There’s a term for kids like my son, who makes me remove tags from his clothes as soon as we get them. It’s “sensory-sensitive child.” (It’s also called Sensory Processing Disorder, or SPD for short.) He loves hand-me-downs because they’re softer, and never wears anything remotely elastic. It’s a challenge to dress him, sure, but luckily, there are now a few companies that make clothes for kids like mine. Here are a few favorites: Not only are they soft and comfy, but they’re stylish as well.
Primary: Like Peek, Primary was not made especially for kids with sensory sensitivities, but it is a great foundational wardrobe made of cotton. The online-only clothing line – which sells bodysuits, leggings, T-shirts and skirts – sells clothes in single colors that don’t have prints or crazy patterns and are dependably and comfortingly plain. primary.com
Kickee pants: Quite popular with the Hollywood set, Kickee pants are most famous for their baby pajamas with fleece-lined footies that can be worn all day. But the clothing line works for everyone in the family because they carry super-soft, great-fitting outfits for babies and kids – and all of them are lightweight, breathable and stretchy. The company also sells gender-neutral designs and women’s nightgowns. kickeepants.com
Smart Knit Kids: Ever been late because your kid’s socks “feel bad”? SmartKnitKIDS seamless sensitivity socks solve that problem. Made for kids with SPD, autism and hypersensitivity in mind, the socks are knitted the same way a caterpillar spins its cocoon; they start at the toe and are spun up to the ankle, which prevents wrinkles or bunches. Smart Knit also sells underwear, undershirts and bralettes that compress without that bothersome elastic. smartknitkids.com
Peek: This San Francisco-based clothing brand stocks tissue-soft, vintage-inspired message T-shirts, boho dresses, and eternally useful solid tanks and leggings that my kids always wear. While not made especially for those with SPD, Peek prides itself on using Peruvian long-staple cotton, which doesn’t pill like other cottons. Its clothes also get even softer the more you wash them. Peek may be pricier than Old Navy, but you’ll get so much use out of these clothes. As a bonus? Its resale value on buy-sell-trade groups is pretty high. peekkids.com
Kozie: Created by Susan Donohoe, a pediatric occupational therapist with a certification in sensory integration and a mother of six, Kozie was developed as part of Donohoe’s advocacy for kids with special needs. She wanted to incorporate neuroscientific principles into clothing. Kozie clothes have therapeutic benefits, and are designed to provide proprioceptive and tactile sensory input, such as gentle pressure, to comfort children with highly sensitive nervous systems. kozieclothes.com
