Former student models Primark’s new adaptive clothing range

Congratulations to former National Star student Elliot for modelling Primark’s new adaptive clothing range at their launch this week!

Elliot shared, ‘I love that Primark was so inclusive. All the models had disabilities, and the clothing was made to fit our needs. I like being photographed because it shows who I am, disability and all.  I am a model. This is my first paid job ever, and it was very exciting getting some money of my own. Hopefully, some more work will come my way.’

This ground-breaking collection, developed with award-winning adaptive fashion designer and disability campaigner Victoria Jenkins, is a game-changer for accessible fashion. Featuring thoughtful details like button holes for feeding tubes, magnetic zips, and adjustable waists, these pieces are designed to make fashion more inclusive, functional, and stylish.

Primark has unveiled a new affordable 49-piece adaptive clothing range for men and women which includes wardrobe staples based on Primark’s bestsellers – all with features designed around the needs of disabled people or those experiencing temporary disability.

Highlights are:

• Women’s trench coat, (£40); also available in seated style (£30): A smart and stylish coat, ideal for transitioning through the seasons, featuring magnetic-fastening pockets, zip sleeves, an attached belt and an adjustable popper hem. There is also a cropped version of the trench for people who are seated.
• Women’s poplin shirt, (£18): A smart white shirt in a poplin material that features accessible openings and tube access.
• Women’s V-neck knitted jumper, (£24); also available in seated style: This sage green knitted jumper incorporates a double-ended zip sleeve and thumb holes, offering flexibility typically not available in knitwear. The seated version of this jumper has a shorter hem at the front.
• Men’s oxford shirt, (£16); also available in seated style: This pinstripe blue shirt features a side seam opening, popper sleeve fastenings and tube access on the front pocket, with a seated version with shorter hems and sleeves also available.
• Men’s straight leg jeans, (£14); also available in seated style: Featuring magnetic button closures, waistband pulls, and tube-access pockets, with the seated version featuring a longer back hem, ankle-cut leg and side zip.
• Men’s padded gilet, (£12): This padded black gilet features a magnetic zip, large pockets for medical devices and tube access.
• Women’s ribbed nightwear top (£12) and wide leg trousers (£14): These soft ribbed lounge top and wide leg trousers are Victoria Jenkins’ top pick of the collection. They feature poppers on sleeves and legs, tube-access pockets, and waistband loops for easier dressing.
• Women’s leisure zip through top (£20) and straight leg bottoms (£16): This tracksuit features a magnetic zip, pockets with tube access, larger pockets for medical devices and accessible openings.

The range is launching in 31 stores across Britain, including Hereford. For those looking to purchase items in Cheltenham or Mamhilad the range is available via Click & Collect only.

Victoria Jenkins shared, ‘Disabled people face lots of barriers in their lives and clothing shouldn’t be one of them. We don’t want to live in a uniform of jogging bottoms and t-shirts but often don’t have a choice. I hope this launch is a step in changing that narrative, bringing more choice to the high street. We’ve created pieces that are not only functional but fashionable and affordable, because everyone deserves to feel confident and stylish in what they wear.’

To drive this forward, Primark has partnered with a number of organisations and consultants including the Business Disability Forum, Dr. Shani Dhanda, Purple Tuesday and AccessAble, who have developed Detailed Access Guides for all Primark stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland to help customers plan their visits with confidence.

Adaptive fashion is hitting the high street, opening new doors and unique opportunities for people with disabilities. We’re so proud of Elliot and can’t wait to see what’s next for him!