ASOS Is Selling a Rainproof Jumpsuit Designed for People Who Use Wheelchairs
ASOS has been working to expand representation within its line, offering a gender-neutral collection, broadening options for plus-sized women, and promoting positive body image and mental wellness. In keeping with its recent initiatives, the brand has now released a tie-dye rain suit—one that can be zipped together into a jumpsuit, no less. Best of all, it’s designed specifically with wheelchair users in mind.
“Accessible clothing is an area that we’re looking to make improvements in, both in terms of designing clothes differently and helping people with specific needs find what they’re looking for more easily,” ASOS’ corporate website reads.
The coolest part? ASOS partnered with Chloe Ball-Hopkins, a reporter and model who uses a wheelchair, to create the jumpsuit with careful considerations. Online, the jumpsuit’s description reveals that the item is fully waterproof, has a hem that’s a little longer in the back to stop it from riding up, and comes in a relaxed fit. Ball-Hopkins models the piece on the ASOS website, where the jumpsuit sells for $64.
Ball-Hopkin praised the collaboration in a tweet posted on Tuesday: “So over the last several months I have been working with @ASOS to create a fashionable, yet practical waterproof all in one,” she wrote. “Not just for people like me in a chair but for anyone. It’s about making fashion accessible! So what should be next?! https://bit.ly/2KKXAo”
https://twitter.com/chloe_ballhopzy/status/1014444230830419969
On Twitter, social media users quickly embraced the product and applauded Ball-Hopkin. “Yes. Yes. Yes! This is so good to see. This is what our young people keep asking for and it is great to see @ASOS leading the way with models who are wheelchair users AND fashion which is accessible! Great job @chloe_ballhopzy,” tweeted Whizz-Kidz, a UK charity that supports young people who have disabilities.
Shona Louise, a blogger who wrote a powerful piece about the garment, tweeted, “It’s actually been designed with wheelchair users in mind!! Accessible clothing on @ASOS ? I seriously never thought I’d see this happen, so happy ☺️ I kind of want it.”
https://twitter.com/shonalouiseblog/status/1014513093483917312
Other reactions were equally positive—and enthusiastic:
https://twitter.com/shonalouiseblog/status/1014513093483917312
https://twitter.com/chloe_ballhopzy/status/1014466919598944256
https://twitter.com/chloe_ballhopzy/status/1014484171429826560
https://twitter.com/fashionbellee/status/1014502894048043009
Earlier this year, shoppers also noticed that ASOS had launched a campaign that featured Mama Cāx, a model, blogger, and advocate who had a leg amputation. The jumpsuit is ASOS’ latest step forward in accessible fashion—and one that hopefully reverberates in more parts of the industry soon.
RELATED: How Fashion Brands Can—and Should—Address Shoppers With Disabilities