When people talk about “sensory needs,” it can sound technical or mysterious. But the truth is, we all have them—whether we realise it or not. Understanding sensory needs helps us create a more inclusive world, and it’s at the heart of what we do at Hues Clothing.
What Are Sensory Needs?
Sensory needs refer to how our brains process the information we receive through our senses—touch, sound, sight, smell, and taste. For some, certain sensations can feel overwhelming, while others crave more input to feel comfortable. These needs are not fixed; they can change from day to day, and even moment to moment.
The Sensory Cup Analogy
Think of each sensory system—touch, sound, taste, movement—as having its own “cup,” or threshold. The size of your cup for each sense determines how much sensory input you need or can handle before feeling overwhelmed.
- A large cup (high threshold) means you need a lot of input to feel satisfied. For example, someone with a large cup for taste might love spicy or intensely flavoured foods. Someone with a large cup for noise might thrive in busy, loud environments.
- A small cup (low threshold) means only a little input is needed before it’s “too much.” Someone with a small cup for noise might find even moderate sounds overwhelming. Someone with a small cup for taste may prefer plain foods.
Your cup size can vary for each sense—big for noise, small for touch, and so on—and it can change depending on your mood, health, or environment.
Sensory Seekers vs. Sensory Avoiders
- Sensory Seekers have larger cups for certain senses and need more input to feel “just right.” They might love bold flavours, bright colours, big bear hugs, or lots of movement.
- Sensory Avoiders have smaller cups for some senses and become overwhelmed more quickly. They may prefer gentle experiences, soft fabrics, plain foods, or quiet spaces.
It’s normal to be a seeker for some senses and an avoider for others, and your needs can shift day to day.
Everyone’s Needs Are Unique
No two people experience the world in exactly the same way. What feels soothing to one person might feel irritating to another. And what works one day might not work the next. This is true for all of us, whether we’re neurodivergent, neurotypical, young, or old.
How Hues Clothing Supports Sensory Needs
At Hues, we believe everyone deserves clothing that’s comfortable and adaptable—no matter their sensory profile. Here’s how we design with sensory needs in mind:
- Super-soft fabrics for gentle touch
- Minimal tags and soft seams—we know tags and seams can be a challenge, so we keep them minimal and as soft as possible in our current range
- Loose, harem-style fits for freedom of movement
- No seasonal restrictions—favourite items are always available
We’re excited to announce that Hues V2 is coming soon! Our next collection will feature true tag-free and seamless designs, taking comfort and sensory-friendliness to the next level. We’re also expanding our range to include adult sizing, because sensory-friendly clothing isn’t just for kids. Everyone benefits from comfort and choice, especially on days when your sensory cups feel smaller or larger than usual.
Sign up here to find out more about Hues V2:
Why It Matters
When you have the option to wear clothing that meets your sensory needs, you’re free to focus on what matters most—whether that’s learning, playing, working, or just being yourself. At Hues, our mission is to make that comfort accessible to everyone, every day.