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Youare not alone...Since we began our research in early 2007, we have received hundreds of emails and posts from all over the world. Here are some of the stories that you have shared, and upon which we have based our designs and product development. Help is on the way.
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Seamless, soft, no button dressy type clothes would be a
godsend during holiday times. People always wonder why we don't dress the
boys up in cute Christmas outfits. The closest we have come is a long sleeve
tee with a vest and jeans. Nothing really says Christmas like a cute little
suit but those fabrics feel so nasty to my kiddos. Same for Halloween.
Simple no mask outfits that are designed in a way that they will actually
enjoy wearing them almost pajama-ish would be a great thing for our kids.
Everything out there for the most part has itchy unkind fabric and cuts. |
At the moment I'm simply hoping to find a soft 100%cotton T-shirt with no
nylon stitching or rough threads anywhere to rub up against skin. L.L.
Bean & Eddie Bauer don't offer what I'm looking for; I have to wear their
T-shirts inside out, and even then they are not so comfortable.
Typically my favorite T-shirts are bought well-worn and second hand, and
still I wear them inside-out (underneath another a shirt -- I must wear
layers for decency because I've never found a bra I could tolerate).
I'm fortunate that my job as a scientific manager in the biotech industry
doesn't really require me to dress like an adult; imagine what a bind I'd be
in if I actually need to dress properly! Anyway, I wish you great success in
your endeavor. The clothing you intend to provide will fill an
important niche. |
Thank God for you Jessica. My daughter is seven
now (this disorder has been since infancy and worsening every year) and
although she is not autistic her sensitivity to clothing matches the
hyper-sensitivity that is seen in autism. She is now insisting on wearing
only three very soft thin fabric shirts (an emblem on the shirt or backing
makes her crazy) no pants a few skorts, no night clothes (she insist on
wearing the same cut off fitted legging and one of her three day shirts).
Her clothing has to be soft pretty and no tag no seam. Underwear is two
sizes to small and one brand with one cartoon character and help us all if
they stop making her socks one brand seamless socks. Shoe shopping means
going to every store to find ones where she can't feel the arch and the
backs don't touch her ankles. The change of seasons is dreaded because we
are having difficulty finding pants she will wear or a coat. This child
disorder is expensive and frustrating for her as well as us. |
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For the most part, my wardrobe is
well-suited to my needs on the usual day. I look for clothes that are not
'scratchy', and fortunately most aren't. On a bad day, however, when I am
particularly sensitive, I find I need to put another top under my school
top, and even through that will often find it slightly painful and very
distracting. I have also noticed that zip pockets, while exceedingly useful,
will sometimes hurt my hands when I reach into them. I cannot wear just
about any wool, and the wool I can wear is hard to come across and still
can't be worn on a bad day. I, too, sometime have a problem with seams, but
only if they are particularly stiff or stitched in such a way that the
stitches rub on my skin. If clothing does not move easily, it is a good bet
that it is too stiff for me to wear. |
I hope you'll make these for other sizes, not just children. My daughter
is 12, now in junior sizes, and she is in misery. She has always hated tags,
seams in the socks, etc. Now she can only find low-rise pants and jeans and
she hates them. If she could go to school naked, she would. :-) I hope
you'll keep us updated!!!! |
Hi, my son is 11yrs. and has Aspergers Syndrome, along with a host of
other things. One of which is a sensory disorder. He hates to wear underwear
because of the elastic waist, and binding everything. We've tried so many
different styles. He hates socks, and if we do manage to get them on him,
the seems have to be almost non existent! No fuzzy stuff: Velour, or
corduroy, velvet, inside of sweatpants, and what's been hard is the interior
of our car.(velvety) Yes, I do have a vinyl backseat cover. Any help would
be appreciated, thank you. |
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I am so happy someone has done something like this.
I've had the idea too but not the follow through to do it. My big
request is to make sure clothing will fit kids who are slim. I have a
hard enough time finding pants for my 9 y.o. daughter that are soft enough
and don't feel funny in the crotch but it's doubly hard because she is a
very slim girl but has normal height. Her favorite pair of pants used
to be Osh Kosh when they fully lined their pants in a soft jersey cotton
(they made them around 2005). No seams to bother her and they always
looked good (and were something different than yoga pants.) Also,
maybe offering a soft velour style of pant (but soft on the inside as well)
would be another good "dressy" choice for pants for girls. Good luck
with the website! |
I can give you the all your answers, because I used to
have severe autism. |
Our daughter is now 10yrs old and as they grow older so
do her ways. Yes seamless no labels all the usual. Sometimes our
daughter did and still does are - although the nightie might be from the
same shop there are only certain colors she wears. She may have 2 of
the same item but she needs to rub them against her skin first and then she
just wears what feels comfortable. She has a draw full of
pajamas and night dresses but does not wear the pajamas( I think she feels
too enclosed). She doesn't wear Jeans.Singlets,Stockings,Polo Neck
Tops, Woolen Jumpers, Scarf's. She doesn't like her feet to be enclosed
either and will wear one pair of Sandals summer or winter time if she was
allowed. Thank goodness for school uniforms. Her School Dress
(Summer and Winter ) need to be nearly down to her ankles. Although
she is now 10yrs old she feels comfortable in 14yr old clothes. I
think because they hang off her. She has told me that she can't
breathe otherwise. The sheet on her bed needs to be flannel.. the list
goes on. We have been told that she also has tactile sensitivity
which is not only fabrics but also food.. Good Luck |
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Your line looks very interesting. |
I think your clothing line is an awesome and needed
offering. The big problem in our home was socks and shoes. I’d love to see
you add soft socks without seams inside the toe area and that aren’t too
tight at the top. My daughter wore slippers for the better part of
three years when she was little. Now at 14 she mostly wears regular clothes.
Her issue now is the feel of paper against the side of her hand when she’s
writing (the pinky side of her hand). She keeps stretchy gloves from the
dollar store in her backpack and pulls one out whenever she’s asked to
write. Last year she had standardized testing with a “no gloves” rule. We
had to buy long sleeved shirts with extra long sleeves that she could pull
down to cover her hand so she could take the tests. Since my daughter is
now a black wearing young emo-goth teen she’s able to collect fingerless
gloves that are fashionable as well as functional for her. |
We tend to stick with cotton pull on shorts and shirts with only designs
in the print of the fabric due to the decals bothering the boys most of the
time if they happen to touch them. I would also suggest a sizing in such a
way that the clothing can be either tight and true to size or fit in the say
the waist and be loose or oversized. For ones like _____ with coordination
issues we buy his shirts two sizes bigger so that he can put them on and off
himself. Winter presents challenges all around because all the warm
clothes are very confining. Fleece is great (for jogging suits) but the
sizes tend to run small so we end up buying pieces that are way to big to
allow for looseness and movement. Jackets are rougher because the good
really warm ones are so thick the boys cant handle the bulk. And for the
most part we end up using really warm blankets and wrap them up. A warm coat
that doesn't have weight and bulk to it so that it poufs out etc and allows
for movement would be an amazing item to come up with if its possible. |
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My _______ insists on having a t-shirt on. She'll wear
anything you want but must have a t-shirt or all hell breaks loose. Socks
she hates but will tolerate. However as soon as she gets home, if you don't
take the socks, she'll hide one of them. I have found socks in the weirdest
places. For years and even now, ______would prefer to be naked. She
understands now that she needs clothes. When she was little (walking -9years
old) she didn't understand the social concepts of a little girl running down
the road or standing in the open window naked. She once ran outside
naked ,ran right pass the neighbors standing in their driveway and
proceeded into their garage because the radio was on (loves music). Another
time she ran down the street with me on her heels wearing nothing but a
straw hat. Oh I'm glad those days are over. I just make sure I never run out
of t-shirts. |
I have a son that is very particular about collars. He
only likes the t-shirt collars. Actual shirt collars (like polos or button
shirts) bother him, and wide necks bother him. He will pull and pull at them
and scream and try to take them off. That's really the only preference. Oh
and that same child does not like his jeans snug fitting. I started buying
him elastic waists cause he would pull at the ones with the snaps and whine.
As to coats, I try not to let the collars hit him, we use the old navy but
it was too bulky. whenever possible, I layer him and use a very thick zip up
goodie. we have one buy roca wear and one buy izod from macys. both with
hoods and he doesn't balk at all when wearing them. snaps and metal wear
(aside from zippers) either distract him or sometimes i think the sound
bothers him. he hates jeans, by the first diaper change he wont let ya put
them back on. any cut. i opt for very soft brushed khakis tan or navy. he
tolerates them much better except on really bad days, those days we do
cotton shorts or sweatpants and i always carry a pair for a back up in my
bag. i also try to stick with the 'fishermans' hats. unless i can find an
elastic 100% baseball cap the same material as a thick shirt. very hard to
come by though. ive found oshkosh (usually stocked at the outlets) makes
great sunglasses. they have the long lens and are thick all around. no thin
parts and they fit snugly on the face like goggles. thats the only type hell
tolerate. his motor planning doesn't accommodate thumbs in mittens so i look
for pairs that are long but have tight elastic over the wrists and put them
on (thumbs with fingers) before putting on his coat. :) hope this helps. |
I have to wonder how serious my son's clothing issues are. Saturday we
went to our first swim lesson and I thought it is kind of weird that he will
wear nylon swim shorts w/o a fuss, no way he would wear those if I just
pulled them out of the drawer at home. Same with his nylon coat, if we are
going to have fun he will wear it. He will also put jeans on for Sunday
breakfast at a restaurant, but not for school. Might just be another case of
a good job of training mom and dad (probably backed by a low level of
dislike for nylon). I know, if I could, I would rather live in a sweat suit. |
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My 9 yo daughter has extreme clothing issues but is also
very thin so trying to find pants to fit her (and is "fashionable" in her
eyes) is hard enough but coupling it with clothing sensitivity issues makes
finding pants impossible. Can't shop in most "normal" stores so a site like
this is crucial. |
fabulous. best of luck with this line of clothing. i
worked with deaf autistic children for several years. you have a good handle
on the the types of clothing that will make life better for the kids,
parents and school staff. |
I think this is a wonderful idea that my family and I have been waiting
for. Our daughter has many clothing issues and shopping for her and with her
is nearly impossible. I love the idea of a company that specializes in
clothing for kids with sensitivities. It would save us much frustration and
heartache if we could just shop in one place knowing that these items would
work. |
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Great idea! I know so many children in my own class who
would love to wear this kind of clothing. I would love to wear this kind of
clothing! |
My friend e-mailed me your post on about.com. I am very curious to hear
more about your company and products. My daughter – although not autistic
has moderate sensory integration issues – specifically related to her
clothing. We have endless battles about outfits. Her issue is primarily
wanting to wear tight fitting things or sweatpants, but it varies from day
to day. |
I just came across your site and some posts while
searching the internet. My third child is getting worse and worse about his
clothing issues. My daughter now 11 was the same way but had other issues
too. Could not brush or shampoo her hair,no nail trimming, her clothing
drove her nuts. She was naked most of the time till about 4. Finally wore
underwear at 7. Now my middle child was basically fine in these manners.
This third one is so crazy about his clothes he may be worse than my
daughter. |
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I have a 4 year old who can't stand seams! |
I have just tonight had an epiphany…I think my “fussy” 5 year old has
sensory problems. All your web site talks about is all the problems we have
with clothing !!! |
I remember having to put clothes on my son inside out just to make them
bearable. Wish we'd had Soft clothing then... |
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No seams-You read my mind!!!!!Please make this happen! |
This would be a Godsend for my daughter. I can not find any clothing for
her. Currently she is wearing a 2 sizes too big out of season dress, the
same one, day after day. Her S.I.D. is so bad that she doesn't wear socks
even in winter. |
Make it happen! My son is on the spectrum and faces sensory challenges
every day. This is a wonderful idea. |
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My son has struggled with sensory issues most of his
early life. He was not able to wear regular blue jeans until he was 16 years
old because the snap and zipper bothered him so much. He wore sweat pants
all the time and ended up looking like a sloppy nerd. I feel that he
suffered socially because he wasn't able to dress like his peers. I sure
wish that Softclothes had been around for him! |
I think it's a fabulous idea. I have a child with
sensory issues and if the clothes are cute (and the sailor pants look
adorable) - I would buy in a heartbeat! |
What a great idea! In a country that prides it-self on having high
standards of living, everyone should have comfortable, practical, and
stylish clothes. |
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My 9 yo daughter has extreme clothing issues
but is also very thin so trying to find pants to fit her (and is
"fashionable" in her eyes) is hard enough but coupling it with clothing
sensitivity issues makes finding pants impossible. Can't shop in most
"normal" stores so a site like this is crucial. |
My Daughter is 8 and has clothing sensitivities. I
am sooooooo glad to see you coming up with a line of clothing. I have been
sewing for her for the past year, since I have been unable to find anything
out there that works! I have been successful with pants that are very
similar to your designs but have not been successful with shirts. Her
issues seem to be with fabrics, (super soft stretchy knits seem to work
best), sleeve length (even on tee-shirts must be to her elbow), neck line
(here is where our trouble lies: mock turtle necks are too high and crew
necks are too loose), we also have waist-band issues. I have thought
that overalls would be a good way to over come many problems but I have
found the right pattern or fabric to make it work, or the right shirt to
wear underneath. She loves Chenille sweaters but the collar has to be
just so. Please keep me posted in your lines availability. Please
consider us, if you are looking for clothing testers she is a size 7. |
sounds interesting? I can't get my son to wear any |
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Not all cotton is soft.
Some of the cheaper 100% cottons can be scratchy. Some heavily dyed cottons
can be itchy as well. My son has a thing for shirts that have the heavy logos
on them. Silk screening is fine but some of the stuff that feels ironed on
or has bumpy appliqués on it - forget it. |
Hi. My child is not autistic, but has an SPD |
I have a 6 year old boy that will not wear underwear, and will only wear
bib overalls that are huge on him. I thought that would solve his clothing
issue, he now is having trouble wearing them. He cannot tolerate anything
around his waist, and overalls are not so tight, as regular pants. I tried
to look for bibs in softer material, but there is nothing. He wears his bibs
underwear his shirts. He prefers cotton or fleece, if only they made bibs in
these materials. His sensitivity to clothing is terrible, and being a boy it
is getting impossible to dress him. He will only wear adjustable strap
sneakers or clogs. He comes from school puts on a big tee shirt no underwear
and is comfortable. Any help with creating not constricting pants for boys
would be wonderful. I tried sweat pants no good he does not like elastic,
and nothing around the waist. If he were a girl I would have no problem . |
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My friend e-mailed me your post on about.com. I am very curious to
hear more about your company and products. My daughter – although not
autistic has moderate sensory integration issues – specifically related to
her clothing. We have endless battles about outfits. Her issue is primarily
wanting to wear tight fitting things or sweatpants, but it varies from day
to day. |
I was talking to a sales person at Gymboree
who said a really big issue for alot of kids is the line in the toe of
tights. She said she has tons of moms come in specifically looking for
tights without the lines in the toes. Interesting. She told me to share w/
you after we struck up a conversation about my daughter's sensitivity. She
said she sees a lot of parents come in and return things because the kids
don't like the way the clothes feel. So you're really doing a great thing. |
Excellent idea. As a person who works in the realm of health, I recognize
that your initiative responds to a unfulfilled and growing need. From a
business perspective, I believe that you are developing an excellent niche
market product. As a fashion connoisseur, I'm impressed with your talent in
merging simplicity, comfort, and design. Best of luck to you in your
endeavors! |
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My son suffered this problem for years and still does.
When he was aged 2-3 he would walk around in the crucifix position. We would
say, "Hello, he's pretending to be a signpost again." Then we discovered his
autism. He still (35 years later) wears no socks or underpants and refuses
to wear most of the stuff we buy him. I see these traits in so many adults
with a variety of neurodiverse conditions and I will pass the details on to
them. Good luck with the venture. |
I have had difficulty buying clothes for my daughter
throughout her life. She did not have a diagnosis of Asperger's and sensory
problems until she was about 14. In those 14 yeasr I spent a lot of money on
good clothes that she would not wear. I bought many pr of socks before I
learned that the seam was a problem. On several occasions she asked me to
buy her a lacy dress or an outfit that had some texture, then she would not
wear the clothes, because they were too uncomfortable. it is not only
parents of children with defined diagnoses that run into this problem. If
there had been a solution when my child was young, I expect that this
information would have been shared among the mom-network. Great idea for any
child who is picky about the "feel" of clothing. |
My daughter was recently evaluated with
sensory processing disorder. It is really hard to find loose draw string
pants for her. I have searched all the stores and find it really difficult
to shop for clothes that she can tolerate. i look forward to seeing your
product up and running. good luck |
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Having worked with children with autism for 7 years now,
I know what a gift this will be for the child and parents as well. What a
nice thing to have the day go more comfortably! |
No seams-You read my mind!!!!!Please make this happen! |
This would be a Godsend for my daughter. I can not find
any clothing for her. Currently she is wearing a 2 sizes too big out of
season dress, the same one, day after day. Her S.I.D. is so bad that she
doesn't wear socks even in winter. |
email your story or feedback to
info@softclothing.net