Design and Product Development

Collecting Quantitative Wear Test Data to Analyze the Lasting Effects Experienced by People with Disabilities Wearing Adaptive Apparel

---

Abstract

Clothing has a large influence on people with disabilities' self-efficacy and participation. A lack of access to appropriate clothing decreases this population's participation while improved access contributes to positive outcomes. Clothing designed specifically for people with disabilties is called adaptive apparel. These clothing items mostly focus on aiding the dressing/undressing process. Findings from adaptive apparel studies indicate that people with disabilities experience immediate benefits when introduced to these garments but no long-term studies have been conducted to examine its effectiveness over time. Using quantitative data collection over many weeks, 2 individuals with disabilties participated in multiple wear tests with adaptive garments they co-designed. Responses from self-reported surveys when wearing typical clothing (pre-wear test) and when wearing their new adaptive garment (post-wear test) were compared. Results show adaptive apparel being effective at improving self-efficacy for people with disabilties. Increased frequency of wearing adaptive apparel improved self-efficacy and maintained these changes.

Keywords: adaptive apparel, disability, self-efficacy, longevity

How to Cite:

Udezeh, C. N., (2025) “Collecting Quantitative Wear Test Data to Analyze the Lasting Effects Experienced by People with Disabilities Wearing Adaptive Apparel”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.21675