The Fashion Collection that Relieves Chronic Pain

A fashion design undergraduate who has a chronic pain condition has created a clothing range to help people, like her, who have hidden disabilities.

Tegan Cooke, who has fibromyalgia, which causes fatigue, insomnia and pain in her joints, has made a range of elevated loungewear to support people with similar conditions.

The 21-year-old, who is studying BA Fashion Design at Nottingham Trent University, has centred her designs on the use of pressure therapy to provide a small amount of compression to the shoulders and knees.

The garments feature quilted shapes which contain about one kilogram of tiny glass beads to provide calm-inducing pressure without being overly heavy.

The edges of the garments are bound so they are flat and smooth, and the beads only require small stitching to secure them inside the garment.

“Inclusive fashion is the next big thing, but I don’t think that people with hidden disabilities are catered for by the accessible market yet,” said Tegan (pictured above).

“I wanted to create clothing that helps relieve people’s symptoms, but which isn’t plain and boring. So, I’ve designed elevated loungewear that’s comfortable, functional, and fun.

“The pressure helps secure ‘clicky’ joints and prevents them from moving out of place and being uncomfortable. It also gives comfort to achy legs and makes the clothes soothing to wear.”

Tegan’s designs include a long wrap coat with beads on the shoulders and at the hemline to provide pressure on the shoulders and knees whilst sitting. She has also created stylish wrist supports in fun colours complete with a trim so that they don’t fray.

For further details contact Tegan by email @ tegan.cooke2020@my.ntu.ac.uk