“When I was in elementary school … Scratchy petticoats and wool clothes were like sandpaper against my skin. I still wear my underwear inside out so that the stitching does not rub against me. I wear old, well-washed, soft T-shirts under my new shirts to make them tolerable.”
(source: Temple Grandin (2005). Foreward. In Biel, L. & Peske, N. Raising a sensory smart child: The definitive handbook for helping your child with sensory integration issues. Penguin Books, p. ix)
Indeed, as I have mentioned many times before, issues like tactile defensiveness and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) are common in children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. A number of stockists have sprang up online selling clothing designed for the needs of children with such issues…
Here are some links to online retailers of such products:
Soft Clothing :: Home
Kozie Clothes | Special Clothing for Special Children
Clothing and seamless socks for sensory-sensitive kids as well as those with Eczema
Clothing : Special Needs Toys | Teaching Special Needs Children Equipment | Child Therapy Toys
Seams Away — Home
http://www.hannaandersson.com/
The range for adults is far more limited however. As well as Hanna Andersson (for Women), Cottonique, American Apparel, Splendid, Therawear and Pajamajeans all offer what seem to be sensory friendly clothing for adults, though none of them specifically target customers with sensory or Autism issues. Founded in 2002 by Moise Emquies, this extract is from Splendid’s website…
(sources: http://www.behavioradvisor.com/SID.html; Soft Clothing :: Clothing FAQ; Yummy Fabric & Color - Splendid Official Store)