Most-Awarded Adaptive Apparel Brand Continues Industry Leadership with Performance at Alibaba’s Premier Sourcing Competition

Joe & Bella: Leading the Adaptive Clothing Movement

The adaptive clothing market is growing rapidly as older adults, caregivers, and people with mobility challenges seek stylish, easy-dressing solutions. Joe & Bella, a Chicago-based premium adaptive apparel brand founded by a father-and-son team after caring for their grandmother, was recently named a finalist at CoCreate Pitch Competition 2025 in Las Vegas hosted by Alibaba and Kickstarter. Out of more than 20,000 applicants, and 70 semifinalists, Joe & Bella stood out as one of only 10 winners.

Recognition from Shark Tank Judges at CoCreate 2025

During the competition, Joe & Bella’s mission struck a personal chord with actor and investor Simu Liu, who shared that his grandmother lived with Alzheimer’s for many years: “This is just an incredible thing that you are doing.”

CEO Jimmy Zollo also engaged directly with the panel. “We all deserve to age in our own style, right Daymond?” he asked. Daymond John of Shark Tank immediately agreed: “Absolutely!”

When Zollo noted that younger men are increasingly drawn to Joe & Bella’s magnetic button-down shirts for their convenience, Stephanie Mehta, CEO of Mansueto Ventures and Fast Company, added with a smile: “Never underestimate a man’s laziness.”

Award-Winning Adaptive Apparel for Older Adults and Caregivers

Being recognized at CoCreate 2025 adds to Joe & Bella’s growing list of accolades. The brand has already earned awards from AARP, Tommy Hilfiger’s Fashion Frontier Challenge, Global Health & Pharma, and Chicago Innovation, among others.

Joe & Bella is known for creating fashion-forward adaptive apparel that blends premium fabrics with functional design. Innovations include:

• Magnetic button-down shirts that look like classics but open and close in seconds.
  
• Adaptive pants with side zippers that make dressing easier for wheelchair users and those managing incontinence products.
  
• Gripper socks and adaptive compression socks to prevent slips and support circulation.

These designs help older adults and caregivers simplify dressing while preserving dignity, comfort, and style.

The Future of Fashion-Forward Adaptive Clothing

“Recognition from industry leaders like Lori Greiner and Daymond John validates our vision that adaptive clothing shouldn’t look medical or compromise on style,” said Jimmy Zollo, CEO and Co-Founder of Joe & Bella. “We’re proud to be changing perceptions about what this category can be while serving the growing number of Americans who deserve clothing that works with them, not against them.”

With the U.S. population rapidly Aging. One in five Americans will soon be over 65 and the demand for adaptive clothing for seniors and people living with a disability is only increasing. Joe & Bella continues to expand its product line and distribution channels, selling direct-to-consumer via JoeAndBella.com, through senior-care partnerships, and soon through healthcare plans and licensing agreements.

Shop Joe & Bella Adaptive Clothing

As the most-awarded adaptive apparel brand, Joe & Bella is redefining the future of clothing for older adults, caregivers, and anyone seeking easier ways to get dressed.

👉 Explore best-sellers like the Everyday Magnetic Button-Down Shirt, Side-Zip Pants, and Gripper Socks — stylish adaptive clothing that makes dressing easier and more dignified.

Originally Published on https://joeandbella.com/blogs/news

Ben Graham Joe & Bella VP of Marketing

Ben Graham is the Vice President of Marketing at Joe & Bella, an adaptive-apparel company for older adults that focuses on creating innovative and fashionable apparel. Joe & Bella was recently awarded the “Most Innovative Older Adult Clothing Brand: 2022” by Global Health and “2022 Best New Apparel Brand” by Boomer Venture Summit. Joe & Bella’s first adaptive clothing line, CareZips, won the 2022 "Best New Product”award by Today’s Caregiver Magazine and Caregiver.com. Ben was previously Vice President of Marketing and Partnerships at Collaborata, an innovative marketing-research firm that brought corporate partners together to find solutions to business problems. Collaborata focuses on topics including caregiving, aging, diversity, and equity with clients such as AARP, Procter & Gamble, Bank of America, Target, and Nike. Ben spent many years, together with his family, providing care for his two grandparents who lived for nearly a decade in assisted living and memory care.