New business sells wheelchair-friendly fashion

Wheelchair users face some specific challenges when it comes to finding clothing that’s both functional and fashionable. But a new business hopes to solve that problem for fashion-conscious young men who also use wheelchairs.

The new business, called rock the wheel, will be the first studio and shop to offer made-to-measure style-conscious clothing options for male wheelchair users. On November 14, the brand plans to launch an effort to raise funds for a retail space via the crowdfunding site Indiegogo.

The goal of rock the wheel is to provide users with a place where they will be able to purchase clothing customized to their specific needs and preferences, according to designboom.

Some of the clothing challenges faced by people in wheelchairs include difficulty putting on and taking off clothing unassisted, unreachable pockets, excess fabric, t-shirts that are too short, and pants that can cause discomfort or pain because of how they’re designed. rock the wheel has created mix-and-match wardrobe collection that includes six essential pieces that can be dressy or casual. Each garment is fitted exactly to the specifications of the wearer to make sure the fit is practical and comfortable.

Several years ago, the founder of rock the wheel, Robert Rodriguez, was involved in an automobile accident that left him with paralysis. He found that he was frustrated with not being able to find clothing to fit his needs. So he partnered with fashion designer Francisco Platt, a longtime friend, to form the business and develop the six-piece collection.

According to the National Institutes of Health, 2.2 million people in the United States depend on a wheelchair for day-to-day tasks and mobility. 6.5 million people use a cane, a walker, or crutches to assist with their mobility.

People looking for a wheelchair to assist with their mobility needs can find more information on the Intellichair website.

delta