The Fashion Industry Is Missing Millions of People

A few weeks ago, I shared a video about inclusive fashion on Instagram. Most of the comments were incredibly supportive. But one stuck with me.

The commenter argued that fashion shouldn't have to change for such a "tiny" group of people and suggested that if someone has multiple disabilities or sensory needs, they should simply ask someone else for help instead of expecting clothing to be designed differently.

At first, I was frustrated. Then I realized something.

I don't think this person is alone in believing that disability is rare. I think a lot of people picture disability as a small, separate community that exists somewhere outside of their own lives.

The truth is... that's not how disability works.

Disability isn't a niche.

When most people hear the word "disability," they picture someone who has lived with one their entire life. But disability isn't exclusive. It isn't something that only happens to "other people." It can happen to anyone.

A car accident.

A cancer diagnosis.

An unexpected surgery.

A chronic illness.

A sports injury.

A difficult pregnancy.

Simply getting older.

Some disabilities last a few weeks. Others last a lifetime. Some are visible, while many are completely invisible. The disability community is one of the largest minority groups in the world, and it's also the only one that anyone can become part of at any point in their life.

I know because it happened to me.

I'm 32 years old.

Just in the last few months, I've experienced recurring dizzy episodes, undergone an unexpected surgery, and developed a blood clot in my leg.

None of those things were part of my plan this year.

Suddenly, getting dressed wasn't just about what looked good. It became about what didn't put pressure on an incision. What fit over my swelling leg. What was comfortable enough to wear while my body healed.

As someone who has lived with sensory processing challenges and chronic pain for years, I already knew clothing could make or break my day. But these recent health issues reminded me that our clothing needs can change in an instant.

It doesn't take a lifetime diagnosis for clothing to become a challenge. Sometimes all it takes is one bad week.

Clothing affects more than comfort.

When people hear "sensory-friendly clothing," they often think we're talking about removing itchy tags.

Sure, that's part of it. But inclusive fashion is so much bigger than that.

It's softer seams for people living with chronic pain.

Stretch fabrics that accommodate medical devices or swelling.

Closures that can be managed by someone with limited hand strength.

Waistbands that don't press against healing incisions.

Garments that allow someone to dress independently instead of relying on someone else.

These aren't luxury features.

They're thoughtful design decisions that allow more people to wear clothing comfortably, confidently, and independently.

Inclusive fashion benefits everyone.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that designing for accessibility somehow makes clothing worse for everyone else.

I don't believe that's true.

No one has ever complained that a softer fabric is a bad thing. No one misses itchy tags. Comfortable waistbands, better construction, and easier-to-use closures aren't features that only disabled people appreciate. They're simply examples of good design. The best products solve problems for as many people as possible.

Fashion should be no different.

Why I care.

I didn't become passionate about inclusive fashion because I wanted to create a niche product. I became passionate about it because I've experienced firsthand what it feels like when clothing becomes another obstacle in an already difficult day and the more people I talk to, the more I realize how many others have experienced the same thing.

Inclusive fashion isn't about changing the industry for a tiny group of people. It's about recognizing that every body deserves clothing that works with them instead of against them. Because the truth is, disability is far more common than most people realize.

And none of us knows whether we'll become part of that community tomorrow.