Market Research

Adaptive clothing market has been expanding throughout the years, however, traditional bridal attire often fails to meet the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities who wish to experience their wedding day with style and comfort.

Competitive Research

In the market, there is no brands that sell adaptive bridal, so when doing the competitor research, I decided to analyze three brands in the adaptive market that have a focus on innovative features and traditional non-adaptive brands for aesthetics.

Adaptive Brands

Von Ruz

Womenswear brand Von Ruz takes a “demi-couture” approach to inclusive clothing design by fusing accessibility and fashionability. Based in Paris, France, the label aims to offer ease and wearability without compromising aesthetics, with add-in elements like magnetic fastenings and wrap-around waistbands. Along with experimental evening wear, Von Ruz offers an inclusive take on professional attire. Detachable blazers feature magnetic zip-able sleeves, and trousers can be buttoned up along pant legs for people with prosthetic limbs. Von Ruz’s innovative design approach goes beyond "adaptive fashion," instead aiming to uplift women of all abilities.

IZ Adaptive

For the last 13 years, IZ Adaptive has been at the forefront of creating inclusive clothing for the disabled community. They primarily focus on developing a wide range of products for individuals with lower body disabilities. The brand has products such as shirts, seated-fit pants, and leggings, outerwear, and dresses. They are designed for women and gender-nonconforming consumers. IZ Adaptive designs grant customers fashion freedom- comfort, ease, and inclusivity without sacrificing style.

June Adaptive

June Adaptive was created after the founder Wendy Wong was inspired by her aunt, June, who lost mobility in an accident and struggled to find adaptive clothing. The Canadian brand designs specifically for those with mobility challenges. Sneaker have adjustable velcro fastenings and can be altered based on height and width, while garment like pants and jean jackets come with elements like magnetic buttons, zippers and easy - touch closures

Traditional Brands

Odylyne The Ceremony

Odylyne The Ceremony was founded in 2014 and is an LA-based brand offering boho bridal gowns that encapsulate “the deep emotion, sensibility, and beauty” of life and art. The designer Stephanie White has an ethereal and free-spirited approach to the conventional weeding dress.

Lillian West

Lilian West is a boho-style wedding dress dress collection developed by the designer Justin Alexander. The Lilian West collection is renowned for its vintage inspiration paired with unique lace trims and patchwork details.

Temperley London

Temperley Bridal is line from Temperley London founded in 2000. They produce two collection a year inspired by old school Hollywood glamor and film noir icons. The main idea of Temperley bridal is to offer a couture-like effect on every wedding gown to create the ultimate fantasy dress for a bride

Competitive Analysis

When comparing the two markets and the product offerings, it is possible to see the gap in Bridal Adaptive Wear. None of the brands that are adaptive wear offer any type of bridal garment . Another problem with the bridal market is that the dresses are very expensive and most of the times, people with disabilities are looking for clothes that are more affordable.

Consumer Research and Needs

The consumer research for Adapted Apparel involved the analysis of five interview transcripts from a study made by Dr. Kristen Morris, focusing on the functional, expressive, and aesthetics apparel needs of individuals with disabilities. The participants’ age group was from ages 25 - 45 years old, residing in urban environments

Fit • Mobility • Comfort •

Functional Needs

Higher Waist

Incorrect Sizing

Easier to put on

Problems with trims

Adaptive clothing can help with becoming more independent

Most garments are comfortable but not stylish

Form of expression

Expressive Needs

Values • Roles • Self Esteem •

Art Elements • Design Principles • Body Garment Relantionship •

Aesthetics

Limited colors

Designs are different in each culture

Comfortable and stylish

Consumer Profile

Anna’s Profile

“I said I wear jeggins. I wear that every day. On the other hand, I’m not the most stylish, so I could benefit from clothes that are maybe more stylish

Anna is looking for more loose fitting clothing that are easier to put on

Desires

Frustrations

Anna was able to find comfortable clothes but they do not look “stylish”

30

Age

Occupation

College Student

Income

$15000

Lindsay’s Profile

“I think anything that would have any sort of adaption would open my world to maybe more independent when it comes to dressing”

Desires

Lindsay is looking for more adaptive clothing She believes that with adaptive clothing she could be more independent when it comes to dressing

Problems with zipper and bottoms placement on pants

Frustrations

Age

25

Occupation

Tax Preparer

Income

$60000

Ellie’s Profile

“I think pants would need to be higher so they might stay on better. Because pants don’t stay on that well for me”

Desires

Ellie is looking for better designs such as higher waist, lower pockets

Frustrations

Adaptive Apparel does not always look good

Age

26

Occupation

Works for a non-profit organization

Income

$40000

Radar Chart Evaluation

The Radar Chart was created to gather data and determine how brands are doing in the marketplace. To do this, I took in consideration the five key design factor for product development: Aesthetics, Material Quality, Price Point and Fit.The competitors were ranked from 0-5, with 0 at the center representing a low score and 5 at the edge with a good score. As the chart shows, adaptive brands are able to provide a good price point but fails to meet aesthetics and material quality, while the bridal brands that I’ve picked to analyze provide material quality, aesthetics, innovative design but is unable to meet the price point needs