JCPenney has released a new line of attractive and functional apparel 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 slacks, blouses, cocktail outfits and more. Available in women’s sizes XS-XXL, the collection ranges from $44-$99.  

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

My favorite item was the Adaptive Quilted Faux Leather Moto Jacket. I’ve always wanted a leather jacket but found them to be too bulky and long. The cropped style worked well for my short torso. The sizing was perfect and it was easy to roll in. My one comment is the zipper was somewhat difficult to use due to my limited dexterity, but it was doable after a few tries.  

Next I tried the Adaptive Seated Rise Full-Length 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 can’t operate buttons and zippers independently due to limited dexterity. 

These pants accounted for all these issues. They fit perfectly in all the right places and I could slide them on easily with help from the loops inside the waistband. They don’t have any zippers or buttons, which saved time and frustration. I loved that the pants were shorter in front and higher in back, making for a more comfortable and flattering fit — most mainstream pants are the opposite.  

Unfortunately, the Adaptive Faux Leather Ponte Pant didn’t work as well. While they were still easy to get on and were fitted on 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 Adaptive Faux Leather-Trim Cropped Jacket because it isn’t something I would normally pick out for myself and felt like a perfect in-between option for fall. The cropped style and quarter-length sleeves prevented the jacket from rubbing on my tires. Like the faux leather jacket, the zipper was a bit hard for me, but the buttons snap easily and everything feels secure once situated. There is extra fabric across the back so it’s not too snug when I’m pushing my chair. I know I’ll get a lot of use out of this, as it can be worn in both casual and more-elevated settings.  

Joggers are already a staple in my closet and I have no problem finding ones that work from mainstream stores like Uniqlo and lululemon. I wanted to try the Adaptive Cargo Jogger Pant though, because of a unique pocket on the lower leg. I normally keep my phone in between my side guard and thigh, and I’ve dropped it too many times to count, so an easy-access pocket seemed like a definite perk. The pocket performed as well as I’d hoped — it has magnetic clasps that kept my items safe and the flap was easy to manipulate. The pants feature an adjustable elastic-drawstring waistband, and like the other pants in the collection, have inner pull-on loops to assist those with limited hand-mobility and a shorter front rise with an extended back.  

Lastly, the Adaptive Colorblock Wide-Leg Suit Pant caught my eye. It looked like something the girls from Selling Sunset would wear and I had to try it. I would suggest sizing down because the pants drowned me even in a small. The waist was very loose and the pants were baggy but the top can be worn with different bottoms. The combo looked fabulous on the models, but not every item will work for every body, adaptive or not.  

Perry shared what she hopes people will take away from the collection. “If you’re a woman in a wheelchair, so 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 thought that this collection flips the script on that,” she says. “It’s a love letter to my community, and I hope it’s only the start of an adaptive revolution in the fashion industry.” 

In my opinion, Perry has achieved her goal. I hope more brands follow JCPenney’s lead in creating more inclusivity in fashion and recognizing the huge spending power of the disability community. 

For more information or to purchase, visit JCPenney.

Shannon Kelly is Senior Marketing Manager for United Spinal Association.