Fashion for all is becoming more of a reality as companies like PBS Kids and Zappos continue to design adaptive and functional garments for differently abled individuals.
The educational media brand, and Zappos Adaptive a fashion inclusivity initiative launched by e-commerce site Zappos, introduced the PBS Kids Adaptive Apparel Collection, a gender-neutral clothing line for kids that features two-way and reversible garments.
Produced by adaptive apparel brand 4Ward Clothing, the collection is expected to make its debut on Zappos.com “soon,” according to a statement from PBS. The aim with the collection, is to promote independence for all children, while providing parents with kid-friendly apparel suitable for everyday use.
“PBS KIDS is committed to diversity and inclusion, helping children of all abilities learn and grow. This collaboration with Zappos Adaptive is one more way we’re honoring that commitment,” Dawn Ciccone, vice president of brand licensing at PBS Kids, said. “The PBS Kids Adaptive Apparel Collection is purpose-driven to help empower children, encourage independence and promote creative expression.”
Designed for durability, functionality and ease of use, the collection includes relaxed pants and T-shirts made to meet children’s individual sensory needs. Items in the collection—which include PBS Kids’ branded graphics and bright colors—focus on four themes: air travel, dinosaurs, oceans and rainforests. Each garment includes dissolvable tags, eliminates buttons and is manufactured with soft, machine-washable polyester and cotton blend fabric. The clothing line, which can also be worn either forward or backward, is available in children’s sizes 18 months to 6x and retails for $26 to $32. All proceeds from the collection’s purchases will support PBS Kids’ educational initiatives that work to support children’s schools in the U.S.
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Zappos Adaptive, which is home to inclusive fashion brands like 4Ward Clothing and NBZ Clothing, aims to provide easy to wear garments and shoes to make getting dressed a seamless task for consumers of all abilities. 4Ward Clothing, which sells adaptive T-shirts, pants and shorts for adults, has set out to cater to consumers with garments that don’t interfere with their individual lifestyle needs.
“We’re so excited to collaborate with PBS Kids and 4Ward Clothing on this collection because it brings something fresh and fun to our assortment of super soft, reversible clothing,” Derek Flores, senior buyer at Zappos.com, said. “Zappos Adaptive is focused on curating a wide selection of products that make our customers’ lives easier, and this definitely helps us fulfill that purpose.”
The adaptive kid’s collection comes on the heels of other efforts toward fashion inclusivity, as industry members continue to design adaptive and functional garments for consumers. Adaptive apparel lines, including Tommy Adaptive and Target’s trendy Cat & Jack line, which includes adaptive apparel for kids, combine fashion and function by offering consumer stylish clothing with simpler snaps, adjustable lengths and more comfortable tags. Additionally, retail brands like Van Heusen have offered consumers adaptive clothing options for formal occasions, including dress shirts with magnetic closures.