Fashion spotlight: Adapted Trends clothing

At Movao, we're always on the lookout for people and ideas that help our community thrive — and this summer at the LimbPower Games, I met someone doing exactly that!

Rachel Thompson, founder of Adapted Trends Clothing, is reshaping the world of adaptive fashion with her inclusive cargo pants and shorts — designed to combine functionality for various disabilities without compromising on comfort and style.

"Adaptive fashion is not just about making clothes accessible; it's about creating a sense of belonging. It's about allowing everyone to express their individuality and personality through their attire." — Rachel Thompson, Adapted Trends Clothing.

As someone who loves hiking and being outdoors, the waterproof cargo trousers instantly caught my attention — I couldn't resist trying them on, and honestly, they're brilliant. Not only practical but genuinely cool and ultra-comfortable. While I was trying them on, Rachel shared the story behind her brand and the personal journey that led her here — and it's one that really stayed with me.

Rachel, a former nurse, never set out to become a fashion designer. In 2022, she was invited to take part in a small creative challenge: to upcycle a denim jacket for a young, non-verbal wheelchair user named Jane. With the help of Jane's parents and a communication pod book, Rachel was able to understand Jane's style preferences and fashion desires.

That personal connection opened Rachel's eyes to the lack of representation in the fashion world.

"The need for inclusive and adaptive fashion hit me instantly," she recalls. "It's heartbreaking that in a world where trends change in the blink of an eye, people with disabilities are so often left behind — with no options to express their own identity."

For Rachel, the turning point was clear: limited mobility should never mean limited fashion choices. She was deeply moved by how such an essential form of self-expression was missing for so many, with around 1.3 billion people worldwide (roughly 16% of the global population) identifying as disabled.

While most people can express themselves freely through fashion, many disabled individuals are still forced to 'make do' with plain, practical and boring clothing that doesn't reflect who they really are.

From that moment, there was no turning back. With the help of her daughter, Rachel set out to change the narrative — creating a range of adaptive cargo trousers and shorts that are stylish, functional, and empowering.

Since the company's successful launch at Naidex 2025, Rachel has continued refining her designs. After speaking with me and others in the amputee community, she realised that the cargo trouser zips needed to open and close from both the top and bottom — and she had now added adaptive shorts to her collection, perfect for summer adventures.

When we spoke about the future of adaptive fashion, Rachel shared:

"I've designed a range of cargo-style trousers and shorts offering a fashionable alternative for people with disabilities who don't want to 'make do'. In the future, as more big brands and independent companies embrace accessibility, people with disabilities will finally have clothing that reflects who they are."

And she's right — it's an exciting time for adaptive fashion. A growing number of mainstream brands are stepping up to make style more inclusive. To name just a few, Primark, Tommy Hilfiger, and Zalando have all launched adaptive ranges, while Unhidden made headlines by showcasing its collection at London Fashion Week 2025. It's also rumoured that Uniqlo is developing an adaptive line, and both Adidas and Nike have begun introducing easy slip-on and adaptive ranges — designed with comfort and accessibility in mind. The future for more adaptive clothing options looks promising.

Adapted Trends cargo trousers & shorts — key features

• Wider leg in the thigh area and low-waisted front for comfort when seated.
• Two-way open-ended zips down the centre of each leg make dressing and undressing easier. It allows wearers to access prosthetics, catheter bags, stoma bags, and feeding tubes without removing the trousers. 
• Wide drawstring bottoms to accommodate splints and prosthetics, but can be tightened to shorten.
• High-waisted trousers for a stylish and flattering fit.
• Side pocket on each leg is easily accessible and the size of a phone.
• Access hole in each hip pocket for feeding tubes.

At Movao, we applaud Rachel's creativity and commitment to advancing adaptive fashion. We can't wait to feature her soon in a special Adaptive Fashion Movao LIVE talk — celebrating not just clothing, but the power of change, confidence, individuality, and the freedom to express yourself.

💬 Join the conversation: share your own fashion wins (or nightmares!) in the comments — mine has to be jeans and shoes... what's yours?

Order your pair online now: https://www.adaptedtrendsclothing.co.uk/