The Real Story Behind Adaptive Fashion: Why It Costs More and Delivers Unmatched Value

Community-Driven Design: More Than Just Clothes

At Christina Stephens, every collection begins and ends with our community. We don’t just design adaptive fashion—we build it alongside the people who wear it.

Through customer focus groups, ongoing feedback loops, and industry collaborations, we refine each piece to meet real-world needs. Our design process considers a range of lived experiences and disabilities, recognising that needs can change throughout the day.

For example, Rachael and Alexa, who both use a wheelchair part-time, require clothing that accommodates movement from standing to seated positions. Features like strategic seam placement, flexible waistbands, and easy closures ensure comfort and functionality, no matter how their day unfolds.

Beyond wearer feedback, we analyse sales data to refine our bestsellers and test new concepts. We also collaborate with textile experts and industry leaders worldwide, ensuring the latest innovations—like spill-resistant fabrics, temperature regulating denim and durable magnetic fastenings—become part of our adaptive designs.

This approach is time-consuming, but it’s what makes Christina Stephens a leader in adaptive fashion. The result is clothing that is stylish, functional, and designed for real people, not just the runway.

Why Can Adaptive Fashion Sometimes Cost More?

There’s a big difference between something being costly and something being expensive.

• Expensive means overpriced for what it delivers.

• Costly means thoughtfully made, with high-quality materials and attention to function—an investment that delivers long-term value.

Most mainstream fashion is designed for mass production—cheap materials, fast construction, and fleeting trends. Adaptive fashion is the opposite.

Why Can’t Mainstream Fashion Simply Be “Adapted”?

Adapting mainstream fashion isn’t just a matter of adding a few zippers or adjusting a hem. It requires fundamental changes in pattern design, production process, and fabric development.

• More Fabric & Material: Many adaptive garments require extra fabric for ease of movement, hidden stretch panels, or longer front panels to prevent rising when seated.

• Specialised Features: Magnetic closures, one-handed zippers, and seam-free designs add both cost and complexity to production.

• Precision Construction: Adaptive garments require tailored construction—ensuring ease of dressing and a great fit, regardless of the wearer’s mobility.

While some mainstream brands offer token adaptive pieces, they often fall short on durability, practicality, and comfort. That’s why we create adaptive-first designs—so that every garment is built from the ground up to work for your needs, not against them.

How We’ve Kept Costs Down Without Compromising Quality

At launch, Christina Stephens was proudly made in Australia, but the reality of high production costs meant pricing was out of reach for many customers.

To improve accessibility, we moved production offshore while keeping all design, marketing, and quality control in Australia. This shift allowed us to reduce costs without sacrificing ethics, sustainability, or product quality.

That’s why a Christina Stephens garment lasts longer and works harder. Our pieces are an investment—one that saves time, reduces frustration, and improves comfort, safety and independence every single day.

The Bigger Picture: Investing in Adaptive Fashion

Adaptive fashion isn’t just about clothes—it’s about changing an industry mindset.

• For customers: It means having real choices—clothes that fit, function, and feel great.

• For plan managers & allied health professionals: It means recommending solutions that improve quality of life.

• For retailers: It means recognising the growing demand for inclusive fashion.

Christina Stephens isn’t just another fashion brand—we’re part of a movement.

Your Next Step

Want to experience adaptive clothing that’s designed to work for you?

• Shop the latest UN/HINGED collection 

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