From Ancient Greece to Adaptive Innovation: The Evolution of the Bra and Slick Chicks’ Game-Changing Designs

How a Simple Undergarment Became a Symbol of Empowerment and Accessibility

Designed for ease and independence, Slick Chicks underwear features side fasteners that simplify dressing—no bending required. Whether self-dressing or with caregiver assistance, these adaptive briefs offer comfort, style, and accessibility for all-day confidence.

The Unexpected Origins of the Bra

Bras may seem like a modern invention, but their history stretches back thousands of years. Ancient Greek women wore stróphion, a band wrapped around the chest for support, while Roman women used mamillare, a tight cloth binding to shape their figures. Fast forward to the 19th century, and corsets dominated women’s fashion—until the early 1900s, when Herminie Cadolle introduced the first bra-like garment, splitting the corset into two pieces. By the 1920s, bras became a staple, evolving into the diverse styles we see today.

The metal shortages of World War I encouraged the demise of the corset, and by the end of the war, most fashion-conscious women in Europe and North America were wearing bras. The modern bra continued to evolve, with innovations in elastic materials, adjustable straps, and wireless designs shaping the industry. Today, bras are not just about support—they are about comfort, accessibility, and empowerment.

Slick Chicks: The Adaptive Apparel Revolution

Fashion isn’t just about style—it’s about accessibility, empowerment, and innovation. Slick Chicks, a brand that started as a social impact initiative, has now become a household name in adaptive apparel. Their mission? To make dressing easier for new moms, people with disabilities, and aging individuals—groups often overlooked by mainstream fashion.

Founder Helya Mohammadian realized the need for adaptive clothing when she saw her sister struggle with basic dressing after childbirth. That moment sparked a vision: clothing should empower, not hinder. Slick Chicks took off, designing underwear with side fasteners and front closures, ensuring both functionality and style.

The brand’s success led to major retail partnerships, first with Target in 2024, and now CVS stores, making adaptive fashion more accessible than ever. But they’re not stopping there—Slick Chicks is expanding its size range and introducing everyday adaptive pieces beyond intimates.

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Front Zip Bra – Made from a soft jersey blend, this wireless bra is designed with a front zip for effortless dressing and undressing. It includes light, removable padding, adjustable straps, and a ribbed underband for added support. $35

What Makes Slick Chicks Stand Out?

Slick Chicks’ inclusive bras and underwear are designed with adaptive features that make dressing and undressing simpler than traditional options. The brand’s signature pieces include:

  • Classic and High Waist Briefs – Featuring side fasteners for easy dressing without bending over, these briefs are ideal for self-dressers and caregivers alike. Made from a nylon and spandex blend with a breathable cotton lining, they offer moisture-wicking and antimicrobial properties for all-day comfort. Available in a 2-pack for $25.
  • Signature Wireless Zip Front Bra – Designed with a front zip closure, this wireless bra ensures effortless dressing. It includes light, removable padding, adjustable straps, and a ribbed underband for added support. The moisture-wicking, antimicrobial fabric is tag-free for maximum comfort. Available in black and beige in sizes XS–5XL for $35.
  • Front Fastening Bra with VELCRO® Brand Closures – Featuring overlapping front panels secured with VELCRO® Brand closures, this bra simplifies dressing for self-dressers and caregivers. Designed for everyday wear, it includes adjustable straps, moisture-wicking fabric, and a wire-free design for all-day ease. Available in black and beige in sizes XS–5XL for $35.

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Slick Chicks Founder and President Helya Mohammadian. Slick Chicks is a female-founded and run social impact company whose core mission is to empower people with the products and community it creates. Courtesy of Roohi Photography

Slick Chicks has become a pioneer in adaptive apparel, seamlessly blending function with style while championing inclusivity. In this exclusive interview with StyleLujo.com, I sat down with Helya Mohammadian to discuss the brand’s inspiring journey—from its roots as a social impact initiative to its expansion into major retailers. We dive into the innovations behind adaptive fashion, the brand’s commitment to sustainability, and the future of accessibility in the industry.

Joseph DeAcetis: Slick Chicks has grown from a social impact brand to a household name in adaptive apparel. Can you share the moment you knew this idea had the potential to transform the industry?

Helya Mohammadian: I knew we were onto something powerful the moment we started getting messages from people who said our products gave them back a sense of independence or dignity. It wasn’t just about underwear—it was about people feeling seen and supported. That’s when I realized this wasn’t a niche product; it had the potential to change the industry.

Joseph DeAcetis: Your mission is deeply rooted in empowerment, accessibility, and inclusivity. How did your personal experiences or observations shape the vision behind Slick Chicks?

Helya Mohammadian: My sister had complications after giving birth, and I watched her struggle with something as basic as getting dressed. That hit me hard. It opened my eyes to how many people—new moms, people with disabilities, and the aging population, which is essentially all of us at some point in our lives—face that same struggle every day. That’s where the vision started: from love, and from wanting to make life just a little easier for the people we care about.

Slick Chicks Underwear – Made from a nylon and spandex blend with a breathable cotton lining, these briefs offer just the right amount of stretch and are tag-free. They feature moisture-wicking and antimicrobial properties for all-day comfort. Available in a 2-pack for $25.

Joseph DeAcetis: Slick Chicks recently expanded into CVS stores after launching in Target in 2024. What factors played a role in selecting retail partners, and how do you see your distribution strategy evolving?

Helya Mohammadian: We’ve always been focused on meeting people where they are. Target and CVS made sense because they’re accessible and part of people’s everyday lives. We want to remove barriers—not just in design, but in how and where people shop. Looking ahead, we’re excited to explore more retail environments.

Joseph DeAcetis: Fit and comfort are essential in intimate apparel, especially for women recovering from surgery or facing mobility challenges. How did you approach the design process to ensure both functionality and style?

Helya Mohammadian: Honestly, we co-create everything with our community. We talk to them, we listen, and we prototype with real feedback. Every feature—like side fasteners or front closures—is there because someone asked for it. But we also believe accessibility shouldn’t come at the cost of style. So, we design with both in mind: function that looks and feels good.

Joseph DeAcetis: Technology is revolutionizing fashion. What innovations have you incorporated into Slick Chicks’ designs, and do you see advancements in adaptive wear shaping the future of the industry?

Helya Mohammadian: We’ve leaned into fastener innovation—magnetics, Velcro, zippers—closures that are easy to use, even one-handed. But tech in adaptive fashion is also about designing with purpose. I think the future lies in data-informed design, more collaboration with end users, and eventually wearables that offer even more support.

Velcro Front Fastening Bra – Designed with overlapping front panels and secured with VELCRO® Brand closures, this bra is ideal for both relaxation and everyday wear. $35

Joseph DeAcetis: Many of our readers are passionate about sustainability, especially given the high rates of breast cancer among women. What steps has Slick Chicks taken to ensure eco-friendly materials and responsible manufacturing?

Helya Mohammadian: We’re constantly working on ways to lower our environmental impact, specifically with ethical production partners. We know many in our community are already managing health and life challenges, so we don’t want to add environmental challenges to that mix. We’re not perfect, but we’re pushing to do better every season.

Joseph DeAcetis: Brand awareness is crucial in the retail space. What marketing and advertising strategies have been most effective in engaging both first-time customers and loyal advocates of Slick Chicks?

Helya Mohammadian: Word of mouth has been our biggest driver—people who love the product and want to share it. We also lean heavily on storytelling: real people, real experiences, which is why we created an ambassador program to highlight those stories. Our most effective campaigns are the ones that feel human and honest. We’ve built a community, not just a customer base.

Joseph DeAcetis: Every great brand needs a face—someone who embodies its values and mission. Have you considered brand ambassadors or partnerships that align with Slick Chicks’ identity?

Helya Mohammadian:Yes! We love working with people who reflect our mission—activists, athletes, creators, moms, caregivers. Amy Purdy is one example of someone we admire deeply. It’s less about celebrity and more about shared values and impact. We’re always open to collaborations that feel genuine.

Joseph DeAcetis: As Slick Chicks continues to grow, what are some key milestones and future strategies you’re excited to share with our audience?

Helya Mohammadian: We’re working on expanding our size range and creating more everyday adaptive pieces beyond intimates. The future is about inclusion everywhere—in products, in access, and in voice.

The Future of Adaptive Apparel

Slick Chicks is more than just a brand—it’s a movement. With partnerships with major retailers like Target, Aerie, and JCPenney, the company is pushing boundaries in the fashion industry. Their commitment to sustainability ensures that their products are ethically produced, reducing environmental impact while supporting those who need adaptive clothing the most.

As technology continues to shape fashion, Slick Chicks is leading the charge with magnetic fasteners, Velcro closures, and data-informed design. The future of fashion isn’t just about trends—it’s about inclusion, accessibility, and innovation.


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Joseph DeAcetis

Acclaimed American Journalist and International Editor. My interest lies in the pace and direction of trend adoption in luxury fashion and lifestyle, access to real-time fashion through top influencers and how disruption and social-intelligence have transitioned the trend landscape through the democratization of the marketplace

See more Blogs from Joseph DeAcetis
Picture of Joseph DeAcetis

Joseph DeAcetis

Acclaimed American Journalist and International Editor. My interest lies in the pace and direction of trend adoption in luxury fashion and lifestyle, access to real-time fashion through top influencers and how disruption and social-intelligence have transitioned the trend landscape through the democratization of the marketplace

See more Blogs from Joseph DeAcetis

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