FOCUSING ON WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY FASHION

Why should a wheelchair user settle for functional and dull clothing? Should we have the choice of looking good and being comfortable at the same time?

Paralympic archer Chloe Ball-Hopkins thinks we should, and decided to do something about it. Chloe has been talking to Spinal Life about her fantastic achievement.

Chloe was at a festival last year when heavy rain left her looking like "you've taken your Gran out of the care home for the day". That experience was the inspiration behind creating a waterproof jumpsuit that was fashionable, practical and suitable for everyone. Wheelchair user or not.

Chloe, a BBC Bristol sports reporter, pitched the idea to online fashion giants ASOS and was shocked by the reply. They were keen to work together and turn her idea into a reality and sell the item on their website.

The bright jumpsuit can be worn as an all-in-one, or thanks to a zip around the waistband, can be easily transformed to create a pair of cuffed ankle trousers and a separate hooded top with a waterproof pocket on the breast. Speaking to the BBC, Chloe pointed out that this was fashion suitable for everyone. "You get the same version whether it's you or I buying it, that’s the point. It’s exactly the same for me as it is for you."

When chatting with Spinal Life, we spoke about the lack of choice available to fashion conscious wheelchair users. I asked Chloe if she thought more companies would start to consider our customer base.

"I think it's already starting to happen. What myself and ASOS did was show you how it can be done in collaboration and we have already seen a number of other companies starting to do this too. It won't happen overnight but it's happening."

Chloe spoke about what she finds most frustrating when shopping on the high street. "I think for me the most frustrating thing with shopping is either physically reaching things in store or finding clothes that are comfortable all day but aren't just joggers and hoodie. I want a good pair of jeans!"