Sensory-friendly clothing for autistic & ADHD kids (UK): what to look for

Sensory-friendly clothing for autistic & ADHD kids (UK): what to look for

I’m really uncomfortable in social situations, but the clothes I wear help. And that’s honestly where Hues comes from.

The world is an uncomfortable place, especially when you’re neurodivergent. When clothes feel “wrong” (scratchy, stiff, tight in the wrong places), it can turn a perfectly normal day into a hard one.

I’m Elizabeth — I’m autistic and ADHD, and I’m the founder of Hues Clothing. We make sensory-friendly, sustainable basics in bold block colours, made in the UK.

Hues started as a children’s brand, but I quickly realised we had a much wider customer base. I’m now working on expanding our sizes up to adults and our colour range to include the full rainbow, because comfort shouldn’t stop at a certain age.

Up to 25% of the population is neurodivergent. My mission is simple: make the world a little bit comfier — and in doing that, make everyday life a little more accessible for everyone.

This post is a practical guide to what to look for if you’re shopping for sensory-friendly clothing for an autistic child or a child with ADHD.

1) Start with the feel of the fabric

A lot of sensory discomfort comes down to texture. If your child is sensitive to scratchy, stiff, or “crisp” fabrics, look for pieces that feel soft straight away.

A quick test at home: if you wouldn’t want the fabric rubbing on the inside of your elbow for a full day, your child probably won’t either.

2) Keep outfits simple and predictable

Many neurodivergent kids do best with clothing that doesn’t surprise them.

That can look like:

  • The same few favourite shapes (a comfy top + bottoms)

  • Consistent colours that are easy to match

  • A small “uniform” of outfits that work for school days and weekends

If your child likes routine, matching sets can be a lifesaver — less decision-making, fewer negotiations, and more energy saved for the things that actually matter.

3) Look for comfort-first design (without fuss)

Even when clothes aren’t marketed as “specialist”, small design choices can make a big difference.

Things many families like include:

  • Soft waistbands

  • Easy movement for play

  • No unnecessary extras to fiddle with

  • Pieces that still feel good after washing

4) Choose clothes that work for real life

Sensory-friendly isn’t just about comfort in the moment — it’s also about practicality.

Ask yourself:

  • Will this still feel okay after a few washes?

  • Can my child put it on and take it off without help?

  • Does it work for play, school, and downtime?

5) Let your child lead (when you can)

If your child can tell you what they like, it’s worth listening — even if it seems “random”.

Some kids care most about softness. Others care about how tight something feels, how it sits at the waist, or whether it moves properly when they run.

A simple approach that can help: order one piece first, see if it becomes a favourite, then build from there.

Where to start at Hues

If you’d like an easy way to shop, these pages are a good starting point:

Or browse the full range here: https://huesclothing.co.uk/collections/shop-all

If you want to keep in touch, please follow us on social media and sign up to our newsletter.

Elizabeth

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.