Kids have sensitive skin! Their skin is thinner than adult skin. Their skin is new to the world - and can react to things unpredictably. And finding sensory friendly clothing can be difficult.
As the mom of a girl with sensitive skin, I know first-hand how challenging this can be. Lots of kids clothing is uncomfortable. Sometimes the fabrics, trims, or even the fit can cause irritation and a rash. When we're done with potty training, it can be hard to find the best toddler underwear for sensitive skin.
Tactile Sensitivity and Sensitive Skin
And then there are some kids who are extremely sensitive to clothes for what seems like no apparent reason. Tactile Sensitivity refers to the condition of being hypersensitive to tactile sensation. For some children, a woven fabric that is soft and comfortable to us feels stiff and uncomfortable. Other kids can find some types of fabric intolerably itchy.
Some children have garment type preferences. They might refuse to wear long sleeves. Or insist on skirts instead of shorts. These habits are familiar to the parents of a child with sensitive skin. Tactile Sensitivity is one aspect of Sensory Processing Disorder and is often seen in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Asperger’s Syndrome, and also Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD).
Sensory Friendly Clothing
Many kids have strong opinions about what they wear. Even kids who aren’t especially sensory sensitive can have clear preferences. And let's face it, most of us prefer our undergarments to be comfortable when we first put them on - and throughout the day. That’s why Lucky & Me works very hard to develop sensory friendly clothing with the softest fabrics and trims, smoothest seams, and no itchy labels.
Soft, Toxin-free Fabrics
New product development at Lucky & Me starts with the softest fabrics. And all our fabrics and dyes are tested and certified so they are free from harmful dyes, chemicals, and heavy metals.
Our cotton modal fabric blends are extremely soft and have a touch of spandex to provide some give so that garments fit well, but not too tight.
We have several underwear styles for girls and boys that are made with certified organic cotton for those children who prefer the soft, comfy feel of premium cotton fabric. And parents can feel good about buying sustainable and ethically made products.
Sensory Friendly Elastics and Laces
Lucky & Me uses the softest elastics and laces available to ensure all-day comfort. And the elastic is designed to prevent uncomfortable compression. No child wants to feel like their waistband or leg elastic is too tight. And scratchy lace on an undergarment is just the worst! Read more about elastic comfort in our post Tactile Sensitivity, Elastic, and Comfort.
Another advantage of our elastics? Underwear that doesn't ride up! When the leg elastic has just the right tension, underpants stay in place. No more wedgies!
Tag Free
Have you ever had a shirt with a label that scratches? Maybe it's the rough thread used to sew it on. Or it could be the edges are folded over and the corners are sharp. You feel that label all day long, and it can drive you crazy!
There are no fabric or paper labels in any Lucky & Me clothes– none! All of our labels are printed to ensure itch-free comfort. Read more about going tag free in our blog post Go Tagless: Don't Let Scratchy Tags Affect School Work.
Sensory Comfort Seams
Seams are sewn with the fluffiest threads to ensure they are smooth and never scratchy. And they are sewn for maximum comfort.
Lucky & Me's gussets are all constructed to be smooth and comfy. Some are flat seams with the gusset fabric sewn down onto the panty fabric; this makes the seam smooth and flat. Some of our undies have completely hidden seams, so all the edges are concealed. And all exposed thread is soft and fluffy for maximum comfort against sensitive skin.
Compare our Gracie Briefs gusset seam to a leading competitor. See how Gracie's seam is flat and smooth? There are no rough edges to irritate or itch. The other brand's seam is twisted and curling - it will never lie flat. That seam is almost guaranteed to be uncomfortable. Your child will definitely be able to feel the difference!
For a super sensory friendly style, check out our revolutionary new Bella Briefs for girls. Innovative ComfySeam™ bonding technology and super soft cotton modal fabric make this classic brief panty the ultimate in girls' underwear comfort. Check out this review from a relieved mom who recently bought Bella Briefs for her daughter.
"Our daughter has ASD (autism spectrum disorder) and fabric sensitivity. We went through five recommended brands before stumbling across these underwear. They are the first underwear our daughter has worn in almost a year. We are so happy, and she is so happy and comfortable! These are amazing! We can’t say thank you enough."
If you’re curious to see Bella in real life, check out our features video below. It’s the closest thing to picking up the undies with your own hands.
We've learned a lot about kids and how they feel about underwear. To learn more read our blog post "Why Your Child Hates Underwear".
And we know it can be challenging to find the right sensory friendly garments for kids with sensitive skin. That's why all of the clothing from Lucky & Me is designed with care. We are sure you can find a fabric and style that your little one will want to wear every day!
By Liz Smith. Liz has worked across the globe for many of the world's best known apparel brands, including Justice, Chico's, Victoria's Secret, and Hanes. She has worked closely with dozens of factories in more than 20 countries to ensure that production is of the highest standard. Liz has managed all aspects of garment production, from design through fabric development to sewing and merchandising - so she knows what it takes to make high-quality apparel. Liz is thrilled to share her knowledge about clothes to help discerning customers choose the finest products.