When Helya Mohammadian first envisioned Slick Chicks, her goal was clear: to create intimates that empower women with limited mobility, making fashion genuinely accessible to them. Inspired firsthand by her sister who struggled to get dressed after a C-section and countless women for whom dressing could be challenging or impossible, Helya set out to address this gap. That spark of empathy became her mission: to redefine intimates and influence the fashion industry’s approach to accessibility.
Today, Mohammadian’s company, Slick Chicks, is a growing force in adaptive apparel, having recently expanded into national retailers such as Target and CVS. At the center of its rise is Helya’s belief that fashion can empower—that everyone deserves dignity, comfort, and independence in their daily lives.
The Problem She Saw—and the Solution She Built
For years, adaptive apparel was something of an afterthought in mainstream retail. People recovering from surgeries, living with chronic conditions, disabilities, or even the natural challenges of aging were often forced to modify traditional clothing themselves or rely on caregivers to help with dressing. Undergarments, in particular, posed a serious challenge.
“Imagine trying to put on underwear without bending at the waist, or fastening a bra with one hand,” Helya explains. “For millions of people, that’s not hypothetical—that’s daily life. And there just weren’t products out there that made it easier.”
She recognized a gap in the market and, more importantly, a human need. Drawing on her background in fashion and design, she began developing bras and underwear that incorporated adaptive features—such as side fasteners, front zippers, and Velcro closures—without sacrificing style or comfort. The result was Slick Chicks: a line of intimates designed for independence, accessibility, and dignity.
Building More Than a Brand
When Slick Chicks launched, Mohammadian knew she wasn’t just creating functional garments; she was also creating a community. “Adaptive apparel shouldn’t be limited to specialty shops or hidden away online,” she says. “It should be everywhere, because accessibility benefits everyone.”
That philosophy guides company operations. Slick Chicks has built a strong online community, sharing not just products but also stories from customers, caregivers, and advocates. The company serves as both a fashion brand and a movement—working to normalize accessibility in the mainstream.
In the process, Mohammadian has been intentional about ensuring representation across the board. Slick Chicks’ campaigns feature women of all sizes, ages, and abilities, reflecting the customers the brand is built to serve.
From Startup to Retail Expansion
Breaking into mainstream retail wasn’t easy, but Mohammadian has steadily grown Slick Chicks’ reach through partnerships with major brands. In 2024, Slick Chicks debuted on Target shelves, introducing adaptive intimates to one of the largest retail environments in the U.S. This year, the brand announced another milestone: its nationwide availability in CVS stores.
The expansion is strategic. By placing Slick Chicks products in everyday retailers, Mohammadian ensures they’re accessible in practice, not just in principle. “If someone needs adaptive underwear after surgery, they shouldn’t have to hunt online or wait for shipping,” she explains. “They should be able to walk into their local store and find it on the shelf.”
The retail partnerships mark a breakthrough for adaptive fashion, demonstrating mainstream demand for products once considered niche.
What Makes the Products Different
At the heart of Slick Chicks’ success are the products themselves—intimates that combine adaptive functionality with thoughtful design. The Classic and High Waist Briefs, for example, feature side fasteners that allow wearers or caregivers to dress without bending or struggling. Bras include front zippers or Velcro closures, making them manageable for individuals with limited mobility, while still offering the support and comfort of everyday lingerie.
Each product incorporates moisture-wicking fabric for breathability, antimicrobial materials to reduce odor, and tag-free construction to minimize irritation. The size range, from XS to 5XL, ensures a comfortable fit for a wide variety of body types without compromising on accessibility.
Growing With Purpose
As the company grows, Mohammadian stays focused on Slick Chicks’ mission: empowerment. She sees adaptive apparel not just as clothing, but as a tool for independence and confidence. “Putting on your own underwear or bra may seem small, but for someone who’s been unable to do it, it’s life-changing,” she says.
Beyond Target and CVS, Slick Chicks has partnerships with Aerie and JCPenney, and its products are available online through major retailers. With each expansion, the company urges the fashion industry to rethink accessibility.
Redefining the Future of Fashion
Helya Mohammadian’s path from designer to social impact entrepreneur shows the power of empathy-driven innovation. By listening to people often excluded from the fashion industry, she has built a brand that is both practical and transformative.
Slick Chicks, under Mohammadian’s leadership, shows that adaptive apparel can be mainstream—accessible, inclusive, and empowering. As the brand expands, it upholds a simple but transformative idea: fashion should provide dignity and confidence for everyone, regardless of ability.
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