New Designer Line Specially for Disabled

Question: My kid brother, who is in a wheelchair, thinks he saw some kids at the Special Olympics wearing sweat pants with big pockets that extend from mid-calf to ankle. He loves the idea of being able to carry all his teen-age paraphernalia in these oversize pockets.--P.E.

Answer: No sweat. I tracked down the track pants in a new designer line of clothing for the disabled. The company is Techni-Flair, and it’s responsible for the big-pocket sweat pants illustrated here. The pants have a high-cut back and lowered front for comfort in sitting as well as a neat look. The seat and hip dimensions are designed for the sitting person. These sweats open like regular pants, and the fly-front zipper goes all the way to the center of the crotch. Two more hidden zippers along the inside of the calf make changing smooth and easy. The pants are available in a polyester-cotton fleece in heather gray and navy, sizes small (30-32), medium (34-36) and large (38-40) for $27.75. Write to Techni-Flair, Box 40, Cotter, Ark. 72626. Other items include women’s culottes, blouses and pullovers and men’s jeans and shirts, all with hidden Velcro closures as well as special design features.

Q: I’m a young working woman, and I can’t afford stirrup pants if they only are going to last a season or two. What’s a cheapskate like me to do?--S.H.

A: First of all, stirrup pants aren’t necessarily that expensive. Try shopping in the junior department for best buys. No one can guarantee the longevity of any given trend, but this one poses fewer problems than most. Don’t be saddled with your stirrups when the look bites the dust. Just cut off the stirrups, and you’ll be wearing a classic pair of tapered pants.