Can Fashion Heal? The Rise of Trauma-Informed Design

Fashion has always been about self-expression, but what if it could be about healing too? As conversations about mental health, trauma, and disability acquire much-needed attention, designers are stepping up to create clothing that prioritises comfort, security, and empowerment over aesthetics.

Welcome to the era of trauma-informed design, where fashion is more than just looking nice; it's about feeling protected, seen, and powerful. 

For many survivors of trauma, chronic illness, or disability, clothing can be a battlefield. Something as simple as a restrictive neckline, an unexpected zipper, or an overwhelming texture can trigger discomfort or distress. Designers are flipping the script, crafting garments that are sensitive to these needs while still serving serious style.

For women escaping domestic violence, the simple act of choosing their own clothes can be a powerful symbol of reclaiming independence. 

After experiencing control over every aspect of their lives - including what they wore - many survivors find that regaining autonomy over their personal style is an essential step toward healing.

Charity founder, Rachael Bews, understands this deeply. Through her work at Alicas, she’s made it her mission to provide survivors with clothing that helps them rebuild their lives - not just by offering practical, comfortable pieces, but by restoring confidence through personal styling, wardrobe support, and emotional empowerment.

Her work isn’t just about fashion - it’s about dignity, choice, and self-expression. By giving women access to clothing that makes them feel like themselves again, Bews is proving that what we wear can be a powerful tool in reclaiming personal identity and rebuilding self-esteem. Because fashion isn’t just about aesthetics - it’s about identity, confidence, and stepping forward into a life free from fear.

Adaptive fashion is making significant progress, with manufacturers including sensory-friendly fabrics, easy-to-use closures, and designs that accommodate mobility aids without compromising style.  

Brands such as Slick Chicks are transforming lingerie by providing adapted, easy-access styles with side fastenings that prioritise independence and dignity for those with limited mobility. 

Meanwhile, others such as Unhidden Clothing, are making advances with stylish, functional designs adapted for persons with impairments, guaranteeing that fashion-forward styles are not constrained by accessibility requirements.

Mainstream brands like Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive and Nike FlyEase are following suit, proving that inclusivity doesn’t mean sacrificing aesthetics.

Fashion runways have always been a place for self-expression, but in recent years they've evolved into something even more powerful: a platform for healing, advocacy, and breaking down societal barriers. Designers and organisations are utilising the stage to explore deeply personal stories, demonstrating that fashion can be both an artistic medium and a tool for healing.

One of the most notable instances is ‘Break Free NYFW’,  a ground-breaking event that prioritises mental health and recovery throughout New York Fashion Week. Every season, Break Free hosts a fashion show in which activists, influencers, and people in recovery take the stage - not as models, but as storytellers. Their appearance on the runway disrupts traditional fashion rules and sends the message that there is life beyond recovery.

The rise of trauma-informed design isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessary shift towards a more compassionate, inclusive fashion industry. As more designers recognise that clothing isn’t just about looking good, but about feeling good - physically, emotionally, and psychologically, the industry is taking a step closer to making fashion truly for everyone.

Because in the end, fashion isn’t just about what we wear, it’s about how it makes us feel. And if clothes can be a source of comfort, empowerment, and even healing - why shouldn’t they be?