Millions of people with arthritis, limited dexterity, or physical challenges struggle with everyday tasks—like fastening the top button of their pants. Existing solutions, like hook-and-loop fasteners (commonly known as Velcro), which are loud and bulky, or magnetic fasteners that stack incorrectly, only add to the frustration. And 'adaptive' clothing often looks like medical wear, sacrificing style for function.
At LS Adaptive, we're changing that. Our discreet, patent-pending Hana™ fasteners and thoughtfully designed clothing make dressing effortless—empowering people to live confidently and independently.
Meet Leo and Sue, the inspiration behind LS Adaptive. When Emily left her role at a high-growth startup to care for her parents, she saw firsthand the challenges her father, Leo, faced after being diagnosed with aphasia, a condition often associated with or part of dementia that affects communication and cognitive abilities. While Leo could do so much independently, one small but frustrating obstacle kept getting in his way: the top button of his pants.
Every morning and throughout the day, Leo struggled to fasten that top button of his pants—a task most people take for granted. Watching her father wrestle with such a simple yet essential part of daily life struck a chord with Emily. Coming from a design background, she realized this wasn't just about the clothing; it was about the fasteners themselves. She saw an opportunity to reimagine pants that not only solve this problem but also maintain comfort, dignity, and style.
Fueled by this insight and inspired by her parents' resilience, LS Adaptive was born. Leo and Sue's story remains at the heart of everything we do, driving our mission to make adaptive clothing that truly works for everyone.
LS Adaptive was founded by Emily Gerhardstein and Scott Craycraft, who bring a combined 40 years of experience in design, product development, manufacturing and innovation.
Emily has spent 18 years developing products for brands like OshKosh B'Gosh, Gymboree, Belk, and Martha Stewart, mastering how to design, launch and scale meaningful products. Scott, with over 22 years of experience—including leading roles at Oakley—excels in R&D, manufacturing, and magnetic technology patents, making him the engineering mastermind behind LS Adaptive's innovations.
The two met while working together for three years at a high-growth startup specializing in magnetic technology for eyewear, where they built scalable systems and collaborated on groundbreaking products. Now, they've joined forces to reimagine clothing fasteners and adaptive apparel that remove barriers and restore independence.
To help people with limited dexterity, disabilities, and adults maintain their independence and confidently focus on what truly matters: living life on their own terms and doing the things they love most.
We see a world where everyone can dress in style, comfort, and independence—empowered by adaptive features that seamlessly integrate into everyday clothing. We aim to lead in adaptive innovation, redefining how clothing empowers people of all abilities.
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