Clothing for special needs

SmartKnitKIDS in the US makes seamless sensory-friendly products. You can buy its range in the UK at Sensory Smart. They are seam-free and elastic-free, with comfortable non-binding waists and legs. Plus, they are made from a blend of Coolmax and Lycra, making them super-stretchy, hugging the body.

The good news is that Coolmax doesn’t use chemicals; it’s the structure of the fibres that does the work by drawing moisture away from the body and regulating temperature. 

For washable continence pants, take a look at Rackety’s. Their soft cotton pants have built-in washable pads and waterproof backing. No need for disposables – just wash and re-use.

Marks & Spencer has a range of soft cotton larger-size popper vests and onesies in sizes up to 16 years. This Adaptive Range keeps nappies securely in place and away from wandering hands. The flat seams are chafe-resistant, making them comfortable for all ages. 

Special Kids Company has tag-free onesies and vest suits with neckline, armholes and legs all bound in a soft stretchy rib. Sizes are available up to 16 years.

Sensory Smart sells SmartKnitKIDS socks made with a non-binding top that won’t slip down. They are seam-free (no lumps or bumps), and hug the foot to stop wrinkling or bunching up. The no heel design makes them easier to put on, and the antimicrobial fabric keeps feet sweat and stink-free. 

Another option is Ez Sox made by the Special Kids Company. These are fun, easy-to-use socks made with seamless toes and non-skid grippers. They have pull up loops to help kids put them on and come in colourful animal and car designs, as well as stripes and polka dots. Available to fit up to 9 years old.

Or for children who struggle to get their socks on, buy regular socks but in the larger size, which will allow more give. Using fabric conditioner when you wash them makes them stretchier.

Set up by parents of Jett, who was diagnosed with autism, global development delay and sensory processing disorder at three years old, JettProof undergarments are made from Calmtex, a light-weight, breathable, sensory fabric designed specifically for sensory care. They can be worn comfortably all year round, allowing kids to wear their favourite clothes or school uniform on top.

Sensory Direct offers sensory ‘hug’ t-shirts and compression shirts that can have a reassuring and calming effect. These discreet t-shirts (without itchy labels) can be worn under clothes and are made from high quality cotton with stretchy lycra. They are all made with flat seams and extra long in the body to stop any riding up.

The National Autistic Society has collaborated with Marks & Spencer and Tesco to create a range of easy-dress clothing, including school uniform. Buttons have been replaced with hidden panels of soft Velcro, and pull-up trousers are available up to 16 years old. The usual trouser back pocket has been removed, and tags have been moved to the inside of the pocket. Not particularly soft, but hard wearing and practical according to parents.

Special Kids Company also does school uniforms up to 16 years, including super-soft polo shirt bodysuits, also available with G-tube access. 

Sensory Smart sells Spectra Sensory Clothing, which has recently developed its own range of soft, elastic waist school trousers as well as shirts with softer collars that can still be worn with a tie. All labels are in the pockets, and all inside seams are sewn down. 

Pretty, frilly halterneck or side tying swimsuits with waterproof nappies or discreet waterproof liners are available for girls from Seen In. For boys, there are swim shorts which can unbutton at the sides or trunks, with the same protection.

When children struggle to get them up and down and to do up fastenings, jogging bottoms are useful. For something smarter, many high street shops do trousers with internal button elastic waist adjustments. Buy a size too big, cinch in the waist with the button elastic, and you have created an elasticated waist.

Or buy some button fly trousers and a strip of Velcro, then cut off the buttons and sew in Velcro strips.

For clever replacements for shoelaces, which turn lace ups into slip ons, try Hickies, or Greepers, which even has a Thomas the Tank Engine version, or Coilers, which has versions for smart shoes and trainers.

And for a child who prefers to be barefoot, check out Vivobarefoot. They make ultra lightweight, flexible shoes with ‘barely there’ protective soles that give feet maximum sensory feedback. 

Fledglings produces a warm, back-fastening fleece as well as a range of bright wheelchair cosies, made to order in the UK

Fleecy mittens, which open at the side to make them easy to get on, and have a stay put strap to keep them on, are available from SeenIn

The not-for-profit UK company Fledglings has a rainbow array of bibs and bandanas for older children, which are absorbent and prevent skin irritations, in addition to patterned side-fastening kerchiefs in child or adult sizes.

If you’re lucky enough to live within 25 miles of Swindon, Dressability will alter all types of clothing to make openings wider or fastenings easier, with a collect-and-return service.