Intimate Apparel Challenges and Consumer Satisfaction among Female and Non-binary People with Disabilities: An Exploratory Study to Formulate Future Research Opportunities

Abstract

Adaptive intimate apparel is an emerging market that has yet to gain traction in the apparel marketplace. Female and non-binary individuals with disabilities (FNBIWDs) are the largest minority group in the world (Donovan 2020). However, despite their significance, their intimate apparel needs and wants have been ignored (McBee-Black 2021). While some literature explores the intimate apparel needs and wants of people with disabilities (PWDs), the scope of this research is narrow. It needs to address consumer satisfaction and intimate apparel challenges fully. Therefore, this study aimed to fill the gap in the literature by exploring whether FNBIWDs are satisfied with the intimate apparel in the marketplace and what challenges they face when using or wearing intimate apparel. The study is guided by the following exploratory questions: How satisfied are FNBIWDs with the current intimate apparel products in the marketplace? What are the intimate apparel challenges facing FNBIWDs? What features do FNBIWDs want in their intimate apparel? A secondary data method explored intimate apparel challenges and satisfaction among FNBIWD consumers. The study results show a lack of satisfaction in intimate apparel due to a failure to address both the functional and aesthetic needs of the FNBIWDs consumer.