Paris Paralympic Games 2024: Redefining what’s Possible

Where Sport and Style Unite

Paralympians and our clients with disabilities agree that they often have to sacrifice style for practicality. Back in 2020, Scout Bassett (a 100m Paralympian), spoke with Women’s Health Magazine* about her struggles with finding adaptive sportswear that worked with her prosthetic leg; she lost her right leg as a baby after a chemical fire in China.

For Scout, getting tailored leggings wasn’t just about comfort; it was about confidence and feeling like herself. Her experience highlighted a bigger issue: why should anyone have to sacrifice style for function?

What is Adaptive Tailoring?

Adaptive Tailoring is the art of customising clothing to meet individual needs. The process allows for certain amendments to be made that can ensure the perfect fit for those with disabilities or unique body shapes.

Just as athletes redefine the limits of what the body can do, our approach to tailoring and style is based around crafting garments that compliment every unique body and help you to be your best self.

We aim to extend the limitations of traditional tailoring by incorporating thoughtful design elements — whether that be cutting a shorter jacket for wheelchair users so it sits nicely on top of the trousers, or lengthening the sleeves given that the user’s arms are typically bent when in a seated position - the tailoring journey should be welcoming to everyone.

We can incorporate different waistband styles for amputees or wheelchair users. A popular choice we offer is an elasticated waistband that adds extra comfort. We also advise a single vent (slit on the back of the jacket), in order to avoid the bottom of the jacket from bunching when in a seated position or getting caught in wheelchair wheels.

For those with visual impairments, our consultants are trained to use descriptive language to convey design details and ensure clear communication throughout the fitting process. We adapt our approach to each person’s preferences, so that all clients feel happy and confident in the suit they’re having made.

 “Their professionalism and ability to deliver stunning results on time, and at a reassuring price, make King & Allen an outstanding choice. Highly recommended for their specialised tailoring and understanding of the needs of wheelchair users.”

- King & Allen client, Simon -

Our very own Champion 

From dominating the basketball court to suiting-up down the aisle, we had the pleasure of dressing Paralympian and TV star Ade Adepitan for his wedding to singer Elle Exxe. Ade contracted polio when he was only 16 years old, but has since become a huge advocate and positive light in the world of paralympic sport. Needless to say, he was an absolute delight to work with when crafting his suit. For their wedding, Ade went for a deep blue suit, dazzled with rhinestone detailing. 

This fabulous day made it into the HELLO! Magazine where Ade was described as wearing a groom’s suit "adorned with crystals in a pattern that resembles the West African symbol for the power of love.”

At King & Allen, we strive to make every suit our personal best, constantly improving our personalised service to create garments that you’re proud to wear. If you want to find out more about our service, contact us here or give us a call on 0330 053 6776.

*https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a32998687/scout-bassett-adaptive-clothing/

Header Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Paralympic_logo_at_the_top_of_the_Arc_de_Triomphe,_Paris_2024_(2).jpg