Dressing sensory-sensitive kids for winter

If you have a child with autism or sensory issues, then you know how important it is to find sensory-friendly materials for their outfits. 

With winter comes a lot of layers and bulky clothes, so it can be hard to figure out how to navigate the needs of your child while still keeping them warm and cosy. 

That’s where we come in! We’ve compiled the best tips for dressing your child who struggles with sensory issues this winter so that you can avoid scratchy jumpers and itchy seams. Soon enough, dressing for a chilly winter morning won’t be a battle but a breeze.

At Village Kids, we sell a range of designer kids' clothes at great prices, with brands like Boss, Monnalisa, and Ralph Lauren.

Why winter clothes can feel overwhelming for sensory-sensitive kids

You may find that finding outfits for your little one in spring and summer takes a lot less hassle. That’s because these seasonal items tend to have lighter, softer fabrics like chiffon and linen. 

When it comes to winter, heavier fabrics like wool, corduroy, and jersey are like a sensory overload for small children with skin sensitivities. You may find yourself trying to coax a jumper over their head for 20 minutes while they cry and wriggle about.

The way clothing feels, sounds, and even smells can be dialled up for children with autism or sensory processing differences compared to what adults experience. When you stack three or four layers on them, they can quickly become overwhelmed and start to lash out.

Every extra layer brings more seams, more labels, and more waistbands and cuffs that could dig in or rub. Try to avoid these key things if you can:

• Itchy and stiff fabrics (heavy wool, cheap acrylic, stiff denim)
• Tight waistbands 
• Lumpy seams 
• Sock seams that bunch under the toes
• Noisy fabrics (crinkly raincoats or noisy zips)

Wool and cheap acrylic can feel scratchy and restrictive around the neck, and cheap acrylic often becomes rough after a few washes. Put all of that together, and it could trigger a sensory meltdown in your child. 

At Village Kids, we never want getting dressed to feel like a fight. That’s why we sell a range of designer kids' clothes made from high-quality fabrics, so your child can enjoy soft fabrics that don’t degrade after a few washes.

Building a sensory-friendly winter wardrobe step-by-step

So, when it comes to creating a wardrobe that’s curated to your child with sensory sensitivities, there are a few key things you should look for when shopping.

1. Start with soothing base layers

When choosing thermal underlays, opt for fabrics such as:

• Cotton
• Bamboo
• Fleece 
• Terry cloth

Long underwear, thin and soft leggings, and undershirts are great options because they tend to be lightweight and breathable. Plus, it means that if your child gets too hot, they can take a few items off and still stay warm and covered up.

The best thing about base layers is that they can serve as extra protection against woolly clothes and scratchy seams if they’re unavoidable. Make sure to cut out any bulky labels beforehand so they don’t scratch against their skin. 

Some children prefer clothes that fit snug against the body, so compression tops and pants are great for making them feel relaxed and supported. 

Top tip: To prevent holes in your child’s clothes, use clothing tape to cover up labels. 

2. Add mid-layers they’ll happily keep on

When choosing jumpers, cardigans, and tops, try and keep them lightweight and soft, so they don’t feel tight or restrictive on your child. 

Some children may prefer snug, tight-fitting clothes, such as hats, tops, and trousers, while others do better with looser-fitting, breezier clothes that are easier to move in. Finding the right choice for your child will take some trial and error.

If your child falls into the former category, weighted clothing may bring them some comfort and help them focus on their body rather than outside distractions when out and about.

Some good mid-layer options to start with include:

• Zip-up hoodies that can be left open if they get too warm.
• Soft sweatshirts with brushed lining.
• Fine knits in cotton or cotton blends rather than thick, rough wool. 
• Shirt-style overshirts in soft, brushed cotton for older children for a more ‘grown-up’ appearance. 
• Weighted jackets and vests to soothe your child.

Always ask your child to try items on before buying to see how comfortable they feel. Feel the inside of the sleeves and side seams for rough stitching, and check for any inside embroidery or appliqué that could rub against them.

3. Pick outerwear that doesn’t overwhelm

You want your child's coat to be protective against wind and rain, yet soft and comfortable inside. 

Soft linings like fleece, jersey, or quilted feel gentle on the wrists, neck, and chin, helping prevent your child from becoming agitated. Look for lightweight jackets that provide a good level of insulation, without being too big and thick. 

Some children may feel more comfortable with buttons or zips, so get them to try out both options so they can determine for themselves. If your child flat-out refuses to wear a traditional coat, like a bubble or trench coat, try the following:

• A lined zip-up hoodie under a light, roomy waterproof jacket that you can quickly take on and off.
• A thick, soft jumper with a gilet over the top, so their arms feel freer.
• Slowly and safely expose them to fearful clothes by practising wearing them in the house while doing a fun activity, so they’re brain connects it to a positive memory.

Acrylic raincoats and stiff coats may cause them to panic at loud, aggravating sounds or at the feeling of being trapped. In this case, switch to soft, flexible materials that can easily be adjusted; ones that don’t make too much noise when moving.

4. Accessories that don’t itch or pinch

Socks, tights, hats, and gloves are among the most common triggers mentioned by parents. 

When choosing a hat, look for hats lined with jersey or soft cotton, especially around the ears and forehead. Some children like a snug beanie that stays put; others prefer a looser, floppy hat, so experiment with both.

Snoods or neck warmers are a great substitute for scarves, as they don’t become tangled or undone as they run about. Avoid gloves or mittens with stiff, plasticky shells; instead, choose ones with soft linings. 

Socks and tights are another big culprit for children becoming agitated, due to bulky seams. The best thing to do is buy seam-free socks and tights. You could even try soft leggings with long socks instead for school, so there is less fabric pressing on the waist.

5. Bring them into the conversation

The best way to understand your child is to bring them into the buying process with you and ask them what they don’t like about certain items of clothes. 

You can ask simple, age-appropriate questions that are easy for them to understand, like, “Are these tights too tight or just right?” or “Does this feel scratchy or soft on your skin?” 

It may be helpful to buy clothes in person rather than online, so your child can try them on beforehand. That way, you’ll save money and avoid an overwhelmed child. 

Dealing with static shock

Static electricity can be a major problem for children with sensitive skin. This often happens when two different fabrics rub together, combined with dry indoor air and central heating, leading to electric charges in clothes. 

In winter, static can be much worse because the air is drier and clothes rub against each other more, turning an already tricky dressing situation into an “I’m never wearing that again” moment. 

Synthetics like polyester, nylon and acrylic are known culprits, especially after they’ve just been washed. To avoid this, try the following:

• Use fabric softeners: These help to reduce friction between fibres and keep a little more moisture in the fabric.
• Avoid too much tumble drying: The longer clothes spin in very hot, dry air, the more static they collect. Instead, use a low heat setting and leave them to air dry every now and then.
• Separate fabrics: Synthetic items tend to generate more static charge when they rub against cotton and other natural fibres. Instead, separate fabrics before washing and air-dry fleece and polyester items.
• Use a metal hanger as a “static wand”: Run a bare metal hanger or a small ball of aluminium foil over the inside of the garment to draw the charge out of the fabric.
• Moisturise skin before getting dressed: Static can feel much worse on dry skin, so make sure to moisturise your child’s skin often in winter before pulling on tights, leggings or long sleeves.

Find high-quality, soft clothes at Village Kids

At Village Kids, we stock the best fabrics on the market from renowned children's designer brands. 

By investing a bit more in your child’s wardrobe, you can get the best-quality fabrics that are gentle on their skin, making getting dressed in the morning much less hectic. 

Browse our range today to find the perfect winter ensembles that will keep your child happy and content.