High street retailer Primark has launched a line of accessible underwear in the UK, featuring magnetic closures on bras and pants. The four-piece range was developed in collaboration with disabled people and is designed to help people feel more confident and independent. The closures, which include Velcro and clasps at each side of the briefs, mean wearers no longer have to bend down to put them on. The range is set to launch in seven of Primark’s 191 stores, as well as online.
The new range has been applauded by Eliza Rain, a content creator and ambulatory wheelchair user, who has praised the easy-to-use features. “You just want to feel confident in yourself, and if something isn’t working in my chair, that can just be frustrating and doesn’t make me feel that great or confident,” she said. Caitlin Hartwell, 25, who has limited mobility and is unable to dress herself, said the range would provide a huge boost to her self-confidence and independence.
Primark is one of a growing number of retailers offering more affordable accessible items. In 2019, George at Asda launched its Easy On Easy Wear range of clothing for under-16s. However, Primark is the first high street retailer to offer this type of underwear in the UK. The retailer also plans to be more inclusive by inviting experts to review its stores and identify any changes that could make them more accessible to all customers.
Accessible garments tend to be more commonly available from small independent businesses, where prices can be prohibitive. The move by Primark to offer a range of affordable underwear for disabled people has been welcomed by campaigners as “really important”. According to charity Scope, disabled people are twice as likely to be unemployed and more likely to be living in poverty than non-disabled people
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