Target debuts sensory-friendly clothing for kids

Raising a child with sensory issues can be a difficult undertaking when something as simple as choosing clothes to wear can be a struggle.

A nationwide chain seeks to make the lives of parents of children with these challenges a little bit easier: Target announced last week it is introducing a new limited selection of sensory-friendly clothing for kids.

The pieces are part of the store’s popular Cat & Jack line of kids’ clothing.

Features that make the pieces functional for children with sensory issues include heat-transferred labels in place of tags, flat seams and one-dimensional graphic tees. They are all designed to minimize discomfort when the clothing comes in contact with the skin.

Sizes range from 2T to 5T for toddlers and XS-XL for older children and are available exclusively through Target.com.

In a press release from Target, Stacey Monsen, design director for AVA & VIV, Target’s plus-size brand, explained she is a mom to a 7-year-old daughter with autism, Elinor. Monsen was motivated to create this sensory-friendly clothing line for kids in part because of the challenges she faced when trying to dress her own daughter.

“So this project was about meeting even more guests’ needs, and helping all kids feel comfortable and confident. These pieces mean the brand can be even more inclusive, which is why our team used the same designs already found in the Cat & Jack assortment,” said Julie Guggemos, senior vice president, Product Design & Development (PD&D) for Target, added.

Target is taking a page from other companies that offer sensory-friendly clothing options for kids with sensory issues. These include Smart Knit Kids, Kozie Clothes and Fun and Function. Parents can find more options at FriendshipCircle.org.

This fall, Target plans to take the concept one step further by introducing adaptive pieces for children living with other disabilities. Items could include styles with zip-off sleeves and side openings for easier dressing as well as pieces that open in the back for children that are lying down or sitting.

Kudos to Target for taking this inclusive step!