Addressing the Gap Between End Users and the Adaptive Apparel Market: Symbolic and Functional Values of Clothing for Male Wheelchair Users

Abstract

The researchers sought to systematically examine the values of clothing for wheelchair users and to analyze the current offerings of adaptive apparel brands through Rosenblad-Wallin's user-centered framework to address these gaps in the literature. Through interviews with seven male wheelchair users and a qualitative content analysis of 14 adaptive apparel brands, findings were synthesized into four themes: (a) functional designs addressing key user needs; (b) clothing as a symbolic value linked to identity and independence; (c) disconnects between adaptive apparel offerings and user expectations; and (d) proposed design criteria to create accessible fashion. While functional designs have improved, symbolic values of clothing such as style and social acceptance remain underserved, leaving many users reliant on mainstream ready-towear apparel that lacks adequate adaptations. Bridging these gaps requires user-centered design principles to create functional, fashionable, and inclusive clothing.

Keywords

user-centered design adaptive apparel wheelchair users disability inclusive design

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