Fashion is everywhere, but for millions of Indians with disabilities or age-related mobility challenges, finding suitable clothes is still a struggle. Despite India being home to over 10% elderly and millions of differently-abled citizens, adaptive fashion remains largely invisible in mainstream stores.

Take Soumita Basu, who founded Zyenika after an autoimmune disorder made dressing painful. Her brand offers chic front-open dresses and easy-wear pants, proving inclusivity can be stylish. Similarly, Bengaluru-based Multifly designs tactile shirts for the visually impaired, magnetic closures, and trousers with discreet zippers for medical needs. Even denim isn’t left behind—Haxor created amputee-friendly jeans, restoring not just comfort but dignity.

But challenges remain. Lack of awareness, limited retail presence, and social stigma mean adaptive fashion is still viewed as “special clothing” rather than mainstream. Experts argue that fashion is meant to adapt to people, not the other way around. Globally, brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Primark are ahead, but India is slowly catching up.

From saris to jeans, inclusive fashion is about more than fabric—it’s about identity, independence, and the right to style for everyone.