Easy Wear Spotlight: Wrap Dress
“I’ve always designed things I needed FOR myself. It just turns out that other people need them too.”
- Claire McCardle
We think it’s important to acknowledge clothing currently on the high street that could have the potential to simplify others ability to dress themselves. Today we want to put a spotlight on the wrap dress.
HISTORY OF THE WRAP DRESS
The humble wrap dress, created by Elsa Schiaparelli in the 1930s and coined the popover by Claire McCardle in 1942, was designed with a front closure and ties to adjust to the wearer. It was originally called the popover dress due to this ease of wear and functionality . The dress was created with simplicity and the wearer in mind. This silhouette spiked in popularity in the 1970s when Diana Von Fürstenberg made her version popular, the one we know today. This is the most iconic design, featuring the classic v-neck, long sleeves, knee length, and elastic, body-hugging fabric.
The dress has a history of revolutionising women in a male-dominated work place, but could also be considered as one of the first accessible dresses made. Comfort, front closures and adjustability were prioritised within the dresses design, making it a more accessible option for those with some disabilities or those with the want for easy dressing. Lets talk about that.
HOW YOU WEAR WRAP DRESSES
We took to to social media to discuss the wearability of the wrap dress and how the disabled community wears it.
Antoinette at @AntoninetteSam_ stated that they require the least amount of energy for them to wear, without ‘tricky buttons’. They expanded on this point by explaining that they are great for medical tests and examinations, due to their ease of opening. The most frequent support of wrap dresses came from those unable to lift their arms above their head, the front fastening dresses and the availability on the high street
Other users pointed out how their versatility and adjustability mixes well with the unpredictability of being disabled. Dresses that lack a zipper were also noted to be particularly helpful.
I also love that some can be used as a sweater and/or something that can go underneath something so you are cozy. I love wrap dresses! They have no annoying zipper.
— Blooming Pixel (@PixelWanders) April 13, 2019
I’m very intolerant to having my arms above my head and makes fainting more likely so I can see the appeal of fastening dresses this way!
— Sophie (@sophieinparis) April 13, 2019
I like that they’re adjustable and comfy and look good and tbh just the best item to exist
— Hannah Rayelle (@hannahrayelle) April 13, 2019
HOW THE WRAP DRESS COULD BE IMPROVED
What are the cons of the wrap dress and how can its design be improved?
Those in the disabled community noted that magnetic fastenings would be helpful for some, offering more ease of wear than the classic tie. However it was equally noted that this may take away from the adjustability aspect that some want, which is a big influence on why some choose to wear the dress.
They're great- but the addition of magnetic snaps along the skirt make them even better?
— Head To Toe Organizers (@HTTOrganizers) April 13, 2019
Not 100% sure.. I saw your point about a more accessible fastening but I think that’d take away from the adjustability? Guess it depends how it is done
— Hannah Rayelle (@hannahrayelle) April 13, 2019
Others discussed the dilemma of wrap dresses not fitting properly around the bust, and how it can vary from being too small or too big. There is often a problem with fitting for the individual, which takes away some value of accessibility for the wearer.
I really like the idea of them, but I’ve had a hard time finding ones that don’t make me feel like my boobs are going to make an appearance if I don’t tie it super tight! But then I deal with sensory issues if it’s too tight.
— Ally Putvin (@AllyPutvin) April 13, 2019
So maybe higher neckline options? I’m not sure
Love the idea of wrap dresses, but don’t really have breasts or much of a waist so they really look bad on me & don’t stay closed in front. Perhaps could be designed w ability to accommodate more body types/ be adjustable in this way? Boobs seem to b the key to this dress
— JulietJohnson (@loftmoth) April 14, 2019
HOW WE WEAR WRAP DRESSES
Those at the The Able Label have fixed the issue of fastenings with wrap dresses, with their velcro hook and loop design. “Fastening to the side, the hook and loop had both been coloured to match – lime for left and red for right to make it easier to align and fasten correctly. To look at, you would not realise the wrap styles had been made easier to dress with fiddly fastenings removed.” See video below for more information.
This is definitely a solution if you would appreciate easier fastenings. The dress come in three different designs, the navy and deep red are our favourite, click below to shop them.
The Able Label: A video to demonstrate how to wear the wrap dress.
We wanted to show you some ways we’ve styled the most on trend wrap dresses for this season. Sticking with a colourful range of green and pink tones, stripes to florals, to bring a bit of fun into your spring styling. Dress it up with heels or down with boots, wear whatever makes you feel good.
To Left: Variety of woman standing leaning on black walking stick or sitting. She wears a light green grey toned floral maxi wrap dress. The floral pint has peach and white flowers with green leaves. It has short sleeves & a v neck, both with light frills. The woman has short black hair & wears healed green ankle boots.
To Right: Variety of woman standing leaning on black walking stick or sitting. She wears a pink, green, black & white stripe knee length wrap dress. It has short sleeves & a v neck. The woman has short black hair & wears green sandal heels.
Our model has EDS and Fibromyalgia. All pieces shown are from this season of UK Primark. Price range: £15-20. Cane: Model’s own.
We’ve chosen a range of our favourite wrap dresses for this season, all those included have tie fastenings. Shop them below.
