©Downs Designs
Karen Bowersox didn’t hesitate when it came to her attention that her granddaughter was having trouble finding clothes that fit. She contacted a designer, and together they launched Downs Designs. The company makes clothing for people with Down syndrome that fit better than clothes off the rack. As we all know, how we feel in our clothing can change how we feel about ourselves. And it’s no different for anyone with Down syndrome.
Bowersox told The Huffington Post, “When they wear our pants and they fit and they look and feel more comfortable, they can be confident in themselves. You don’t see the Down syndrome anymore.”
Maggie, Bowersox’s 9-year-old granddaughter, may have been the inspiration behind Downs Designs, but she certainly isn’t the only customer. Their Facebook page has nearly 41,000 fans.
Downs Designs has 18 different styles of jeans featuring elastic waistbands for easy dressing. They also make shirts, and Bowersox is planning to grow the company to include even more styles. At the age of 65, she says the payoff is too rewarding to ever stop designing clothes for people with Down syndrome, telling The Huffington Post, “I don’t go to work. I go to love. Every second is pure joy.”
Maggie, the inspiration behind Downs Designs (from their Facebook page).
Testimonials on the company’s website prove that they are making a difference. One mother, Ute from Germany writes, “For a long time I have been searching for jeans for my son Tim. When I found your homepage and I thought ‘That is it!’”
Viktoria writes, “I love Downs Designs and how much this has helped my sister’s confidence. Thank you for what you do. It means a lot to a lot of people. Who knew something as simple as jeans would make such a difference!”
In a society in which the lives of those with Down syndrome are often viewed as devoid of value, Downs Designs is helping to turn that around. When people with Down syndrome are seen for who they are instead of the condition they have, the world will be a brighter, safer, happier place. And Downs Designs will be a huge part of that.
