Do you struggle to find sensory-friendly clothing?

[Rebecca369]

Hello everyone,

I am a mother to two girls who are both neurodivergent and struggle with sensory overwhelm. Clothing has always been a huge issue for them, and it’s something I have noticed many other parents experience. After wasting a shocking amount of time and money trying various brands and clothing styles, I have decided to create my own line of sensory-friendly children’s clothing.

I’m dreaming of a range of everyday items made from super-soft, stretchy fabrics, without internal labels, itchy motifs, sequins, or tight elastic. The fabrics would have to be natural so as not to aggravate any skin conditions, too.

To help me get started, I would love to hear some ideas from anyone who shares my struggle - what would make your kids comfortable in their clothes?

Do you need girls underwear that resembles baggy boys boxers? (I do!) or do you wish the sleeves weren’t always so tight? Do you need softer fabrics, adjustable waistbands, and a choice of necklines? Or, do your little ones need extra long sleeves so they can chew them without soaking the entire arm?

Any ideas welcomed, thank you.

Yes both ds and dd have afrid so on the small side so adjustable waists (that don't dig in).
Teenage dd wants to look like all her friends but doesn't want logos, nothing too tight, nothing see through, not cropped, no frills, no sequins, no ribbons, no uneven lines, no pink (or any other girly colour). I used to buy boys clothes but that's not aloud now because she's a girl and can't have something that says boy inside (but wants everything in black or grey). Perhaps unisex range would solve that problem.
Need the softest joggers ever but they need adjustable waist or just smaller waist.
Need soft jeans (have some from h and m which are lined which helps but doesn't totally solve the issue) because apparently teenage girls don't leave the house with joggers on.
Clothes can not make any noise.
Shorts dd only wears them abroad and they need to be soft, not too hot, not to clingy or flappy. Not girly, blue, black or grey and hold the shape so don't flap around.
Seamless period pants that have the padding all the way up the back so it doesn't suddenly stop and cause a groove (apparently marks and spencers are the worst for this).
The list is endless, but also has changed as they've gown (it was much easier when they were little and lived in long sleved tshirts and joggers). Ds now an adult and said last week after looking at some photos I wear the same clothes on repeat don't I? It would be so much easier if you found an item they wear if it was still available 3 years later /whatever the season so you can repurchase it.

Waistbands with a little stretch, but not the kind with elastic that causes the material to crinkle at the back. I have semi-stretchy jeans/trousers like this, but finding an equivalent for kids is more difficult than I'd have expected.

Labels that are easy to take out, without leaving anything behind to scratch/tickle.

Long sleeves that stay up if you push them up, without the cuffs cutting into arms.

I think a choice of necklines is an excellent idea, too. My kids don't struggle with that one, but I do - the wrong neckline can make a top absolutely unbearable, regardless of how soft the fabric is!

Yes, but it looks like you’re aiming at children so it would be no good for me!

If anyone could make a sensory-friendly bra that would be a game changer.

Some of these are already available, h&m kids jeggings instead of jeans, lindex brushed cotton inside leggings (also have a soft adjustable waist) , their joggers are really soft too, I've also found m&S adaptive stuff really good, very soft, no dangly labels and really reasonably priced too. Boden not as reasonable but good sale prices, DS has several of their long sleeve cosy brushed tops this year, they are so comfy and soft and sleeves aren't tight. DS is really particular about his clothing and how it feels, but we don't struggle massively.

This I agree with, comfy soft bra, that gives support but doesn't dig in, game changer!

Thank you so much for your input! I am struggling with my pre-teen daughter not wanting to wear bras so that is definitely on my radar also.

Have you looked at handmade bras? Mardy Bum Boutique, Wilde Mode, Hiccups&Juice type companies? Mardy Bum Boutique is run by one woman who makes everything herself and she made me a pair of amazing pants by my special request with all the seams on the outside (with rainbow thread so they actually look quite cool). So comfy ☁️☁️☁️

I haven't but I will look now, thanks!

My DD is probably too old for your demographic now at 18 but even when she was younger she wanted tops with interesting designs/patterns/pictures (jellyfish, isopods, dinosaurs, moths, birds, etc) in crew or small v neck - not women's fit which she hates, and not cropped or with cut out faffy shoulder bits, nor any frills.
She has been able to wear jeggings only when we can find the really soft ones (so they don't feel like they are squishing her!), they would have been great to be able to reliably get hold of.

I only have small boobs but Primark sports bras are my favourite when I actually wear one.

I'm currently wearing an M&S bralette.