Designing Accessible Products: Lessons from Lululemon’s Work With Paralympic Athletes

Designing truly accessible products isn’t just for big brands like Lululemon—it’s something every wellness entrepreneur can start doing today.

In episode 36 of the Wellness Marketing 101 podcast, we explore insights from Grace Ambroze, an occupational therapist and accessibility specialist who supported Lululemon’s collaboration with the Canadian Paralympic Team during the 2024 Paris Games. Grace offered powerful lessons for entrepreneurs who want to make their products and spaces more inclusive—without needing a massive innovation budget.

Why Accessibility in Product Design Matters

Accessibility goes far beyond ramps and website alt text. For physical products, it includes:

• How easily someone can dress or undress

• How the product interacts with different bodies

• Whether features like pockets, closures, or fabric placement actually work for all users

• How someone with limited dexterity, mobility, or sensory needs experiences the product

The goal is simple: design products that work for more people, with less friction.

What Lululemon Did for Paralympic Athletes

Working with 14 Paralympic athletes, Lululemon’s team examined how garments performed during real athletic movements—wheelchair propulsion, boccia throws, rapid-direction changes, and more.

Some key design improvements they implemented:

• Raised waistbands for seated athletes to prevent exposure

• Front-facing pockets big enough for water bottles

• Internal pull loops to help pull pants up

• Magnetic zippers for people with limited hand dexterity

• Pant-leg magnetic closures to prevent fabric catching on wheels

• Discreet catheter openings that remain invisible unless needed

  
  

None of these improvements happened by guessing—they came directly from co-design sessions with athletes.

Low-Cost Ways Small Businesses Can Do the Same

You don’t need Lululemon’s budget to design more accessible products. Here are three simple places to start:

1. Look at Your Environment & Legal Requirements

Make sure your store, studio, or office meets local accessibility legislation. Poor lighting, tight aisles, or cluttered spaces can create barriers.

2. Co-Design With Your Audience

Invite people with different mobility or sensory needs to test your product.Try:

• A quick survey

• Asking customers what could be easier

• Inviting a few people in your community to test samples

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Small insights can lead to big improvements.

3. Learn From What Already Exists

You can borrow ideas from companies like Rare Beauty (ergonomic lids), Magnetic Me (magnetic closures for newborn clothing), and medical-wear startups designing clothing for chemo patients.

You don’t need to reinvent accessibility—you just need to apply it thoughtfully to your product.

Final Thoughts

Accessible design isn’t just good ethics—it’s good business. When customers feel considered, included, and respected, they form deeper connections with brands.

Start small, observe real users, and improve one touchpoint at a time. Over time, these thoughtful decisions will set your wellness business apart.