Shopping for clothes should be an enjoyable and inclusive experience for everyone. However, for many individuals with different abilities, the fitting room can be a barrier rather than a bridge to confident fashion choices. As retailers strive to make stores more accessible, fitting rooms remain a critical — and often overlooked — component of the shopping journey.

Why Accessible Fitting Rooms Matter

Fitting rooms are where many purchasing decisions are made. If a customer can’t access this space comfortably, they may leave empty-handed — and discouraged. For individuals with mobility aids, sensory sensitivities, or other needs, traditional fitting room layouts can pose physical and emotional challenges. Accessibility isn’t just about compliance; it’s about dignity, independence, and equal opportunity to participate in everyday life.

The Challenges People Face

Many fitting rooms still present barriers, such as:

• Narrow doorways or tight spaces that don’t accommodate wheelchairs or mobility devices.
• High benches, fixed seating, or poor lighting that can make changing uncomfortable or unsafe.
• Lack of privacy and difficult-to-use locks or curtains.
• Absence of support bars for balance and transfer assistance.
• Inaccessible communication tools for those who may need assistance or accommodation.

For people with sensory processing issues, such as individuals with autism, bright lights, loud music, or crowded layouts can cause overwhelming stress.

What an Accessible Fitting Room Looks Like

Creating a truly inclusive space involves thoughtful design. An accessible fitting room should:

• Be spacious enough (at least 60 inches in diameter) for a wheelchair to turn comfortably.
• Include grab bars for stability and transfer assistance.
• Offer adjustable or lower-height seating.
• Provide mirrors at multiple heights and ample lighting without being harsh.
• Use easy-to-operate doors or curtains with accessible latches.
• Include call buttons to request help discreetly.
• Have visual and tactile signage for people with vision impairments.

Retailers should also consider gender-neutral and family-friendly options to support diverse customer needs.

Beyond Physical Design: Training and Policies

Accessibility isn’t just about infrastructure — it’s also about attitude. Staff should be trained to:

• Understand disability etiquette.
• Offer assistance respectfully without assuming needs.
• Be familiar with the store’s accessibility features and accommodations.
• Communicate clearly and inclusively.

Policies should support shoppers who may need extra time, privacy, or assistance during their visit.

The Business Case for Inclusion

Inclusive design benefits everyone — not just people with disabilities. Parents with strollers, older adults, and shoppers recovering from injury all appreciate accessible spaces. Moreover, a reputation for inclusivity strengthens brand loyalty and opens the door to a broader customer base.

According to the CDC, 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. has a disability. Ignoring accessibility means excluding a significant portion of potential customers.

Making fitting rooms accessible isn’t just a legal requirement — it’s a moral and economic imperative. Every customer deserves to try on clothes with comfort, privacy, and confidence. By investing in accessible design and inclusive practices, retailers can ensure that fashion is truly for everyone.

Let’s make fitting rooms a space where all bodies — and all people — feel welcome.