Last Updated: June 26, 2025
A new project from Northumbria University students is creating stylish and accessible fashion for older adults living with care needs. The project is named, ‘Design for Dignity’ and was created by Carents, a social enterprise that supports adult children caring for their elderly parents.
The project was brought into being in response to members of the organisation’s bemoaning the ‘dowdy’ clothes available on the high street for their parents with care and support needs. 83% of polled members admitted that their loved one had considered not leaving the house because of how they felt self-conscious about their clothing.
Dr Jackie Gray, founder of Carents, said, ‘In later life, clothing isn’t just about fit – it’s about identity, dignity and freedom.
‘Our bodies change and garments must change too. Inclusive design in later life isn’t a luxury it’s essential for our health and wellbeing.’
The survey further revealed that 51% of adult carers believe the availability of fashionable and adaptive clothing would make a ‘huge difference’ in the lives of their loved ones. It also revealed that the number one frustration of adult carers when shopping for clothes is that they aren’t designed with the needs of older adults in mind, with most ‘carents’ struggling to find clothes that are both fashionable and easy to put on.
Dr Gray added, ‘One carent told us that they are forced to adapt their relative’s clothing for them due to the lack of options available and the feedback from most members is that most major fashion brands simply don’t consider the extra needs – be it mobility or frailty – many adults require’
‘Fashion needs to be not just for the young, able and healthy – there is a growing market for our rapidly growing older adult population – and the aim is to help draw attention to the opportunity.’
The Carents organi
sation is drawing attention to this by showcasing the students’ accessible and innovative clothing collection with help from 78-year-old model, Judith Douthwaite.
The designs from the collection will be judged by a panel of experts, including inclusive design expert and Styleability founder, Dr Jo Gooding. She will be joined by representatives from the UK-based fashion label Barbour; designer Dionne Kinghorn and design assistant Anna McMullan.
Anna McMullan said, ‘The competition has not only showcased creative talent but also highlighted significant opportunities in the market for adaptable fashion – something I’ve seen the need for personally through family experience.
‘It is inspiring to witness how these designs have functionality without compromising on identity or style.’
The need for adaptable fashion is become increasingly obvious with the UK’s rapidly aging population. By 2050, it is predicted that 1 in 4 people in the UK will be over 65. Currently, 44% of adults currently in that age range are classes as disabled with numbers expected to also rise.
Dionne Kinghorn, designer at Burberry, said, ‘Clothing and fashion are a huge part of many people’s identity and should be available to everyone of all ages and abilities, and I hope the designed for dignity campaign will help change this.’ She added that the campaign has highlighted a ‘gap in the market’ for adaptable fashion.
In other news, Bill to reform Universal Credit and PIP.
