Autism and Clothing
Our sensory differences can affect the clothes that we wear. However, every autistic person is different and and clothing choices will be very individual too!
School Uniform and Autism
Many Autistic people have sensory differences which can significantly influence their clothing preferences. Some materials can feel painful, spiky or itchy next to our skin. This can make wearing school uniform really uncomfortable. As a parent of Autistic children, I can attest to the amount of time and money spent trying to find uniforms that my children would comfortably wear. Some shops like M&S and Asda now offer a sensitive range, including seamless socks etc. However, it can still be challenging to find something that works for your child and is also school-appropriate. It can be beneficial to make sure that the school is aware of these difficulties so that you can arrange reasonable accommodations if necessary.
The Issue of Clothing Tags
Why oh why do clothing manufacturers put massive, itchy tags on the neckline? This seemingly small detail can cause a great deal of discomfort for autistic people. Many of my clothes and my children's clothes have the tag cut out. It's not a question of being fussy, it’s genuinely painful. It becomes impossible to concentrate on anything else and the tag just has to come off!
Colour Preferences
I have one colour… black! 95% of my clothing is black. It’s a colour that I am comfortable in and I don’t need to think about co-ordinating colours. It matches everything because it’s black. I can find patterns and bright colours over stimulating. However, some Autistic people are literally the opposite and love amazing colours and patterns! They might find joy in dressing in their favourite colour.
Comfort vs Style
With so many sensory differences, it is easy to understand why many Autistic people prioritize comfort over style! If they are hypersensitive, then baggy, loose fitting and soft clothes might be more comfortable. However, some Autistic people are hyposensitive and might prefer tight fitting clothing to feel more comfortable. Sometimes, weighted clothing can offer comfort too.
The Autistic Style
Ah yes… the myth that we all wear the same! Many of us will go for comfort over style, and that is our unique style! But some Autistic people prefer more formal clothing, maybe linked to an era that they love to focus on. Or maybe they have a favourite colour or animal that much of their clothing is styled around.
Consistency in Clothing
In a chaotic unpredictable world, some Autistic people prefer to wear the same clothes again and again. Once I find something that’s comfortable, I like to get two or three of them. Some Autistic people can struggle with change and like to wear the same clothes…sometimes they become more comfortable and comforting with age.
Temperature Sensitivity
Many Autistic people can be sensitive to temperature and may dress accordingly. I am very heat sensitive and would never wear long sleeved tops or warm materials. Layers of clothes are often the answer as some Autistic people struggle to regulate their temperature or have difficulty knowing if they are hot or cold (interoception).
Embrace Your True Colours
Despite all these considerations and quirks, the most important thing is to not be afraid to show your true colours. That’s when you shine the brightest. After all, our individuality is what makes us unique.
Written by: The Autistic Teacher
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