Getting dressed might normally be considered an easy part of the day, but for kids with sensory sensitivities, clothing can bring unexpected challenges. Tags, seams, and even certain fabrics can feel overwhelming, making everyday routines a struggle.
Understanding how to support your child’s sensory needs can help them feel more comfortable and confident in their clothes — so they can focus on the fun of being a kid.
We sat down with Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Courtney English, to share expert insights and tips on choosing clothing that works for sensory-sensitive children.
Can you share a bit about your background as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist and what led you to focus on sensory sensitivity in children?
I have been an occupational therapist for 10 years now. I worked in hand therapy outpatient orthopedics for six years before switching to pediatric occupational therapy when my daughter was born. She motivated me to make this career change — I experienced postpartum anxiety (PPA) and struggled with developmental concerns. I knew I needed to learn more to support her, and in turn, I found a deep connection with the families I worked with.
Switching to pediatrics helped with my PPA because I was able to research what supports development in children, which also helped me support my clients in a clinical outpatient setting. I felt so connected to parents because I could empathize with them and help them feel seen while also guiding them in understanding how to best support their child’s developmental needs.
I became passionate about sensory processing disorders and how the nervous system impacts how we experience the sensory world. I have developed a deep appreciation for children with sensory processing differences because they have such a unique and important perspective. They are processing so much more than someone with a “typical” sensory system, and their view, perspective, and intelligence amaze me.
What are some common misconceptions parents have about sensory sensitivity?
A common misconception is that children with sensory sensitivities will always respond the same way to a given sensation. Rather than thinking of it as a fixed spectrum, I like to explain it as a sensory bucket.
If the bucket is too full due to multiple demands, changes in routine, novelty, or emotional stressors, sensory sensitivities can become more intense. As the day progresses and more challenges arise, the nervous system becomes overwhelmed, making reactions stronger.
What people don’t realize is that you can prime the nervous system and proactively regulate it so that these sensitivities aren’t as intense. The brain is also highly neuroplastic in childhood, meaning new neuropathways can be created to improve how a child processes sensory information.
This doesn’t mean they will “grow out of it,” but rather, they will grow into it by learning how to regulate their nervous system and respond to sensory stressors in a way that feels right for them. Sensory sensitivities can also present when the nervous system is in a chronic state of dysregulation and may resolve once the brain and body enter a state of safety and connection.
Featured Style: Fog Bodysuit
What are some signs that a child may have sensory sensitivities when it comes to clothing, and how can parents recognize these early on?
Signs of sensory sensitivity related to clothing include:
• Preferring to wear only certain textures or materials (e.g., soft, loose fabrics vs. tight, stiff ones)
• Becoming distressed by seams, tags, or labels
• Wanting to wear the same clothing repetitively due to the predictability of how it feels
• Strong resistance to trying new clothing and becoming emotional or upset about it
Children with typical tactile habituation will notice clothing on their skin for 5-10 minutes and then no longer be consciously aware of it. However, kids with sensory sensitivities may remain acutely aware of their clothing throughout the day, leading to discomfort and frustration.
For kids with sensory sensitivities, what should parents look for when choosing clothing to ensure all-day comfort?
Every child has a unique sensory profile, but in general:
• Soft, breathable fabrics are best (Lunaluxe® & Soluxe Bamboo® fabrics are loved by families for their buttery soft and breathable properties!)
• Overheating can lead to dysregulation, so temperature-regulating materials help
• Tagless and seamless designs reduce irritation
• Gentle elasticity and simple fastenings add comfort
• For sensory seekers, compressive materials may provide needed input
Many traditional clothing features — like scratchy tags and thick seams — can be overwhelming for sensory-sensitive kids.
What should parents look for in sensory-friendly brands?
Parents should look for brands that use printed labels instead of sewn-in tags and opt for flat seams. Avoid extra materials that differ in texture from the clothing itself, as these inconsistencies can be triggering.
Featured Style: Heather Blue Cloud Patch Dress with Bloomer
Morning routines can be tough when a child is particular about how clothing feels. Do you have any strategies for making getting dressed smoother?
Building sensory regulation into the morning routine can help. Movement, resistance, and pressure provide calming input to the nervous system. Try:
• A dance party before getting dressed
• An obstacle course leading to their clothes (e.g., bear crawl, pillow jumps)
• Breaking up dressing into playful steps with movement in between
Making dressing feel like an interactive activity rather than a task can reduce stress and help kids feel more at ease.
Some kids have fluctuating sensory needs, tolerating certain fabrics one day but not the next. How can parents navigate this with clothing choices?
This is where the regulation bucket comes into play. If a child is already dysregulated, their sensitivities may be heightened. Sensory sensitivities tend to peak in the evenings when the brain needs to reset after a full day of demands.
Parents can add sensory regulation activities before dressing or incorporate dressing into a fun, sensory-friendly game to make the experience feel safer and more predictable.
How does feeling physically comfortable in their clothing impact a child’s mood, confidence, and overall regulation throughout the day?
If a child is constantly distracted by discomfort, it can impact their ability to focus, follow routines, and engage in daily activities. When sensory discomfort triggers the fight-or-flight response, their ability to access higher-level thinking and communication is compromised.
Comfortable clothing helps keep the nervous system regulated, allowing kids to feel safe and engaged throughout the day.
Featured Style: Soft White Relaxed Pocket Tee and Earl Gray Chino Shorts
What’s a common myth about dressing sensory-sensitive kids that you’d love to debunk?
A common myth is that children can be “desensitized” to their sensory sensitivities through forced exposure. In reality, regulation is about teaching kids to advocate for their sensory needs, helping them find clothing that supports their nervous system, and introducing positive experiences with sensory input.
Forcing a child to tolerate sensations that send their nervous system into fight-or-flight mode can increase anxiety rather than improve tolerance.
If parents want to start making more sensory-friendly choices for their child’s wardrobe, what’s one easy change they can make today?
Start by listening to your child. Ask them what feels good and what doesn’t. When you honor their sensory triggers and preferences, you help them develop self-regulation skills. Over time, they will gain more confidence and understanding of their own needs.
Supporting a child with sensory sensitivities starts with understanding their unique needs and making small, thoughtful adjustments. Whether it’s choosing comfortable Little Sleepies styles, introducing movement into morning routines, or simply allowing them to have a say in their wardrobe, these steps can make a world of difference.
Follow Courtney English on Instagram for more sensory regulation tips!
Have any tips or experiences to share? Leave a comment below for a chance to win a $50 LS gift card!
