We all like the feeling of soft clothes as they come out of the dryer. For most of us, that experience is a simple pleasure. For many children in the world, however, soft clothes are a necessity.
More than 1 in 150 children have unique needs due to autism, Aspergers and other sensory processing disorders. For this population of children (which is growing at a 10%-17% annually), the clothes that they have to wear are uncomfortable and can be tortuous to wear.
Now, thanks to the efforts of a Brooklyn-based special ed teacher and a Chicago mom, these children will not have to suffer anymore. Together these women are launching 'Soft' clothing.
According to their website, 'Soft' is the first line of inclusive clothing designed with the needs of all children in mind--including those with autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, and a range of developmental delays. Wide collars, flat seaming, ultra-soft cotton, and custom fits ensure that Soft clothing is comfortable for every child.
The even better news is that the clothes line is meant for all children, not only those with sensory disorders.
Clothing for Children with Sensory Disorders
'Soft' Comfortable Kids' Fashion
Trend Themes
1. Inclusive Clothing - Creating clothing lines designed with the needs of children with sensory disorders in mind presents an opportunity for inclusive fashion that caters to a growing market.
2. Sensory-friendly Fashion - Designing clothes with wide collars, flat seaming, and ultra-soft cotton opens up possibilities for sensory-friendly fashion that prioritizes comfort and accessibility.
3. Developmentally-adaptive Apparel - Developing custom-fit clothing that addresses a range of developmental delays allows for disruptive innovation in the apparel industry, meeting the needs of children with various challenges.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion and Apparel - The fashion and apparel industry has a golden opportunity to embrace inclusivity and cater to the needs of children with sensory disorders, expanding their target audience and driving sales.
2. Special Education - The field of special education can seize the opportunity to collaborate with designers and clothing manufacturers to ensure children with sensory disorders have access to comfortable, adaptive clothing options.
3. Autism Services - Providers of autism-related services can explore partnerships with inclusive clothing brands, offering value-added solutions to their clients and promoting sensory-friendly fashion within the community.