Clothing Sensitivity Red Flags

This blog post on clothing sensitivities in sensory processing is an older blog post that we’ve had on the site for a long time. We’ve updated this with some considerations that we as the occupational therapist might have when supporting the individual with sensory needs.

Sensory Issues with Clothing

You might know a child who HATES that tag in the back of their shirt. Maybe the seam of socks need to be lined up “just right”.  Maybe you know a student who only wears shorts no matter the weather. All of these clothing preferences might be a red flag related to a clothing sensitivity and sensory processing issues.

We might all have a sensory issue with clothing at one time or another…

Do you hate certain fabrics? Or do turtleneck sweaters itch and scratch? Maybe the tightness of yoga pants around your waist is aggravating. All of us, at one time or another, have probably experienced some preference or sensory issue with clothing, whether it’s the tightness, the fabric, or something else. All of those tactile defensiveness tendencies and proprioceptive sensations are technically “sensory”.

Clothing sensitivity can mean we need to take a closer look at sensory issues with clothes and they specifics about the clothing: textures, fabrics, tag location, etc.

Sensory friendly clothing can make all the difference in the world to the kiddo that struggles with these intricacies that you or I may not even notice! Even taking a moment to consider how clothing fasteners impact the sensory system can have a huge impact.

A clothing sensitivity related to specific clothing preferences is a common red flag related to sensory processing disorder.

Clothing Sensitivity Disorder

We all prefer certain textures of clothing, however, when clothing sensitivities or the touch discrimination (sensory touch) prevents one from wearing clothing or an extremely strict preference in clothing, there may be more to look at. Tactile defensiveness can impact daily self-care and functional performance in wearing weather-appropriate clothing. Take a look at the clothing sensitivity list below.

Because sensory processing challenges present differently in each child, there will be no list of clothing preferences that is the same for every child. There will also be no completely exhaustive list of red flags related to sensory processing issues or one that can indicate specific sensory issues.

However, it is possible to notice sensory needs related to clothing preferences and clothing sensitivity. The red flags listed below don’t necessarily mean that a child has a sensory processing disorder, only that a more intense look at the child might be needed. If a child seems to have a number of clothing sensitivities, a full evaluation by an occupational therapist may be needed.

Here are tips for getting sensory kids to wear winter clothing.


Does any of this sound familiar? 

Clothing sensitivity red flags

Below are some examples of clothing sensitivities. These sensory issues with clothes may impact children, adults, or anyone in between.

An individual who prefers to wear only one type of texture is not something to be concerned with. Similarly, the student who wears shorts all winter long can get by with learning in the classroom without interference. The main consideration is when clothing sensory issues interfere with daily tasks and safety, including personal hygiene considerations.

Consider these sensory clothing red flags:

• Prefers a specific clothing material (e.g. only cotton or only lightweight fabrics)
• Child is bothered by seams
• Is bothered by tags
• Dislikes sleeves hitting wrists
• Dislikes hems of pants hitting ankles
• Wears only shorts even in very cold weather
• Wears only pants even in very hot weather
• Prefers clothing without buttons/snaps/zippers/ties
• Sensitive to collars hitting neck
• Unable to tolerate shoes
• Prefers only certain socks or shoes
• Dislikes when socks slide down in shoes
• Prefers feet to be totally uncovered or totally covered
• Unable to tolerate a belt or tight waistband
• Dislikes underwear or prefers only a certain type of underwear
• Bothered by seams in underwear
• Bothered by length of underwear
• Prefers tight clothing
• Unable to tolerate jeans
• Hates coats
• Prefers heavy layers of clothing
• Complains of “itching skin” with certain materials or types of clothing
• Complains of clothing tickling the skin
• Has meltdowns when it’s time to get dressed in the morning

Need more information on all things sensory?  Grab this free sensory processing disorder information booklet. Its’ perfect for those new to sensory processing or for passing on to parents, grandparents, teachers, and caregivers of children with sensory struggles. 

What clothing sensitivities have you seen?  This list could go on and on. As we all know…kids like to keep us on our toes! 

For the individual with clothing sensitivities, using preferred textures and cut of clothing is a means to support the individual’s preferences. Check out our resource on sensory clothing for specific ideas.

One other thing to consider is the impact a tool like a weighted vest or compression garment can have on meeting sensory needs. It’s something to consider.

Clothing Sensory Issues

Depending on preferences, there can be various textures that one tries to avoid. Certain textures can feel uncomfortable, itchy, scratchy, or even painful. These are the most common sensory textures:

• Rough or scratchy textures, such as coarse fabrics or rough surfaces
• Fuzzy or hairy textures on sweaters
• Textures that hold in body heat: flannel materials, thermal materials, or polyester
• Textures that are tight or constricting
• Shirts with tight necks or turtlenecks
• Clothing with course seams
• Clothing with scratchy or long tags

Sensory Issues with Clothes List

Want a printable list of our sensory issues with clothes (listed above)? The printer-friendly list is ready to go! Enter your email address into the form below and the resource will be delivered to your inbox. This sensory issues with clothing printable is also found inside our Member’s Club. Head to the free printables toolbox and then select sensory.

Do we all have sensory problems with clothing?

After reading this article and gathering information, I realize that my clothing struggles check all the boxes listed as red flags.  See if you can relate to my list of do’s and don’ts:

• I don’t like jeans. I have owned hundreds of pairs trying to find the right pair (which means that jeans day at work is not a celebration, but a chore). Sometimes I put on a pair of jeans in the changing room, and they feel ok.  Until I get them home, or worse, arrive at my office wearing the new pair. 
• I can wear something ten times and find it ok.  The 11th time, it feels awful. I have no idea why.  Once it feels awful, there is no going back and trying again.  Into the give away box it goes.
• There have been days that I am so uncomfortable that I run out at lunch to buy something better to wear.
• When I was on my teaching circuit I left several dresses in hotels with “free” signs on them.  After class I ducked into the local Marshalls or TJMaxx to restock.
• When I find something I like, I tend to buy several of them. This works well until I decide I can not wear them anymore. Then I have nine pairs of shorts in different colors to dispose of. 
• Pants have to be just the right length, no ankle pants for me.  Same with shirts.  Those ¾ length sleeves?  Definite no. 
• No wool, puffy jackets, microfiber, tight sleeves, v-neck shirts, lace that touches the skin, tight neck shirts (turtlenecks??)…  This is just the start of the list.
• Accessories? Headbands, hair ties, necklaces, bracelets, watches, hats, scarves, and other accessories can become bothersome as the day wears on, if it is not aggravating when you first put it on. 

How have I survived?  Luckily I have a voice and a choice. I am old enough to pick what I want and get rid of it when it “does not feel right.”  Fortunately I have the money to do this. I do not tend to buy expensive things in case they don’t work out.  I try to bring extra clothing options when I travel, and keep an extra set of clothes in the car. The voice I have helps me describe how I feel, or why I need to change clothes in the middle of the day. Luckily my spouse has become accustomed to my quirks and understands when I say something does not “feel right”.

Sensory Issues and Clothing Tags

When you think about clothing red flags, do you focus only on tags?  That is the common misconception. Clothing sensitivity is so much more than pesky tags.  To make it worse, there is a ton of trial and error that goes on before the right combination of clothes is found. 

Sensory Clothing Recommendations

Recently I have made some great additions to my sensory clothing line up: (Amazon affiliate links below)

• Bombas makes great socks. Make sure you size up so the toes are not too tight
• New Balance sneakers have a wide toe box. Again size up so there is room to move
• Woxers make soft boxer shorts for women. No tags, seams, pinching, or exposure. The only issue is trying to wear these with jeans as they tend to bunch up.
• Land’s End makes the most comfortable pajamas (again size up)
• Triblend cotton is the right amount of stretch
• Soft leggings go well under dresses to minimize potentially scratchy fabric touching

“Sensory”, like everything else, is on a spectrum. Having sensory sensitivities or quirks is only a problem when there is something you have to wear or do, that you can not.

Students who have to wear certain uniforms, and adults that have difficulty wearing specific work clothes, can struggle if they have clothing sensitivity. Many students in private schools (and their parents) face a daily struggle to wear the designated outfit. I have been fortunate enough to have a flexible dress code during my career. 

How to help my child with sensory clothing sensitivities?

Our job as therapists is to support the child or client with clothing sensitivities. We can support those needs when it’s a request. Maybe the individual wants to start to wear a certain type of material.

Maybe there are behavioral issues at play.

Clothing sensitivity becomes an issue when someone can not wear anything, takes their clothes off in public, refuses to put anything on, or has undue stress when selecting or wearing clothing. Pickiness like mine is aggravating at times (and expensive), but it is not debilitating. 

Maybe a student needs to wear a uniform to school.

As sensory sensitivities come to light, certain companies are making strides to design clothing that feels right. These range from affordable brands at Target to high end designers.  Of course this does not mean that everything from these brands is going to feel right.

There will be some trial and error to find the right size and fit.  French Toast and other clothing designers have adapted school uniforms.  A search for sensory friendly clothing can help you get started.

Maybe it’s weather related. I think as therapists, we’ve all seen the kids that wear shorts to school all winter long, even when you live in a colder or northern climate.

Here are some ways to support individuals with sensory clothing sensitivites:

Change the texture- Wearing soft, familiar clothing underneath less comfortable fabrics can minimize direct contact with the skin.

Layer clothes- For example, a cotton undershirt can be worn beneath a sweater or other uncomfortable fabric​.

Sensory and itchy tags- As a mom, I’ve removed hundreds of “itchy” tags from my own kids’ shirts and sweatshirts. All it takes is a pair of scissors. Cut off the tags right above the seam. You can also use a seam ripper to totally remove the tag, if some kids still can’t stand the feel of the remaining tag. I’ve noticed that in recent years, many shirts have a dotted line on the tag to help you cut it out from the shirt.

Alter seams- Another common issue with clothing sensitivities is the feel of seams. You can iron the seam down and that can help. Or, I’ve seen this work before; use fabric glue and glue the edges of the seam down. You can also cut excess fabric from the edges of the seams. One last thing to try is sewing a thin strip of satin or soft fabric along the seam.

Fabric softener- Another trick that can work is to use fabric softener. This helps with tougher materials like jeans. You can also run the clothing through multiple wash cycles can soften clothing fibers, making them less abrasive against the skin. Clothes that are washed multiple times tend to feel softer, which can reduce discomfort.

Trouble with elastic bands- If you’ve worn a pair of tight pants before, then you know this issue. it can help to snip a few threads and adjust or remove tight bands around wrists, ankles, or waistbands that might feel restrictive.

As you struggle with your child to get them dressed in the mornings, consider all the variables about clothing. It is so much more than tags and seams. Start a dialogue using sensory language to help your child describe their likes and dislikes. Try to understand what is going on and make changes where you can. Anxiety and being out of sync will make the symptoms worse.  Be sure to address self regulation as a whole.

Colleen Beck, OTR/L has been an occupational therapist since 2000, working in school-based, hand therapy, outpatient peds, EI, and SNF. Colleen created The OT Toolbox to inspire therapists, teachers, and parents with easy and fun tools to help children thrive. Read her story about going from an OT making $3/hour (after paying for kids’ childcare) to a full-time OT resource creator for millions of readers. Want to collaborate? Send an email to contact@theottoolbox.com.