Hey there, fellow parent. If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you’ve had one of those mornings—you know, the ones where getting your child dressed feels like a full-contact sport, complete with tears, frustration, and a last-minute scramble to find anything they will tolerate.
I see you. I am you. I’ve been there, sitting on the floor, trying to explain to my child why they need to wear pants in public while they’re spiraling because the fabric feels “wrong.” I know how exhausting it is to go through five different outfits just to have them refuse them all. And I know the deep sigh of relief when you finally find that one piece of clothing they will actually wear without a battle.
The struggle is real, but I promise you—you are not alone in this. And even better? There are things we can do to make it easier.
Sensory Seekers vs. Sensory Avoiders: Understanding Why Clothing Feels “Wrong”
Sensory Seekers: Crave deep pressure. Love tight hugs. Constantly wiggling, climbing, or pressing into things. They might love tight clothes, compression, or layering multiple pieces.
Sensory Avoiders: Notice everything. A tiny wrinkle, a waistband that’s too tight, a fabric that feels the tiniest bit itchy—it’s all overwhelming. They may prefer loose, tag-free, and ultra-soft clothing.
Whether your kid is a seeker, an avoider, or a little bit of both, dressing them can feel impossible. But here are some real, mom-tested solutions that have helped in my house and for so many other families.
For the Sensory Seekers: Kids Who Crave Compression & Tight Clothing
💡 Try Compression Clothing
Many kids need that deep pressure to feel regulated, and a snug-fitting layer can work wonders. My go-to? Our Sensory-Friendly Compression Tanks. They’re seamless, soft, and provide that “hug” feeling without squeezing too tight.
💡 Layer It Up
Sensory seekers love layers because they add more deep pressure. Try:
✔ A compression tank under their regular shirt.
✔ Fitted leggings under looser pants or shorts.
✔ Soft hoodies or weighted vests for extra comfort.
💡 Heavy Work Before Dressing
If your child is bouncing off the walls, getting them to slow down enough to get dressed can feel impossible. Try giving them some “heavy work” first to help calm their body:
✔ Pushing a laundry basket full of blankets.
✔ Doing wall pushes or animal walks.
✔ Jumping on a trampoline or doing deep squeezes.
For the Sensory Avoiders: Kids Who Hate the Feel of Clothing
💡 Prep Them with Skin Brushing
One game-changer for us? Skin brushing before dressing. It helps "wake up" the skin and makes clothing feel less intense. Use a soft-bristled brush and apply gentle, firm strokes to their arms, legs, and back.
💡 Talk Through What They’re Wearing (And Why It’s Different!)
I always make a point to explain how new clothes won’t feel like the ones they hate:
✔ "These pants don’t have any tags. They aren’t tight like the leggings you hate, and the fabric is super soft—not itchy like those sweatpants that drive you crazy." (Check out our tag-free, ultra-soft bottoms)
✔ "These socks don’t have thick seams. They stretch completely flat when you put them on, they’re thin (not thick like those bulky socks you hate), and the fabric is unbelievably soft." (Try our seamless sensory socks)
This helps kids mentally prepare for what they’re about to wear and reduces that “unknown” anxiety.
💡 Give Them a “Safe” Base Layer
Some kids do better if their outer clothes don’t directly touch their skin. Try:
✔ A super-soft tank top or compression shirt as a first layer.
✔ Lightweight leggings or soft bike shorts under pants.
💡 Pick Clothes the Night Before (Together!)
Giving your child some control over what they wear can help avoid meltdowns in the morning. Try picking out outfits together the night before and talking about what will feel best.
Extra Tips for Any Sensory Kiddo
✔ Keep Background Noise to a Minimum – Some kids get overwhelmed by everything happening at once. Try turning off the TV or music while getting dressed.
✔ Stick to a Routine – Having a predictable dressing routine helps kids know what to expect and reduces stress.
✔ Use a Visual Timer – Some kids do better when they know how long a task will take. A kitchen timer or countdown clock can make dressing time feel less overwhelming.
You’re Not Alone—And We’re Here to Help
I know how frustrating this can be. I live this every day with my own kids. I’ve cried over the pile of rejected clothes. I’ve worried that my child will be cold because they refuse to wear pants. I’ve felt completely alone in this struggle.
But here’s the truth—you are not alone.
This community is filled with parents who get it. What works for one child won’t work for another, but together, we can share our experiences and help our kids thrive.
At Parker & Talia, we’re always working on new designs to make dressing easier for sensory kids. If your child has a specific clothing issue, please reach out. We want to hear from you. We will work to create something that meets your child’s needs.
And if you just need someone to vent to, I’m here for that too. Whether it’s in the comments, through our social media, or in an email, my inbox is always open.
You’ve got this. We’ve got this. Let’s keep helping our amazing kids feel comfortable in their clothes—and in their own skin. 💛