Sensory-friendly clothing is best described as clothing that is free of common irritants for those that are sensitive to tactile input. They are typically free of tags, made with flat seams, and are made of soft fabrics. Other considerations are also common such as closures used and additional sensory tools designed in.
These elements that make clothes sensory friendly are great for those with sensory processing disorders such as those with autism and ADHD, but they are comfortable for everyone that wears them. Why settle for less comfort when sensory-friendly options are available to everyone?
What is Sensory-Friendly Clothing?
- Sensory-friendly clothing includes features like:
- Soft, breathable fabrics that reduce irritation.
- Flat seams or seamless construction to prevent chafing.
- Tagless designs with printed labels to avoid scratchy tags.
- Non-restrictive fits that allow for easy movement.
- Soft elastic waistbands and smooth closures (such as magnetic closures) for ultimate comfort.
- Who Typically Uses Sensory-Friendly Clothing?: Sensory friendly clothing is designed for those with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) in mind, such as those with Autism, ADHD, Angelman Syndrome, and anyone with hypersensitivity to textures or tightness.
Why Comfort Matters for Everyone
- The Importance of Comfort: Comfort is crucial, not just for those with sensory sensitivities, but for anyone.
- Improved focus and productivity when you're not distracted by discomfort.
- Enhanced mood and relaxation when clothes aren’t tight, itchy, or restrictive.
- Increased tolerance for other challenges or irritations because you aren’t already at your limit.
- Better sleep when pajamas or loungewear are soft, loose, and breathable.
- Everyday Irritations in Standard Clothing:
- Tags scratching the skin might feel minoring bothersome for someone, but extremely painful for those with sensory sensitivities. The same goes for seams, fit, and restriction of movement—all common clothing discomforts many people experience but many others don’t notice or overlook.
- Sensory-friendly features solve these issues, making clothing more comfortable for everyday wearers.
Inclusive Fashion: Breaking Barriers Between Specialized and Everyday Wear
- Blending Style and Functionality:
- Sensory-friendly clothing has evolved from basic designs to fashionable pieces that look great and feel great for everyone, regardless of sensory needs.
- Accessible Comfort:
- With more brands offering sensory-friendly options, the market is opening up to anyone seeking comfortable clothing. Smaller brands are especially focused on not just meeting the basic sensory needs of no tags, to ensure an all around sensory-friendly experience in every detail.
Recommendations for Sensory-Friendly Clothing Brands
- Sense-ational You
- Offers just sensory friendly styles with thoughtful details such as stitched down pockets, magnetic closures, and of course no tags and flat seams.
- They also offer more adaptive designs for enhanced sensory regulation. Pieces included hidden sensory tools from sound reduction to compression to fidgets and more.
- Kohl’s Adaptive and Target Adaptive
- Have styles for physical disabilities along with some basic sensory friendly options. Great for basics that match Kohl's and Targets typical clothing.
- Primary
- All styles are available in a variety of colors and while it was not their primary focus, they did create many sensory friendly designs through soft fabrics and no tag designs.
While sensory-friendly clothing was designed with specific needs in mind, its benefits extend to anyone who values comfort. Plus, the more who shop and invest in sensory-friendly clothing the more it will grow and be available to those that rely on it. Give sensory-friendly clothing a try yourself and take notice of the small changes you may not have noticed otherwise.
Share with us what your experience is!