun things to amp up everyday wheeling life.

Tiffiny Carlson is freelance writer and writes the “SCI Life” column for New Mobility. She's also a C6 quad from a diving accident that occurred when she was 14 years old. A lifelong resident of Minneapolis, Tiffiny has been a writer in the disability community for over 10 years and writes for several publications and blogs, as well as her personal blog BeautyAbility. Her work has also appeared in mainstream publications such as Nerve.com and Playgirl.