Reviewed: Jamey Perry for JCPenney Adaptive Clothing Line

JCPenney has launched a new line of attractive and functional clothing designed for women who use wheelchairs. The limited-time collaboration with disabled writer and athlete Jamey Perry features 18 stylish and functional pieces, including blazers, dress pants, blouses, cocktail sets and more. Available in women’s sizes XS-XXL, the collection ranges from $44 to $99.

As someone who has been disabled since childhood and has used a wheelchair since 2008, finding clothing that I feel confident in and can drive independently has always been an issue. I was excited to get my hands on several of these pieces to see how they worked and looked. Knowing that a wheelchair user collaborated on the design of all the items made me feel even more optimistic.

My favorite article was Adaptable Quilted Faux Leather Biker Jacket. I always wanted a leather jacket, but found them too bulky and long. The cropped style worked well for my short torso. The size was perfect and easy to roll up. My only comment is that the zipper was a little difficult to use due to my limited dexterity, but it was possible after a few tries.

Then I tried the Adaptive Full Length Sit-Waist Leggings. Finding the right pants has always been impossible for me. The fabric is usually bulky around the waist due to my smaller legs and I cannot operate buttons and zippers independently due to my limited dexterity.

These pants represented all of these problems. They fit perfectly in all the right places and I can easily put them on with the help of the loops inside the waistband. They have no zippers or buttons, which saved time and frustration. I loved that the pants were shorter in the front and higher in the back, making them more comfortable and flattering; most conventional pants are the complete opposite.

Unfortunately, the Adaptable Faux Leather Ponte Pant It didn’t work out so well. While they were still easy to put on and fit my calves, there was too much material around my thighs and it bunched up.

I have a closet full of light jackets and heavy winter coats, so I wanted to try the Adaptable short jacket with faux fur trim because it’s not something I would normally choose for myself and it seemed like a perfect middle option for fall. The cropped style and quarter sleeves kept the jacket from rubbing against my tires. Like the faux fur jacket, I found the zipper a little difficult, but the buttons open easily and everything feels secure once on. There is extra fabric on the back so it doesn’t get too snug when I push the chair. I know I will get a lot of use out of it as it can be used in both casual and more elevated settings.

Joggers are already a staple in my closet and I have no problem finding ones that work at mainstream stores like Uniqlo and lululemon. I wanted to try the Adaptable cargo jogger pants However, due to a single pocket on the lower leg. I normally keep my phone between the side guard and thigh, and I’ve dropped it too many times to count, so an easy-access pocket seemed like a definite plus. The pocket worked as well as I expected: it has magnetic closures that kept my items secure and the flap was easy to manipulate. The pants feature an adjustable drawstring elastic waistband and, like the other pants in the collection, have interior belt loops to assist those with limited hand mobility and a shorter front rise with an extended back.

Lastly, the Customizable Color Block Wide Leg Suit Pant It caught my attention. It seemed like something girls I sell sunset would use and had to try it. I would suggest a size smaller because the pants suffocated me even in a small size. The waist was very loose and the pants were baggy, but the top can be worn with different pants. The combination looked fabulous on the models, but not every item will work for every body, adaptable or not.

Perry shared what she hopes people take away from the collection. “If you are a woman in a wheelchair, few things in fashion are designed with YOU in mind. Instead, we have to adapt our bodies and our styles to what is available. “I love the idea of ​​this collection flipping the script,” she says. “It’s a love letter to my community and I hope it’s just the beginning of an adaptive revolution in the fashion industry.”

In my opinion, Perry has achieved his goal. I hope more brands follow JCPenney’s lead in creating more inclusivity in fashion and recognizing the enormous purchasing power of the disabled community.

For more information or to purchase visit JCPenney.