Textile and Apparel Industries

Adaptive Apparel Entrepreneurs: Motivations, Abilities, Opportunities, and Challenges

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Abstract

This study examines the emerging landscape of adaptive apparel (AA) entrepreneurship through the Motivation-Ability-Opportunity (MAO) framework, focusing on founders who either have disabilities or have close family members with disabilities. Using secondary data analysis of 24 AA businesses, the study identifies key drivers shaping entrepreneurial activities in this rapidly expanding market. Findings reveal that motivations are both intrinsic—such as promoting inclusion, enhancing independence, and improving quality of life—and extrinsic, including disability-related employment barriers and the desire for accomplishment. Entrepreneurs’ abilities stem from fashion or business expertise, direct engagement with people with disabilities, and strong mentorship networks. Opportunities arise from unmet market demand, investor interest, and niche segments within the AA sector. However, entrepreneurs also face challenges, including stigma, design and production complexities, financial constraints, and health-related barriers. This study contributes to AA and entrepreneurship scholarship and offers insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers advancing inclusive innovation.

Keywords: The Motivation-Ability-Opportunity framework, Adaptive Apparel Entrepreneurs

How to Cite:

Tong, X., Taylor, B., Li, Y., Oblites, E., Su, J. & Carrico, M., (2025) “Adaptive Apparel Entrepreneurs: Motivations, Abilities, Opportunities, and Challenges”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.21386