Tripartite Collaboration Creates Barrier-Free Fitting Rooms, Pioneering a New Chapter in Inclusive Fashion
(July 17, 2025, Hong Kong) Hong Kong, renowned as an international shopping paradise, has a deeply ingrained fashion and shopping culture. However, elderly individuals with mobility challenges, or persons with disabilities often face obstacles when trying on clothes due to restricted spaces, limited angled mirrors, and a lack of assistive facilities. Some lament that they have "never worn well-fitting underwear." To address these pain points, the Hong Kong PHAB Association has partnered with the Vocational Training Council (VTC) and local lingerie brand Her own words to create a "barrier-free fitting room," using innovative design to promote inclusive fashion and usher in a new era of accessibility.
Survey Reveals Challenges in Fitting Rooms
Last year, Hong Kong PHAB Association conducted the Shopping Experience Survey for Elderly and Persons with Mobility Impairment, interviewing over 100 people. The results showed that 90% found fitting rooms too small, affecting their willingness to shop, while 54% had not visited a physical store in the past three months. One wheelchair user shared, "The fitting rooms are too narrow—I hardly ever go to physical stores." Common issues included wheelchair users being unable to close the door, inconvenient hook placements, unfriendly door lock and handrail designs, and poorly positioned emergency call buttons. Only 7% of respondents felt the facilities met their needs. These findings call for a societal re-evaluation of accessibility in retail environments.
Collaboration Across Academia, Social Welfare, and Business Sectors
With an aging population, the demand for universal design and accessible facilities is becoming increasingly urgent. Hong Kong PHAB Association spearheaded the "Inclusive Milestones" Barrier-free Fitting Room Project, collaborating with VTC and Her own words to combine the expertise of the social welfare, academic, and business sectors. The Association led the project, conducting in-depth research into the needs of persons with disabilities. Through VTC's Community Engagement Unit, seven students from the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) Tsing Yi Campus's Engineering Discipline—studying Higher Diplomas in Architectural Studies and Civil Engineering—were invited to participate. Their efforts, combined with Her own words' industry insights, resulted in a thoughtfully designed fitting room.
Mr. Brian Leung Wai-bun, Deputy Head of Department of Construction at IVE (Tsing Yi), and the student team explained, "We tailored our design based on the survey's findings, such as creating a 2m × 2.1m space to allow 360-degree wheelchair movement for easy access. The design also incorporates adjustable multi-angle mirrors, assistive seating, and floor-length curtains that don’t touch the ground to reduce entanglement risks and enhance safety. (For details, please refer to the appendix: 10 Key Design Features of the Fitting Room)." The students visited clothing stores across Hong Kong and studied overseas cases to ensure the design meets local needs. The prototype will be trialed at one of Her own words store, integrating real-world consumer feedback.
From Fitting Rooms to an Inclusive City
The barrier-free fitting room is not just a hardware upgrade but a reflection of inclusive values. Ms. Alvina Chau Wing-sze, Executive Director of Hong Kong PHAB Association, stated, "This collaboration improves the shopping experience for people with mobility challenges and demonstrates the limitless potential of cross-sector cooperation. We hope this project can be expanded across the retail industry and integrated into Hong Kong’s smart city development." At the launch event, member Sin-hang shared her experience with the fitting room, moved to say, "Finally, I don't have to try on clothes in the disabled restroom anymore." The students presented their design concepts, earning praise from attendees. Her own words' participation highlights the business sector’s commitment to inclusion, inspiring the industry to prioritize accessible environments.
Policy Impact
The Hong Kong PHAB Association will use the barrier-free fitting room design to propose amendments to the Design Manual-Barrier-Free Access 2008 (2024 Edition) by Buildings Department. during its second-phase consultation. Legislative Council member Dr. Hon. Tik Chi-yuen, SBS, JP, remarked, " This design and proposal aim to break down barriers in daily life. What we are striving for is not just facilities, but the dignity of people with disabilities. We hope everyone will join us in this effort.."
Working Together for an Inclusive Hong Kong
The Hong Kong PHAB Association extends heartfelt gratitude to the VTC, IVE (Tsing Yi) and students and Her own words for their unwavering support. This innovative design marks a significant step toward an inclusive society in Hong Kong, encouraging more businesses to create equitable and convenient urban living and fostering a more welcoming city for all.
Results from the Shopping Experience Survey for Elderly and Persons with Mobility Impairment show that 90% of respondents find existing fitting rooms too small.
