Design and Product Development

“So I instantly know that’s not going to work”: Pant Fit Issues For Women Who Use Wheelchairs

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Abstract

For over one billion people with disabilities (PWDs), ready-to-wear (RTW) clothing options often fail to meet their functional, aesthetic, and fit needs. This study investigates pant-related challenges for women who use wheelchairs, aiming to inform a design process that incorporates essential aesthetic, functional, and performance features. Framed by the social model of disability and employing a user-centered design approach, five semi-structured interviews were conducted with wheelchair users aged 25–35. Participants highlighted significant difficulties with waistbands, closures, and pant length. Issues included discomfort from non-elastic waistbands, difficulty manipulating small closures, and improper garment lengths for seated positions. Participants expressed a preference for elastic waistbands and pull-on styles to improve comfort and independence. These findings emphasize the need for inclusive apparel designs that address the unique fit and functional requirements of wheelchair users. Insights from this study provide a foundation for developing clothing that enhances accessibility and autonomy for PWDs.

Keywords: apparel, wheelchair, people with disabilities, fit

How to Cite:

Miller, M. L. & McBee-Black, K., (2025) ““So I instantly know that’s not going to work”: Pant Fit Issues For Women Who Use Wheelchairs”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 81(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.18935