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My daughter struggles with tight clothing - bathing suits, tank tops, bralettes, waistbands and hems. I have spent hundreds of dollars on different brands/styles/textures, washed what she has tried on and liked, and she refuses to wear anything in her closet! Right now she wears oversized men's tshirts to be and during the day, or her robe when she's at home. I am at a loss and looking for ideas that you may have! TIA!

June 1
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MyAutismTeam

What a frustrating and exhausting experience — and it's clear how much effort and love has already gone into trying to help your daughter feel comfortable. Sensory sensitivities around clothing are incredibly common in autistic individuals, so you are definitely not alone in this!

Here are some ideas that other families Show Full Answer

What a frustrating and exhausting experience — and it's clear how much effort and love has already gone into trying to help your daughter feel comfortable. Sensory sensitivities around clothing are incredibly common in autistic individuals, so you are definitely not alone in this!

Here are some ideas that other families have found helpful:

- Involve her in choosing — Let her lead the shopping process, even if it means unconventional choices
- Seamless clothing — Brands like Hanna Andersson, Smartwool, or sensory-specific lines (Kozie Clothes, Fun and Function) are designed with sensory needs in mind
- Tagless options — Remove all tags and look for tagless labels
- Adaptive swimwear — Some brands make looser-fitting swim options that feel less restrictive
- Compression vs. loose — Some kids prefer deep pressure compression wear instead of regular fitted clothing; others prefer loose fits like your daughter currently does
- Let comfort win — If oversized tees and robes are working right now, that's okay! Comfort supports emotional regulation

An occupational therapist (OT) specializing in sensory processing can be a game-changer here. They can create a personalized "sensory diet" and give hands-on strategies tailored specifically to your daughter's needs.

June 1
A MyAutismTeam Member

Thank you!

June 1
A MyAutismTeam Member

I'm similar with textures. The only kind of shirts I will wear are men's t-shirts :) Anything else is just not comfortable to me. I prefer my clothes on the baggier side as well. I like soft, stretchy fabrics and waistbands that don't squish my stomach, lol! I usually wear joggers or windbreaker type pants.

June 1
A MyAutismTeam Member

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10066095/

https://www.autismspeaks.org/sensory-issues

Quick Wardrobe ModificationsGo Tagless & Seamless: Cut out clothing tags entirely or opt for tag-free brands. Look for seamless garments or underwear to eliminate scratchy friction points.Turn Inside Out: Try wearing shirts or pants inside out to shield the skin from direct contact with rough seams.Wash Before Wearing: Launder new clothes multiple times using gentle, fragrance-free detergents to break down stiffness before wearing.Prioritize Loose Fits: Avoid tight waistbands, bunched socks, or floppy, loose fits that can constantly rub or slip.

Clothes, Sensory Experiences and Autism: Is Wearing the Right Fabric Important?
Clothes, Sensory Experiences and Autism: Is Wearing the Right Fabric Important?
June 1
A MyAutismTeam Member

How much does she like dresses?

June 9

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