Fashion slowly embracing needs of Paralympians

Canadian uniforms reflect rethinking of clothing designs

- JOCELYN NOVECK

Three years ago, when Team Canada appeared at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, athletes were dressed in sleek white jeans. They may have looked good, but for some Paralympians they were a challenge.

For Alison Levine, for example. The para athlete, who competes in the sport of boccia, couldn’t wear jeans because in a wheelchair they dug into her skin. They lacked an elastic waistband and were difficult to take on and off.

“There was no way I was getting those on,” says Levine, who had to find something on her own that would work and not look too different. “You don’t want to look different because of your disability,” Levine says. “You don’t want it to be: Team Canada plus you guys.”

Things are different this year. At the Paralympics opening ceremony in Paris, Levine and teammates wore bright red jackets with features including magnetic closures that make it easier for everyone, disabled or not. And there was the option of a seated carpenter pant that was designed with Levine in mind — dubbed the Alison pant.