Target Just Took A Major Step Toward Including Children With Disabilities In Fashion

Finding a person who doesn't love Target is a challenge. Most see the store as a black hole of endless shopping — but in the best way. Now, there's even more to love about the big box retailer. Target's adaptive apparel for kids has arrived, and it's giving children with disabilities the chance to dress in style.

Target has been diversifying their clothing selections for some time now. Not only have they collaborated with major brands like Lily Pulitzer and famous faces like Victoria Beckham, but if you've ever shopped their plus size selection — hello, Ava & Viv — you know it's lit. Now the expanded options have reached the children's section, and it'll make you say, "Wow, Target really is badass." If a store can be badass, that is.

But what exactly is an adaptive clothing line? The new items are part of the Target's popular Cat & Jack line, and the designs are specifically crafted for children with disabilities and children who have to wear cumbersome medical devices. For these children, getting dressed can be more difficult than learning to match colors. In order to better serve children with disabilities but still give them clothing that their non-disabled peers may have, the designs have not changed but simply adapted to better fit their lives.

The collection will include 40 diverse pieces with multiple adaptations suitable for many different needs. The adaptations include design details such as snaps on the side and back of garments and abdominal openings, which makes putting on the clothing a breeze.

As for the price point, the new garments will not be outside of the brand's typical price. The pieces range between $4.50 and $39.99 and ranges from sizes 2T-5T in toddlers and XS-XXL in kids. The full collection will make it's way to Target's website on Oct. 22, but some pieces are currently available already.

In a statement on the Target Corporate website, Julie Guggemos, senior vice president of production design & development at Target, wrote, "It’s our goal at Target to always make sure we have products that fit our guests’ needs, and all at a reasonable price point. We heard from our guests—and members of our own team—that there’s a need for adaptive clothing for kids that is both fashionable and affordable, so we set out to create exactly that."

In August, Target launched a sensory-friendly clothing line designed for children on the autism spectrum. The massive consumer reaction to that seemingly niche line encouraged the retailer to design more clothing for children with disabilities.

"Since launching sensory-friendly apparel and receiving such positive guest feedback, we’re focused on continuing to evolve and expand Cat & Jack to meet the needs of even more of our guests," Guggemos wrote.

Toddler Girls' Adaptive Long Sleeve Puffer Jacket, $35, Target

Target's decision to create adaptive apparel for children with disabilities should not just be celebrated, but it should serve as a call-to-action for other brands. The retailer's decision to use its Cat & Jack line to introduce elements like side and back snaps, tag-less and soft seam clothing, and zip-off sleeves is both inclusive and deeply important.

Boys' Adaptive Jumpsuit, $17, Target

The clothing is not marked by any visible differences but still takes into consideration the every day lives of children with disabilities and their caregivers. Perhaps this is a move in a new, more inclusive direction for children's clothing.

With affordable pricing and great design, here's hoping that there's more inclusive designs to come from Target.