Fashion for every body

Inclusivity is not just limited to finding a piece of clothing in your size! It is time brands adapt to make their designs disable-friendly too.

- Muskan Sehgal

This top is too tight!”; “I don’t like the colour of this shirt.”; “Why is the neckline so low?”; “I wish I’d find a bigger size in this.”—We are all guilty of frequently complaining when we shop! But these issues are nowhere close to what a person with disability faces— tasks such as buttoning up a shirt or pulling up a pair of jeans can cause severe discomfort.

While travelling in the Delhi metro, I had a spontaneous conversation with Neelam, a teacher for children with disabilities, who articulated her fashion problems aptly. “I love wearing sandals. However, due to my clubfoot, I never find something that fits me! Even if I do (rarely), it is extremely uncomfortable,” shares Neelam. According to the World Health Organization, as of March 2023, one in every six people—or 16 per cent of the world’s population—experience significant disability. And while the fashion industry in India is shifting towards diverse and inclusive options, a number of individuals with disabilities still struggle to find clothing that can accommodate their physical needs.

Disability rights activist Malvika Iyer, a bomb blast survivor who lost both her hands and severely damaged her legs at the age of 13, says, “Personally, I have not come across any Indian brand, fast-fashion store, thrift store, or even a boutique where I could find something to wear that suits my needs.”