As a parent of a child with autism, you know the diverse sensory issues that come with clothing. Kids on the autism spectrum are sensitive to clothing tags, seams, and textures—to the point that they won’t wear clothes.
While parents worldwide struggle with their kids getting dressed, kids with autism and sensory processing disorders need solutions; and it’s non-negotiable.
Fortunately, adaptive clothing for children on the spectrum is quickly becoming popular among autistic families. Clothes specially designed for autistic children have flat seams and are made from soft, breathable materials.
In this article, discover the best sensory-friendly clothing brands that your little one will enjoy wearing.
What Is Adaptive Clothing?
This type of clothing is designed for individuals with sensory issues or difficulties dressing independently. It’s often called sensory-friendly clothing, and it typically has features that make it appear like mainstream clothing. As a result, it promotes inclusivity among children on the autism spectrum and makes them feel connected with their peers.
Related: 7 Tips for Dressing Sensory Sensitive Children.
The clothing usually has no tags, has flat seams, and is a looser fit to help calm an autistic child’s nervous system. Usually, seams, tags, and tight clothing irritate a child on the spectrum, so breathable clothing, soft to the touch and made with cotton, is an ideal choice.
Moreover, some clothing lines include compression clothing, promoting calm, improving focus and attention, and enhancing posture and motor functions.
Benefits of sensory-friendly clothing
Sensory-friendly clothing helps children with sensory issues and has fewer irritants. Since the adaptive clothing market is on the rise, many brands are available that understand your child’s problems and what autistic individuals should wear.
As such, some of the features of sensory-friendly clothing include:
- Wide-legged pants
- No buttons
- No tags
- Flat seams that are not itchy
- Comfortable and soft fabric
- Breathable materials
- Elastic waistbands
- Shoes without laces
- Faux buttons or magnetic closure buttons
Another significant benefit is the fact that adaptive clothing encourages independence. It will provide the child with a sense of pride and confidence because they can dress themselves. Adaptive clothing is easier to put on than traditional clothing, giving the autistic child extra encouragement.
Best Sensory-Friendly Brands
When it comes to adaptive clothing, you should look for clothing that is:
- Soft. Brushed and combed cotton is a good choice for autistic children because they are soft. Synthetic fabrics are not as breathable as natural fabrics.
- Allows ease of movement. Look for pre-washed fabrics and athletic wear options; your autistic child will love them.
- Have limited elastic. Undergarments usually have thin elastic that cuts through the skin, so if your child is extremely sensitive to this, try elastic and tag-free underwear.
- Has no seams or tags. Tags, socks, and shoes create frustration and irritation. Look for well-fitting socks that won’t fall off your child’s foot and find tagless options.
- Wick moisture. Children with autism are sensitive to moisture or heaviness associated with wet clothing and sweat. Consider natural fabrics designed to wick away moisture.
- Provides deep pressure. Many kids with autism find pressure reassuring and comforting, like a weighted blanket.
Hanna Andersson
Hanna Andersson produces simple and colorful clothes with 100% organic cotton. Their clothes are OEKO-TEX certified to protect a child’s sensitive skin. This certification means that all clothing is safe from harmful chemicals and dyes.
Related: 5 Benefits of Organic Baby Clothing.
For comfort, Hanna Andersson clothing has extra smooth flatlock seams, zipper guards, encased elastic, and nickel-free snaps. Their clothes are affordable—a must-have for any autistic family.
Cat & Jack
Cat & Jack has creative clothes in fun prints and styles at affordable prices. Many of their clothes are adaptive and designed for sensory-sensitive children. Their designs include flat seams, zipper closures, super-soft knits, and elastic waistbands. Clothing comes in different sizes and is guaranteed for one year!
Kozie Clothes
Kozie Clothes offer the best sensory-friendly compression clothes that can be worn as outerwear and under clothing. This way, your child will relax due to the deep pressure without binding. Kozie’s clothing supports the release of serotonin and dopamine. The clothes are made with stretchable fabric to allow free movement and come in non-stigmatizing plain prints.
Smart Kid Knits
Smart Knit Kids has a variety of seamless outfits, from socks to underwear to T-shirts, for girls and boys. This way, your child avoids irritating seams that frustrate many children with autism and reduces wrinkling and bunching. Moreover, Smart Knit helps kids get over their aversion to wearing shoes.
Kohl’s
This brand is setting a new standard for inclusiveness. Kohl’s clothing includes all kinds of features, from two-way zippers, wide hems and necks, elastic waist, and even diapers that are sensory-friendly in large sizes. What’s great is that your little one doesn’t have to choose between clothes they want and those that work. Kohl’s clothing line features a Disney collaboration with items your child will adore.
Alien Loud Music
Alien Loud Music has ASD-friendly T-shirts for teenagers. Their clothing is made with a high-quality 100% ringspun cotton jersey with tear-away tags. Since they’re made with cotton, the T-shirts are light and provide long-lasting durability. Each T-shirt is priced around $25 to 30 and has various cool designs.
Van’s
Van’s has sensory-friendly apparel and footwear in their Autism Awareness Collection. Their clothing has calming colors and soft materials even adults on the spectrum will love to wear. Van’s shoes have soft outsoles and rubber thread that provide comfort and durability. The shoes come in various colors—and the classic and loved style.
Independence Day Clothing
This brand was created by a mother who wanted to help her son with autism get dressed independently. Independence Day Clothing offers universal-fit socks, T-shirt dresses, and flare bottom yoga pants that are easy on and easy off. You will also find no scratchy tags, zippers, or buttons—the fabric is also soft.
Best of all? The clothes can be worn inside out and backward!
Therapro
Therapro has everything a child with autism spectrum disorder needs! They offer products in over 20 categories for occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, educators, and parents. As for clothing, Therapro has sensory smart vests, socks, shirts, and pants. They are seamless and made with soft cotton. In addition, you can find compression shirts with weight options.
NoNetz
Be aware that NoNetz focuses on one product: bathing suits for boys and men. The swimsuits have no lining or net because, usually, children with sensory challenges don’t enjoy swimming when the line rubs against their skin. Moreover, each swimsuit is tested on texture-sensitive skin.
Ways to Help a Child with Autism with Clothing Issues
Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience heightened sensory information levels that create discomfort. This also includes their sense of touch, so it’s hard to find comfortable clothing.
First, you must determine what provokes discomfort: tags, seams, shoes, elastic bands, etc. Then, there are easy ways to help your child on the autism spectrum overcome their issues with clothing, such as:
- Allow your child to dress for the day. If you give your autistic child a choice, he will feel more in control over his life. It will also help them deal with things they can’t control.
- Buy more than one of your child’s favorite pieces of clothing. Children with autism often struggle to find clothes they enjoy, so it’s good to invest in more than one of your child’s favorite items.
- Allow for extra time. Children with autism need more time to dress in the morning. By adding extra time to the child’s daily schedule, you accommodate his needs and make this task more smoothly.