Aerie and Liberare: Redefining Intimates for People with Disabilities

Where fashion meets accessibility: Adaptive intimates that empower, dignify, and include people of all abilities.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Oct 2, 2025

Where fashion meets accessibility: Adaptive intimates that empower, dignify, and include people of all abilities.

Adaptive Intimates: A New Era for Accessibility, Fashion, and Empowerment

For far too long, intimate apparel for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses was either nonexistent or blandly functional, prioritizing ease over style. The partnership between Aerie and Liberare is changing that narrative. Their adaptive intimates collection not only brings functionality to women requiring accessible lingerie, but does so with beauty, confidence, and inclusion at its core.

Why Accessible Intimates Matter

Approximately one in four Americans lives with a disability, chronic pain, or mobility challenges. The seemingly simple task of putting on a bra or pair of underwear can be daunting, painful, or downright impossible for many. Until recently, most adaptive clothing options were medical in appearance, severely lacking in modernity, femininity, and sexiness. This gap in the fashion market left millions feeling unseen, undignified, and excluded from expressing themselves through their clothes—especially their most intimate ones.

Adaptive apparel enables individuals to dress independently and comfortably.
Empowering design enhances self-confidence, dignity, and self-expression.
Accessible products help combat the “dehumanizing” feeling many face when shopping for or wearing standard apparel.

The Aerie x Liberare Collaboration: Origins and Values

The story behind Aerie and Liberare’s partnership is rooted in lived experience and advocacy. Emma Butler, Liberare’s founder and CEO, was inspired by her mother’s struggle with chronic illness and pain, which made dressing a difficult, painful process. She noticed that most ‘adaptive’ intimatewear options were clinical, devoid of style, and failed to honor the dignity or self-worth of the women wearing them.

With this in mind, Butler launched Liberare with the mission to offer beautiful and functional lingerie—designed by and for disabled women. Teaming up with industry consultant Maddie Hyland, Liberare developed bras, underwear, and sleepwear that use unique fabrics, fasteners, and accessibility features without sacrificing style.

Butler’s vision aligned perfectly with Aerie’s core commitment to representation, authenticity, and inclusion. The collaboration expands both brands’ efforts to ensure fashion is for every body—and every ability.

What Makes Adaptive Intimates Unique?

The Aerie x Liberare collection is a triumph of inclusive design, blending accessibility with high fashion. The line features:

Magnetic closures and easy-to-grip loops for bras—enabling people with limited mobility or dexterity to dress without assistance.
Side-opening panties that fasten with fabric-covered Velcro or magnets, so users can dress comfortably while seated or lying down.
Thoughtful adjustments, such as front strap adjusters and slightly higher waistbands, to fit both seated and non-seated bodies.
Soft, stretchy fabrics like breathable microfiber and sheer lace for a “feel-as-good-as-you-look” experience.
Feminine, contemporary aesthetics—colors, cuts, and details designed to celebrate rather than conceal the wearer’s sense of style.

Feature	Purpose	Style Element
Magnetic Closures	Easy on/off for limited dexterity	Seamless design, hidden fastenings
Grip Loops	No pinching or fiddling required	Discreet, built into seams
Side-Opening Undies	Accessible dressing while seated	Decorative lace, modern colors
Front Strap Adjusters	Reach-free tightening	Sleek hardware, barely visible
Slightly Higher Waistbands	Comfort for seated/non-seated bodies	Trendy high-rise fit

Voices Behind the Revolution: Meet the Creators

Representation was essential not just in front of the camera but at every level of development. The Aerie x Liberare team is composed of disabled leaders, designers, and creators along with nondisabled allies, all of whom have had personal experience with disability. This ensured an authentic approach to both the product and the message of inclusion.

Alyssa Silva, Liberare’s Chief Creative Officer (herself living with spinal muscular atrophy), summed up their philosophy: “Most adaptive apparel is medical or ugly. It isn’t cute, feminine, or sexy. There isn’t much out there for disabled people to feel beautiful in, so we worked hard to really get that across in our first line.”

Key Products and Features in the Liberare Collection

The Convertible Plunge Bralette – Soft microfiber, magnetized interlocking closure, grip loops, and front strap adjusters. Designed for effortless wear and all-day comfort.
Side-Opening Undies – Ultra-smooth fabric and chic lace, adjustable magnetic or Velcro closures at both hips, grip loops, higher waist, and no need to lift legs when dressing.
Cheeky Undies – Pretty lace booty with sleek Velcro sides, a higher waistline, and functional grip points for easy closure.

Real Impact: Stories from the Community

Feedback from Aerie and Liberare’s adaptive intimates customers has been overwhelming and emotional. For many, these products mean far more than simple convenience—they restore independence, dignity, and a sense of self-worth.

Women describe feeling both empowered and beautiful, no longer forced to choose between style and function.
Customers share stories of being able to dress themselves independently for the first time in years, reducing physical pain and emotional frustration.
The inclusive marketing (featuring models of all abilities, including those using wheelchairs or medical equipment) has made previously marginalized shoppers feel seen and celebrated.

The Broader Movement: Fashion’s Accessibility Revolution

While Aerie and Liberare are at the forefront, they are not alone. The adaptive fashion movement is growing rapidly, driven by:

A younger, socially conscious generation demanding inclusivity.
Advocates and consultants like Sinéad Burke working with global brands to ensure accessibility is woven into every step of the consumer experience.
Other labels such as Tommy Hilfiger, Slick Chicks, and Unhidden, which are expanding accessible garment options across all categories.

Butler and her team believe this is only the beginning. The $400 billion global adaptive apparel market remains vastly underserved, and Aerie’s commitment to permanent, inclusive offerings signifies an industry ready for change.

Inclusion Beyond the Products: Representation and Advocacy

Aerie’s previous campaigns—most notably the viral 2018 campaign featuring real women, some with insulin pumps or in wheelchairs—demonstrated the power of authentic representation. These efforts have reshaped not only product design, but also the way brands speak to and about disabled consumers.

Disabled leaders are part of creative, design, and executive teams.
Marketing centers disabled models and customers as beautiful, stylish, and important.
Feedback and continued innovation keep the collections evolving to meet customers’ real needs.

Challenges and Hopes for the Future

Building a truly inclusive fashion industry is an ongoing process. Liberare and Aerie have both emphasized the need for systemic change, not just token offerings. Moreover, there are still hurdles to overcome:

Raising expectations around what “fashionable” and “sexy” can look like,
regardless of physical ability, age, or health.
Making adaptive design and inclusive marketing the norm, not an exception.
Expanding product ranges to include all gender identities, disabilities, and sensory needs.
Ensuring mainstream brands learn from—and amplify—the expertise of disabled founders and leaders.

As the partnership grows and evolves, the hope is that every individual—regardless of their body or ability—can enjoy the dignity and joy of clothing that makes them feel good, looks incredible, and respects their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are adaptive intimates?

A: Adaptive intimates are underwear, bras, and other lingerie designed to be easier to put on or take off for people with limited mobility, dexterity issues, or chronic pain. Features may include magnetic closures, Velcro side-openings, grip loops, special adjusters, and seamless construction for comfort and accessibility.

Q: Who can benefit from Aerie x Liberare’s adaptive collection?

A: Anyone who struggles with traditional underwear or bras—due to disability, chronic illness, injury, aging, or post-surgery recovery—can benefit. However, the collection is also fashion-forward and inclusive, appealing to all who prioritize comfort and innovative design.

Q: How are disabled voices included in the design process?

A: Disabled people are represented both in front of and behind the camera. The Liberare team includes disabled designers and executives, ensuring products reflect real needs and lived experience. Marketing campaigns feature people of diverse abilities, further reinforcing representation and inclusion.

Q: Are adaptive intimates less stylish than traditional lingerie?

A: Not at all. The goal of the Aerie x Liberare collaboration is to prove that style and accessibility can coexist. With contemporary designs, trendy colors, and feminine details, these garments rival any mainstream collection—while offering superior ease of use.

Q: Where can customers buy the adaptive intimates collection?

A: The Aerie x Liberare adaptive collection is available through Aerie’s website and select stores. Products often sell out quickly, a testament to the community’s hunger for accessible fashion. Ongoing launches and expanded offerings are expected as demand continues to grow.

Conclusion: The Lasting Power of Fashion, Function, and Inclusion

The groundbreaking collaboration between Aerie and Liberare is more than a product launch—it’s a cultural shift. By centering disability not as a constraint but as a driver of innovation and beauty, these brands are leading the way toward a fashion future that welcomes every body. When women of all abilities are empowered to dress with dignity, confidence, and joy, the industry becomes richer, more creative, and, above all, more human.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete