Comfy Clothes with no tags/seamless!
Hanes carries some tagless clothing for women.
The GAP carries some seamless clothes as well.
I have many sensory issues with clothes. I'd like to know about some other places I can find a variety of comfortable & fashionable clothing. Thanks!
Oooh, I just remebered about Sandy Yim's holiday gift give-away which she sponsored through her blog Aspie Teacher.
Sandy had a contest to give away soft cotton Tees made by Soft Clothing for Children. They specialize in clothing for kiddos on the autism spectrum!
Just the right cut is also important. If there isn't enought room for certain body parts, then it feels awlful and I am always pulling at my clothing. I like t-shirts. Not the fitted ones. those drive me crazy. They are always hiking up and bunching up on my chest. What I feel comfortable wearing depends on my mood or my sensory mood. I have days where I will only wear sweat pants, t-shirts sweat shirts, etc. Then there are days when I can stand a pair of jeans. I am very aware if I gain even a few pounds, as my clothes wont fit right. Very frusterating. I hate skirts, dresses and dress clothes. Usually always made with itchy materials and form fitted. I also don't like long sleeve shirts. If I am cold, I will put on a sweat shirt over my t-shirt, as I am cold one minute, and then too hot the next. A zip up hoodie is the best for this as it is easier to remove and put back on multiple times. When I am anxious, I get hot. If weather wasn't a factor, I would wear shorts, t-shirts and sandals all year. (not the strappy dressy sandals with heels. I go for the rugged hiking kind). When it comes to fashion, I go for comfort. Looking like everyone else is NOT my highest priority. If it is uncomfortable, I will NOT wear it, even if everyone else is.
Ditto Genisa! Comfort has always been my top priority because my sensory code is heightened. There are times when I must dress appropriately for professional reasons, but even then I strive hard to mix comfort with fashion for the circumstances.
I can't wear tee shirts because the collars are too tight! I also prefer to wear skirts for the same reason.
Savannah Nicole Logsdon-Breakstone Director of Advocacy 
I wear my t-shirts big, so the collars and sleeves aren't tight. I am officially a small, but at times of heightened sensory , I wear a large. I don't like the skin on my thighs touching, so I won't wear skirts or dresses.
Jockey has a seamless brand of undies that are nice for women; i think for men too.
Hanes has a line of mens untagged and unseamed (reverse i think) undies.
This is a BIG issue for me as I am very fashion conscious! I love to dress up and to have fun with the latest trends (I failed that question on the Aspie test)....
Everyone is different on what sensory issues they have but here are some places and some tricks I use...
Waist Sensitivity - I can't stand anything touching my waist so I stick to low rise jeans and they HAVE to have some spandex in them. I have found these kind at Target (and they are cute!) and also at Pacific Sunwear, but I forget the brand on the Pac Sun ones. I pull my skirts down to below my waist (fashion tip- this also makes one look thinner) and if they are cut to come to the waist, i buy a larger size so the waist fits my hips.
Foot sensitivity - turn socks inside out to avoid seams, UGGS, UGGS and more UGGS, the kind with the shearling lining all over, also I buy shoes with pointed toes a half to a whole size bigger so nothing touches the edges
Scratchiness - i don't starch at all; buy mostly soft washable fabrics, only thin, thin cotton, avoid zippers next to skin, wash clothes a lot!
Bunchiness - avoid elastic waistbands and do not wear pants so big that a belt, if you must wear one bunches up your waistband! this is a pet peeve of mine.
Hardness - no leather belts! I only use as a fashion accessory to loop around and let fall loose; to actually make pants fit better have them taken up or use lightweight belts that are not too large or too small for the beltloops. if at all possible, avoid belts!
I totally love scarves! I am so gladdddddd that they are in vogue this year (and last). Summer scarves come in soft material that will remind you of your baby blanket; if you had one. You can use them to cover problem areas, to make wide shoulders look thinner (wear toward middle of body) to make thin shoulders look wider (wear shawl-like around arms or shoulders), over baggy pants to secure without having to wear a BELT lol etc
No one has asked me for fashion advise, but if you want to look good and feel good too (this is for the ladies), keep your basics soft and comfortable and in neutral flattering colors - i like to keep a grey, a tan, a black, etc. and trend it up with bold splashes of color on things like scarves, accessories and shoes. if you need to wear special shoes, use tights (i recommend spandex again, j.crew has some great feeling ones - and order them larger than it says too) or even some cute knee socks! they always feel good!
Oh, and I stock up on the basic t-shirts that OLD NAVY has for like $5 periodically, the v-neck soft pre-washed kind and get two sizes of each color, one that fits and one a couple of sizes bigger to layer with and use as tunics etc... you can do sooo much with these and they feel so good that I even sleep in them.
I by about 98 % of my clothes at Thrift stores and Rummage sales. I buy my underwear new. (used underwear. ICK!!!!). My family of 4 has to survive off of very little, so.... I have to make the dollar go a long long way. I usually wont pay more than about $2 on any clothing item. I occationally am able to get some new clothes for my kids. Used clothing is "preshrunk" so you know what you are getting!!
and don't have to worry about it shrinking.
Excellent point Genisa! I too, shop thrift stores and find lots of great soft, non-invasive clothes there; especially shirts!
Also, many more styles, sizes, textures, etc to choose from at the Thrift store. Your not stuck with only what is "in". In fact, some "styles" at the store looks like someone wore them well beyond what they should have been worn( that worn, ripped, patched, stiched "look".) Rummage sales in the Spring are my favorite. I can find some really good baragins for very little.
I go to thrift stores mainly for softened things, but especially silk shirts. like, button down mens silk shirts, with none of that frills and shoulder padding. This is because I wear the shirts when it's cold and dry out, when my skin is dried out and scratchy, mainly sensitivies a hell. A lot of the time, I'll wear them braless and to bed.
Warners has a style of bra that is basically a pink shell of softness. I can wear it far longer than any other bra, when I can wear bras.
My mom has a degree in fashion, so she takes me around the shops and I have to have some stylish clothing. Excuse me while I roll my eyes. But she knows that even if it's formal wear, if it doesn't pass as at least tolerable, I ain't wearing it. For special ocassions, I will wear some of the nasty stuff, but as soon as I can, I'm kicking off the clothing and getting into comfortable things, or even nothing, as fast as I can.
I know Target has some tagless clothing. It can be pretty cheap too, if you look on the clearance rack. Most of the tagless stuff is "basics" in different colors but something you can find neat stuff on their L.O.L. Vintage shirts. (like I found a Wonder Woman shirt in the LOL Vintage line) Make sure you buy a size larger than it says, otherwise your shirt is likely to be tight.
Some Dollar Trees sell Hanes basic clothing too... (never seems to have my size)
my husband is a "rather wear nothing" at home but, we have kids now, so that isn't always possible. I'm the type that will sleep in my "street clothes" as my husband puts it, if it is comfortable. I have even slept in jeans a few times, as I didn't want to put on some cold clothes, and my jeans were nice and toasty warm, as I had worn them all day. I can't touch silk. I hate it when my skin, when dry, catches on it. eeeeww. that noise also hurts my ears. (kind of like nails on a chalk board). My husband wanted me to dress up for New Years eve(n as in "a dress". Hell no. I told him that the closest to that I would get is a dark pair of black jeans.
I used to laugh at my mom when she wore "comfort pants," you know the kind that pull up with only an elastic band to hold them up? Well no longer. I can't stand pressure on my middle. Only knit pants for me, from Costco or LL Bean. Somewhat more flexible about tops. Tags can be a problem. My feet are the worst ... fused bone in the big toe in both of them, so no heels. When I worked and made enough money, I found I could wear Mephistos and flat-ish Cole-Haans. Can't afford them now, so I wear Earth brand shoes. If socks bunch or slide at all, I am miserable. So I replaced them all with Smartwool. Great socks. Expensive, but they give me no grief! And I never throw anything away, so it's important that clothes last!
Recently I replaced my bed clothes with only soft stuff, as I am a light sleeper and it seems everything irritates my skin. Like my autistic son, I like to have lots of covers about me, fluffy, soft ones, to form a sort of cocoon, reassuring but not "hot." I just got my son a "poof" at Ikea today (feather comforter and soft cover), and he was thrilled. He could not wait to go to bed and try it out, LOL.
It's easy to get great deals on "seconds" on the internet. I rarely if ever buy clothes full price.
As a teen and young adult, I bought most of my clothes at consignment and thrift stores and enjoyed vintage clothing. Let's just say, I liked to "stand out." Definitely not subtle! I look back at some of those photos and think, "OMG!"
The "cocoon" sleeping is something my husband just dosen't get. I have always had to have something wrapped around me when I sleep. My husband likes his sheets tucked in and flat. I love warm fluffy soft blankets. I wish I could afford a nice big very thick memory foam topper for my bed. My room is very cold( its above the garage) and I have found that this house is not insulated very well at all( moved to my current house last May, so first winter here. )
Genisa, I have a foam topper. They are great! Sometimes there are some pretty good bargains on the internet.
My bed has a pillowtop, but it isn't thick enough for me. I have slept on some of that cushion foam( the yellow foam that is about 4-6" thick) and it was like sleeping on a cloud. How much did you pay for yours( what size?) I have a queen.
It's all about comfort! Like Savannah said earlier, I too prefer skirts. (funny I've not had many skirts throughout my life, hmm?) I feel much more relaxed in a skirt or flowing dress than when I wear slacks.
I've had this one specific routine all my life. The first thing I do when I get home is put on my "comfy clothes." It's like knowing the sun rises in the east & sets in the west - Sharon walks through her front door & heads straight for her C&C.
Genisa, I bought mine for about $200, and it is 4 inches thick. It's important to pick the highest rating, as foam quality can differ quite a bit: I got the one with holes drilled in it, which improves circulation of air. My daughter has a twin mattress entirely made of the stuff. It was $475. I don't know what the queen would be. That was before the economy tanked, so perhaps there are bargains out there. My son loves his twin Beautyrest. I also sleep on that brand. The pillow top helps a little, but I find I need the foam.
sharon,
my comfy clothes in the winter consist of loose fitting sweat pants, a large t-shirt, and warm fuzzy sweatshirt, and soft warm socks. Oh, and a blanket, as it is alway cold in my house, even though I have the heat set to 72. IF the heatiing wasn't an issue( as it was paid for at my old townhome, I would have the heat set to 80, and be wearing loose fitting shorts and t shirt. no socks.
I am a thrifty shopper meeself...I have a sort of fancy thrift store where I go with my parents every week..so I can find better quality clothes for cheap. I have been a thrift shopper for most of my life, and it is good because sometimes it takes a while before I realize that an article of clothes disagrees with me, so I don't feel too bad about getting rid of it. So far, it seems that I have ended up with a huge hoard of clothing, but only a few things that I feel comfortable wearing over and over...
I really like the fabric Modal...though I have only been aware of it for a little while..it is super breathable and soft.
I also like non-constricting skirts with pockets and pants that fit below the waist....
I cut the necks out of all t-shirts...
I usualy just take the label off. There is an art to it but it can be done :-)
Labels ~ arrrg!! I have not mastered the art of taking off labels!
Perhaps you can share your trick Suzanne?
I like to make my own "Happy Pants". They're usually bright coloured cotton materials.
I just got some really cheap fleecy material tonight and will be making a WARM pair of happy pants before tomorrow. I decided I am sick of my trackies all meing stupid sporty/fashion ones that aren't comfortable at all; but most of my happy pants are really thin material and therefore better in summer (hence getting some WARM material).
I can't stand bare legs or bare feet! I have to wear socks.
Silk and Satin irritate me too! Immensely.
I go through phases of making the effort to wear smart clothes that I find incredibly uncomfortable to work and then lapses into periods where I will only wear what is comfortable no matter how casual it looks. Given my occupation, I sometimes receive comments about my 'casual' attire and the fact I will wear sneakers to work. Ultimately I function better at work when I am comfortable; but everyone else has the impression I function better when I 'look the part'. I am fortunate that my Hospital are actually quite understanding and just let me do my own thing....
Excited about having new happy pants.
I can't handle restricted feelings around the waist, so I usually make the elastic almost as big as my actual waist so the pants just sit there. I also like to buy jumpers really big and loose so that I can't feel anything around my waist.
I just found a super cheap jumper today in bright yellow. It was a 5XL!!! It's sooooooo big I can wear another jumper under it no problems. I wanted something I could curl into, knees and all. :)
I'm going for a trip on Friday for a few days and I have no idea what to wear. I want to wear my comfy clothes, because I always get soooooo nervous and anxious when I travel, but I'm going to a professional conference and I don't want everyone to think I'm nuts... Sigh - why can't people think you're a professional when you wear happy-pants and skivvys???
Here's to my soon to be in existance WARM FUZZY RAINBOW HAPPY PANTS.
I think I will post a pic!
patchmonk,
I dislike covered feet. I love being barefoot or comfey sandles. Inside, winter or summer, I must be bare foot. I can't stand shoes on inside. I'm getting used to socks in the winter, but as soon as the weather warms and I can wear my sandals, off goes the socks and shoes and one goes the sandals. I usually love transitioning to shorts, but this year, I am avoiding the shorts because my sensory issues have really been bugging me. Last summer, I discovered half length pants( shin-diggers, clam-diggers, whatever), but I LOVE them. I am, however, dreading when it gets to hot to wear them and will have to drag out the shorts. It is so hard to get used to the different textures and feeling of shorts. baggy shorts look aweful, where baggy workout pants don't look too bad. If I could, I would wear the same thing every day, because it takes too much to adjust to different materials, cuts, etc. of clothing... but that is not acceptable.ugggg
fiinally, someone that also doesn't like the feeling of silk. Most people can't figure out why, but I can't stand it. If feels so rough to me.
Genisa - add me to the list! I have an extreme sensitivity to silk & it is as disturbing for me to touch as it is to have fingernails scraping a chalkboard. NO SILK FOR ME EVER!!
Patch - I want to make some happy pants now!
yes! that is the sensation I get when I touch silk or run dental floss between my teeth. Makes me want to cover my ears, but I know that wont help.
Yeah I'm so glad more and more companies are coming out with tagless and seamless designs, they feel so much better I know for myself but also for my oldest son that seems more bothered by it than his younger brother.
For shirts, I find that Cotton Ginny carries a lot of tagless clothes that are comfortable to tolerable. Some of their pants pass my sensory issues as well.
A lot of the organic cotton clothing, I find are comfortable for me. I also shop at Cleo's from time to time. Winners, I find, is a bit of a hunt, but does turn out to have some nice things for fairly cheap.
When I buy from online stores, such as sharkrobot or cafepress, I find myself trimming the collars at the neck and sleeves. I've been considering seeing whether there's stores that sell sensory-safe clothing for adults somewhere, or else picking up my mother's fashion textbooks and designing my own.
~ Corina
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