Clothing can cause many barriers when trying to access the UK outdoors. This article covers some of ways it can stop people getting outside, and explore some of the solutions that advocates and allies are discovering.
“For many people, buying new clothing or kit for the outdoors is a relatively straightforward experience – visit a few shops, try on some options, maybe even pick the colour you like the most. It’s not unusual to have some grumbles if things are hard to find, out of stock, or if the fit isn’t quite right, but it’s not enough to stop you doing what you want to do.
For other individuals and communities, access to clothing and kit that fits and performs is a major barrier, making it difficult or uncomfortable, or even stopping them from getting outdoors entirely.”
Excerpt from All The Elements, February 2025, words only.