ADAPTIVE CLOTHING MARKET ANALYSIS

Global adaptive clothing market was valued at US$ 15.8 Bn in 2023, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period (2024 to 2031).

• Europe held the largest market and accounting for the 45.4% market share in 2023, owing to the presence of major adoptive clothing brands such as Zappos Adaptive, Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive, and Marks & Spencer Adaptive, among others.
• North America held the second-largest market and accounting for the 29.6% market share in 2023, due to the high rate of disabled people in the region. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in May 2023 around 14-16% living in disability across the U.S. Moreover, the presence of robust healthcare facilities is expected to boost the regional market growth in the near future.
• Asia Pacific held the third-largest market and accounting for the 18.4% market share in 2023. Many countries in Asia Pacific, such as China and India, have experienced rapid economic growth in recent years, leading to the expansion of the middle class. This has resulted in increased disposable income and a greater willingness to invest in specialized clothing, including adoptive clothing.

Global Adaptive Clothing Market- Drivers

Growing Geriatric Population along with Increasing Disabilities in People

Growing geriatric population along with increasing disabilities in people, among kids as well as adults, is a key factor driving the global adaptive clothing market growth. According to a report presented by the World Health Organization, in November 2021, globally over 1 billion people are estimated to experience disability. This corresponds to about 15% of the world's population, with up to 190 million (3.8%) people aged 15 years and older having significant difficulties in functioning, and require health care services. Moreover, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services., In 2020, the number of Americans age 60 and older increased by 34% from 55.7 million to 74.6 million. In 2019, 30 million women and 24.1 million men were age 65 and older, thus, offering immense opportunities to the industry participants.

Rising Demand for Adaptive Clothing from Hospitals

There has been huge demand for adaptive clothing from hospitals as such clothing is convenient for caregivers, nurses or hospice staff to undress or dress patients. Adaptive clothing is preferred by patients suffering from diseases such as arthritis, paraplegics, and quadriplegics. Clothing has a crucial role for patients to get treatment. The adaptive clothes have openings, it makes easier for the doctors to attach any medical equipment to the patient’s body without sacrificing dignity. Thus, it helps to get the quicker access to the medical devices.

Figure 1. Global Adaptive Clothing Market Value Share (%), By Region, 2023

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Global Adaptive Clothing Market- Restraints

Less Awareness about the Adaptive Clothing in the Emerging and Underdeveloped Regions

Less awareness and comparative high cost of the adaptive clothes are expected to restrain the market growth during the forecast period. A large number of the population across the world is unaware of the use of adaptive clothing, and another factor affecting the market is the cost of the adaptive clothing. The adaptive clothing are comparatively costlier than normal clothes.  It allows people with disabilities to feel comfortable and confident in their appearance, however, not everyone with disabilities has the option to purchase adaptive clothing due to its high cost and limited supply.

Global Adaptive Clothing Market- Trends

Governments and industry organizations are implementing policies and regulations to promote accessibility and inclusion, which is driving the development and adoption of adaptive clothing. For example, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States and the European Accessibility Act in the European Union have set standards for accessible goods and services, including clothing. These regulatory initiatives are encouraging companies to invest in the design and production of adaptive clothing solutions.

Figure 2. Global Adaptive Clothing Market Value Share (%), By End User, 2023

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Global Adaptive Clothing Market- Segmentation

On the basis of end user, the Disabled Children and Adult population segment held the highest market share of global adaptive clothing market in 2022. It is expected to be the largest and the fastest growing segment throughout the forecast period. The segment’s dominance can be attributed to increasing population in the developed countries such as the U.K., Germany, Japan, and others. Furthermore, increasing standard of living and raising awareness of adaptive clothing in old-age homes and hospitals further boosts the segment growth.

Global Adaptive Clothing Market- Competitive Section

Major players operating in the global adaptive clothing market include Silvert’s Adaptive Clothing & Footwear, Izzy Camilleri, NBZ Apparel International, Able2Wear, Adaptions by Adrian, Professional Fit Clothing, Adaptive Clothing Showroom, Creation Confort, Buck & Buck, PVH Corp. and Lycra Company.

Global Adaptive Clothing Market- Recent Developments

• In September 2021,  LYCRA Company, a global leader in innovative solutions for stretch and performance technologies for the apparel industry, launched LYCRA ADAPTIVfibre breakthrough technology. This fibre allows garments to have a better fit for various lifestyles, movements, and provide better fit as per the different body types.
• In May 2023, JAM The Label, a Australia- based adaptive fashion brand, launched its first-ever capsule collection created in collaboration with fashion designer with disability named Rachel Shugg.
• In September 2022, Kohl’s (an American department store retail chain, operated by Kohl's Corporation) is expanding its adaptive merchandise assortment with the launch of adaptive products for adults. The collection was designed in partnership with Gamut Management, a consulting and talent Management Company for people with disabilities, per a company press release. Kohl’s already offers adaptive products for kids, including apparel from its Jumping Beans, Tek Gear, SO and Sonoma Goods for Life labels and toys from brands including Helping Hands Fine Motor Tool Set Toy and Foxmind Go Pop! Roundo.

*Definition: Adaptive clothing are garments that are designed with medical function in mind for post-surgery patients, the disabled, elderly, rehabilitation patients, special needs children and adults, people with arthritis, stroke victims, and others. Adapted clothes provide easy access to body parts without removing the entire garment, and makes it easier to change or remove clothing. There are many styles and medical purposes for disabled clothing - mostly garments with zippers that provide access to parts of the body that would otherwise require the clothes to be removed entirely. With adaptive clothing, a disabled or elderly patient can retain dignity, can provide some level of self-care, and experience the added comfort of quicker access to medical appliances and needs for both them and for a nurse or physician.