JCPenney Launches Wheelchair Adaptive Fashion Collection

JCPenney Unveils Jamey Perry’s Clothing Line Designed for Women Who Use Wheelchairs

Jamey Perry wearing clothing pieces from the Jamey Perry for JCPenney collection | ©Image Credit: JCPenney
Jamey Perry wearing clothing pieces from the Jamey Perry for JCPenney collection | ©Image Credit: JCPenney

JCPenney is proud to introduce a new collection of clothing designed specifically for women who use wheelchairs. Created in collaboration with Jamey Perry, a talented writer and athlete with a disability, this line of adaptive apparel combines fashion-forward designs with practical features to ensure both comfort and style. Read on to learn more about the Jamey Perry for JCPenney collection and discover how this innovative line addresses the unique needs of female wheelchair users while offering stylish options for daily wear, special occasions, and everything in between.

Introducing the Jamey Perry for JCPenney Collection

Launched on September 9th at the Runway of Dreams’ Fashion Revolution show during New York Fashion Week, the Jamey Perry for JCPenney collection marks the latest step in JCPenney’s dedication to adaptive fashion. This collaboration reflects the retailer’s commitment to making fashion more inclusive and accessible for America’s diverse working families. Since 2021, JCPenney has expanded its range of adaptive apparel for both adults and children, adding this collection to a lineup that includes brands such as Liz Claiborne, IZOD, St. John’s Bay, and Thereabouts.

Available in women’s sizes XS to XXL, the collection is priced between $44 and $99 and features 18 versatile styles, including blazers, dress slacks, blouses, and cocktail outfits. Each piece addresses common challenges women in wheelchairs face when dressing. These thoughtful designs include well-placed zippers for easy access, pockets positioned for optimal use while seated, soft and breathable fabrics to minimize skin irritation, extended back rises to accommodate seated wear, shortened sleeves to avoid interference with wheels, and waistband loops to simplify dressing—all while maintaining a stylish aesthetic. You can check out some of the items from the collection in the photos below:

Jamey Perry wearing a high-low sweater and a pair of jeans from the Jamey Perry for JCPenney collection | ©Image Credit: JCPenney
Jamey Perry wearing a high-low sweater and a pair of jeans from the Jamey Perry for JCPenney collection | ©Image Credit: JCPenney
Jamey Perry wearing a trenchcoat, a high-low sweater, and a pair of jeans from the Jamey Perry for JCPenney collection | ©Image Credit: JCPenney
Jamey Perry wearing a trenchcoat, a high-low sweater, and a pair of jeans from the Jamey Perry for JCPenney collection | ©Image Credit: JCPenney
Jamey Perry wearing a colorblock blazer and a pair of wide-leg colorblock pants from the Jamey Perry for JCPenney collection | ©Image Credit: JCPenney
Jamey Perry wearing a colorblock blazer and a pair of wide-leg colorblock pants from the Jamey Perry for JCPenney collection | ©Image Credit: JCPenney
Jamey Perry wearing a cowl neck short-sleeve sweater and a pair of faux leather ponte pants from the Jamey Perry for JCPenney collection | ©Image Credit: JCPenney
Jamey Perry wearing a cowl neck short-sleeve sweater and a pair of faux leather ponte pants from the Jamey Perry for JCPenney collection | ©Image Credit: JCPenney

“Creating this line with JCPenney has been a dream come true,” said Perry in a press release, announcing the collection. “Although I’m new to the design world, the JCPenney team understood that my lived experience lent a unique perspective when creating this collection. Women like me want to look great and feel great, and we also need clothes that fit our lives. JCPenney gets that and the result is incredible.”

Chris Phillips, SVP, GMM Apparel and Head of Ecommerce for JCPenney, added: “Jamey made it clear how hard it can be for women who use wheelchairs to find outfits that work for dressier moments – weddings, a night out, or an important work event – that are also comfortable and meet their mobility needs. We took on that challenge together and are delighted to have created a collection that is high-fashion and high-function. We are proud to continue growing our adaptive apparel at JCPenney and remain committed to making fashion truly accessible.”

The entire collection is now available for purchase online at JCPenney.com.

Who Is Jamey Perry?

Jamey Perry is a mom and writer residing in Los Angeles, but she is best known as a force to be reckoned with in the world of adaptive sports.

Perry currently plays Division 1 wheelchair basketball for the Los Angeles Clippers Chairmen, a member of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA). In recognition of her achievements and contributions to the team, JCPenney has generously donated $10,000 to support Perry and her fellow athletes.

Beyond basketball, Perry is a versatile athlete, participating in sitting volleyball and excelling in WCMX (Wheelchair Motocross), a sport akin to BMX. In 2016, she made history by becoming WCMX’s first-ever women’s world champion.

Perry’s dedication and talent have solidified her status as a trailblazer in the adaptive sports realm. Her accomplishments inspire athletes and individuals with disabilities worldwide, demonstrating the incredible potential and determination that can be achieved through perseverance and passion.

Meet Jamey Perry | JCPenney

Adaptive Fashion on the Rise: A Growing Trend in the Industry

As J.C. Penney continues to expand its offerings in adaptive clothing, the broader fashion industry is following suit. Major brands and retailers are increasingly recognizing the need for apparel designed to accommodate people with disabilities.

In August 2023, QVC added adaptive styles to its Denim & Co. private-label brand, catering to a wider range of sizes from XXS to 3X. A year earlier, Kohl’s and Nine West launched an adaptive apparel line featuring blazers, blouses, dresses, pants, and tops. Soon after, Victoria’s Secret & Co. debuted its adaptive intimates line, incorporating features like magnetic closures and adjustable front straps.

While the growing number of adaptive apparel lines is a positive development, critics argue that the fashion industry still falls short in serving individuals with disabilities. According to Retail Dive, Ben Barry, dean of fashion at Parsons School of Design in New York, who is disabled, said that it is more important for these companies to change their hiring practices than simply launch adaptive collections. Barry believes that by employing individuals with disabilities within their workforce, brands can gain invaluable insights and create truly inclusive collections.

Source: JCPenney, Retail Dive
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