Penneys launches first adaptive fashion range for men and women

Sophie Collins

All items are adapted to meet the needs of disabled people or those experiencing temporary disabilities

Penneys has just launched a new 49-piece adaptive clothing collection, bringing stylish and functional fashion to more people at an affordable price.

Designed for both men and women, the collection includes wardrobe staples like trench coats, t-shirts, jumpers, and jeans, all adapted to meet the needs of disabled people or those experiencing temporary disabilities.

The range was created in collaboration with award-winning adaptive fashion designer and disability advocate Victoria Jenkins, founder of Unhidden.

Available since Tuesday, January 28th in 96 stores across 10 countries – including eight Penneys locations in Ireland – the collection is designed to make dressing easier and more comfortable without compromising on style.

It features thoughtful adaptations such as magnetic zippers, snap fastenings, waist loops for pulling up trousers, and hidden openings for tube, stoma, or catheter access.

There are also options designed specifically for people who are seated, including wheelchair users.

The collection was developed through a series of focus groups and fit sessions with members of the disabled community, ensuring that it reflects a diverse range of needs.

Ann-Marie Cregan, Trading Director for Penneys, said the brand has always been about making fashion accessible and affordable for everybody, and this collection is an important step in ensuring more people can find clothing that helps them feel confident and comfortable.

“There are over 200,000 people in Ireland today whose needs aren’t being met on the high street. This collection is an important step in ensuring that more people can find clothes that help them to look and feel their best without the high price tag that often comes with more specialist items or having to invest in expensive alterations.

“We’ve developed a range that focuses on timeless wardrobe staples that are carefully designed to be versatile and affordable. It has been amazing to collaborate with Victoria and bring her expertise and experience in adaptive fashion design to our teams.

“From discreet magnetic closures and waist loops on this season’s denim, to hidden tube access and soft, friction-free pyjamas, we’ve worked hard to incorporate adaptive features without compromising on style or comfort.”

Victoria Jenkins, the designer behind the collection, said she is excited about seeing adaptive fashion reach the high street on this scale.

“It’s an incredibly proud moment to see this collection go live and see adaptive fashion come to the high street on this scale for the first time.

“Disabled people face lots of barriers in their lives and clothing shouldn’t be one of them. We don’t want to live in a uniform of jogging bottoms and t-shirts but often don’t have a choice.

“I hope this launch is a step in changing that narrative, bringing more choice to the high street. We’ve created pieces that are not only functional but fashionable and affordable, because everyone deserves to feel confident and stylish in what they wear.

“I hope this inspires the industry to continue moving toward greater accessibility and inclusivity for all.”

Charlie Magadah-Williams, Head of Diversity & Inclusion at Penneys, said that this collection is part of the company’s broader efforts to make its stores, products, and workplace more accessible.

“Since the launch of our accessibility commitments, we have been working to make Penneys more accessible for our customers and colleagues and the last twelve months have seen us accelerate this, introducing wider changes right across our business.

“At each stage of the journey in developing this adaptive collection we’ve challenged ourselves to make every element of it more accessible – from the labelling used through to how a customer will experience the product when shopping in store.

“We’re so grateful for the expert partnership we’ve drawn on and the many colleagues and advisors we’ve worked with in the disabled community to inform this collection and our work, who have pushed us to go further and do more.”

This launch builds on the success of Penneys’ first adaptive lingerie range, which was introduced in January 2024 alongside a commitment to improving accessibility for both customers and employees.

Like most Penneys clothing, the adaptive collection has been tested against the Primark Durability Framework, ensuring it meets high standards for wear and washability.

This means shoppers can trust that affordability doesn’t come at the expense of quality.