The Shapes United has claimed a national-first with the release of 'Seated Jeans' for people with limited mobility.
The jeans feature adaptive flat seams, no tags and a Velcro opening. They are designed without pockets and feature a high back, elastic waist and shorter leg cut.
Customers have the option to request additional adaptive features such as a press stud opening, side zips, or catheter access.
CEO Penny Weber said these jeans are the first of their kind in Australia.
“These adjustments ensure the jeans are comfortable for people who spend long periods of time in one position,” Weber said. “Pockets can leave pressure sores, and traditional jeans don’t fit properly for people who are seated.
“These look just like everyday jeans, but are thoughtfully, sustainably and locally made.”
Weber said the idea behind the new jeans came via a conversation with a client at Melbourne Disability Expo.
“It turns out his mother had been making his clothes for him so he could work in his corporate job,” she said. “Sadly, she had passed away, and his clothing options were limited.
“We took over from where she finished, taking her original designs, adjusting them, and giving them a modern flair. We created a suite of clothing for our client, which included bespoke suits and jeans.”
Amid plans to expand adaptive clothing options in Australia, Weber recently carried out independent research to uncover what her customers were wanting.
“The number one thing people were after were jeans,” she said. “This is because there were no jeans available that did what it needed to do, with the right fit.
“They are specifically designed for people such as those who are in a wheelchair, who spend most of their time sitting down.”
The Shapes United ‘Seated Jeans’ will be offered in sizes ranging from XS to 7XL.
“The best thing about this work is providing life-changing clothing,” Weber said. “Having experienced it myself to a degree, making sure clothing can withstand the different daily needs is important.”
The jeans are available for preorder via The Shapes United website.
The Shapes United is stocked at The Iconic, Averee, Hello Good World, and Better That. This includes both adaptive and sensory collections.