This year’s back-to-school season has meant different things for different families – for some, it’s been a straightforward and welcome return to normality; for others, an emotional journey. For parents of children with sensory issues, the return of the morning getting-dressed routine can lead to exhausting daily battles. 

Many children with sensory issues struggle to feel comfortable in their clothing, from hating the ‘feel’ of trousers, itchy fabrics, seams and tags to getting frustrated and angry with buttons, zips, laces and fiddly hooks. 

The Zip Yard offers some advice on simple alterations that might help with clothing sensitivity… 

Trousers

When children struggle to get their trousers up and down and to do up fastenings, jogging bottoms can be a useful alternative. If something smarter is needed, many high street shops sell trousers with internal buttonhole elastic that allows the waist to be easily adjusted. Another option is to buy ordinary trousers a size too big and cinch in the waist with buttonhole elastic to create a more comfortable elasticated waist. 

Simple options to make doing up and releasing trousers and skirts easier for children include buying button-fly trousers and a strip of Velcro, then cutting off the buttons and sewing in the Velcro strips. Press studs and hook bars are also easier than buttons and can quick easily replace traditional fastenings. 

The feeling of trouser legs can in themselves cause aggravation to some children with sensory issues – it may be that the sound or feeling of the leg fabric rubbing together while walking is enough to irritate, or that the leg length is an issue. Testing the feel and sound of trousers before buying them or having trousers altered to avoid them skimming the ground can help in these cases. At The Zip Yard we’ve also helped aggravating fabrics by adding a silk lining to ensure a more comfortable fit and free movement when putting on and removing clothing. 

Tight necklines 

We get lots of parents coming into The Zip Yard requesting neckline alterations, often wanting a round neck to be widened to allow for a looser fit that feels less constricting – we’ve also added zips or discreet strips of Velcro to allow necklines to be opened up. If your child dislikes the feeling of their hair being snagged or ruffled as a shirt or top is pulled over their head, choosing button-up shirts wherever possible can make your morning routine run more smoothly. 

Strong scents and static

Children with sensory sensitivities may struggle with strong scents, so perfumed washing detergent, fabric softener or dryer sheets could cause issues. If you think strong scents might be worsening your child’s anxiety, then try purchasing odourless versions of these products. 

Static can be a nightmare for even the less sensitive of us, so make sure you check clothes for any static cling in different seasons. Static caused by tumble drying can be reduced or removed by using cling-free dryer sheets. At the Zip Yard, we have added tape trouser hems to further reduce static. 

‘Hug’ t-shirts

Sensory ‘hug’ t-shirts and compression shirts can have a reassuring and calming effect. These discreet t-shirts (with no itchy labels) are made from high quality cotton with stretchy Lycra and can be worn under clothes.

Socks

A top tip for children who struggle to get their socks on is buy regular socks but in a larger size that allows more ‘give’. Using fabric conditioner when washing socks will also make them stretchier and easier to put on.

Buttons

If your child struggles with the feel of buttons, try replacing them with hidden panels of soft Velcro.

The Zip Yard offers all sorts of alterations or adjustments that may help with sensitivity issues. An experienced member of the team will be able to advise you on the best action to make any garment more comfortable and wearable for a clothing-sensitive child, drop in to your local store and see how we can help you. 

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