In recent years, adaptive fashion has gradually become mainstream with brands creating more design-forward, inclusive collections. Yet, many of the options available to the adaptive community are not to the design standards young people expect today. Launching nationwide, the JanSport Adaptive Collection features two new versatile, fashionable, and durable bags geared toward people with limited mobility.
In collaboration with Disability:IN, the leading organization driving disability inclusion and equality in business worldwide, the JanSport Adaptive Collection is the culmination of three years of dedicated research, product testing, and listening to the people with disabilities community. The new line embraces 50 years of JanSport’s mission to be more inclusive with each backpack, bag and accessory created, while maintaining the classic look and feel of a JanSport that consumers know and love.
“JanSport strives to meet consumers where they are by intently listening and developing products that are inclusive, stylish and functional, while simultaneously providing an opportunity for self-expression,” says Monica Rigali, Vice President, Global Brand, at JanSport. “Consumers with disabilities played an incredibly large role in our adaptive journey from conception to testing, and this collection would not have been possible without their honest advice, feedback and support.”
The adaptive fashion market is projected to be worth some $490 billion by 2026 and is becoming mainstream as more brands develop design-forward, inclusive collections to recognize the one in four individuals in the U.S. with a disability. Many brands are going beyond functionality to build better design aesthetics into their clothing, bags and other products to appeal to consumers’ personal styles.
“Disability:IN is proud to help retailers like JanSport to research, test and develop adaptive fashion lines that give consumers with disabilities access to more choice and expressivity,” says Jill Houghton, President and CEO of Disability:IN. “People with disabilities are driving the adaptive fashion movement, creating a tremendous opportunity for brands to both represent people with disabilities and showcase their progress towards inclusion in the way they design and innovate their products. While there is still a long way to go in the fashion industry, we applaud JanSport for its commitment to designing stylish backpacks that are inclusive to people with limited mobility needs,” Houghton says.
JanSport’s adaptive journey began with research and the goal to learn as much as possible about the community of adaptive bag users. Disability:IN provided JanSport with focus groups consisting of people with mobility-related disabilities, including wheelchair users, to conduct product testing and understand their frustrations with bags currently in the market.
JanSport learned that in addition to minimal strap features and limited color selections, the adaptive community sought more bags with a traditional appearance rather than many options that have a medical grade look and feel. The research process solidified JanSport’s commitment to designing an adaptive backpack and a smaller crossbody accessory bag that would encompass the classic JanSport DNA and meet the needs of consumers.
The JanSport Adaptive Collection features two stylish, durable, and versatile products. Each bag comes in two colorways – Black and Misty Rose (Powder Pink) and in one pattern – Hippie Days (Tie Dye). The Adaptive Collection is available now on jansport.com and at select retailers nationwide. For more information, visit jansport.com
