Sensory-Friendly Dressing Emerges in a Time of Overstimulation. By Suzanne Blecher
STRATEGIES/COMFORT
MAKING SENSE
S
ensory-friendly apparel can mean many things.
Universally, it is clothing that doesn't have tags,
is made of all flat seams and finishes, and is
comprised of so fabric. Magnetic closures may be used
instead of zippers (because they are flat and free of rough
metals), while stitched-down elastic waistbands take the
place of buttons and elastic adjusters. Beyond physical
construction, sensory-friendly clothing sometimes
employs non-toxic dyes and chemicals that are gentle
for all skin types.
Julia DeNey founded Sense-ational You aer working
in special education in autism classrooms with students
who struggled with sensory processing. "From their
clothes, to noise, to being unable to calm their bodies
down, sensory dysregulation and discomfort would
greatly affect their education, happiness, and ability to
participate in activities they love," she said.
Sense-ational You's best-selling Sound-Reducing
Sensory Hoodie has a special material sewn into the
hood to help reduce noise and an eye mask that can be
flipped back or pulled down when a full sensory break
is needed. Many who struggle with sound sensitivity
dislike the feeling of headphones. Magnetic closures
increase independence in children and adults with fine
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