What is so different about Soft clothing?
More than 1 in 150 children have sensory needs that are largely unmet by the children's apparel market today. Soft clothing changes that. Soft is the first inclusive and universally designed line of clothing geared toward children with sensory or tactile sensitivity, a common symptom of Autism, Aspergers, and Sensory Processing Disorder. Soft is designed and constructed considering the needs of all children, particularly, sensory sensitive dressers.
Soft provides comfort and style for all children. Soft clothing features:
• Flat seaming and totally seamless construction throughout (for extra comfort)
• Soft, high quality cotton (combed, bio-washed and pre-washed for extra softness and smoothness)
• Wide collars (for a roomy fit)
• Encased elastic (waistbands that don't pinch)
• Printed labels throughout - printed with water based ink (for a smooth non-plasticy feel that won't itch)
• Vegetable dyes, natural enzyme washes and water based digital prints (to protect against allergies)
What is sensory sensitivity/tactile defensiveness?
Tactile defensiveness is a specific type of sensory or touch sensitivity. It means that the person overreacts to touch and may refuse or avoid touching. Tactile deficits may also include increased or decreased reactions to textures. Many children with Autism also experience tactile defensiveness. It is also a common symptom of Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD and varied developmental disabilities.
People with tactile defensiveness may be especially sensitive to textures and tags on clothing. They may have strong preferences about the clothes they wear. Parents may find they need to cut out tags that itch the neck and buy clothing made of soft fabrics, without elastic cuffs or hems. Cotton seems to work best for individuals with tactile defensiveness, as woven or synthetic fabrics tend to be itchy and overstimulating to the touch. This can be challenging for children and parents especially when school or work dictate you have to wear something other than tracksuit pants and baggy windcheaters.
What is flat seaming?
A special flatlock sewing machine is used to sew Soft flatlock seams. The machine fuses two edges of material together creating a smooth, flat seam. Most clothes are sewn with overlock seams. Overlock seams are a cheaper, faster and easier way to sew clothes but they leave bulky, itchy, uncomfortable seams in your clothing. Flatlock seams leave a smooth surface, giving our clothing a seamless feel.
What is bio-washing or enzyme washing?
Enzyme washing is a natural laundering process used to clean and finish cotton, to give it a worn-in feel without damaging quality. Enzyme washing is also used to soften seams, prints and any topstitching or embroidery. The process also helps to reduce pilling, which can be an irritating consequence of regular machine washing.
Is Soft clothing just for children with SPD or special needs?
No, Soft clothing is for all children. Soft is however the first line of inclusive clothing for children available in Australia - which means that the clothing design takes into consideration a wide range of needs allowing all children to be comfortable and stylish.
Where is the clothing made?
Soft clothing is designed and tested in the USA and manufactured in India.
Who designed Soft?
Soft was created by Jessica Elsas, a Special Educator/graphic designer in Brooklyn, USA with a Masters in Special Education, who teaches children with SPD and Autism. In 2008, Jessica partnered with Suzy Kogen Friedman, a Chicago mum/entrepreneur/advocate, who has a nephew with Autism who experiences sensory sensitivity and has a difficult time wearing most clothing.
Do you ship outside of Australia?
Seams Away ships to Australia and New Zealand only.
Where do you ship from?
Seams Away ships from Melbourne, Australia.
Who does your shipping?
We ship with Australia Post and use trackable Express Post satchels. We charge a flat shipping rate of $8.95 and orders over $100 are shipped free of charge.
I've seen some styles at Soft that you don't have in stock. Can I get them?
Please email us if you have particular requests for styles or sizes. We're happy to take orders.
What about returns and exchanges
If your order arrives damaged or is faulty, please contact us to arrange an exchange. If the sizing is not what you expected, please contact us to arrange an exchange. We do not provide refunds simply because you changed your mind.
Underwear: Please note that due to sanitary and safety issues, opened or washed underwear is not exchangeable or returnable. We will accept unopened exchanges and returns for store credit only.
How should I wash Soft clothing?
Machine wash cold with like colors. Gentle cycle. Use only non-chlorine bleach. Tumble dry low. Use warm iron as needed.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We gladly accept Visa, MasterCard and regular account payments all through PayPal.
How secure is this store?
This store uses PayPal for payments and PayPal automatically encrypts your confidential information in transit from your computer to ours using the Secure Sockets Layer protocol (SSL) with encryption of the highest commercially available level.
Do I need a PayPal account to purchase from Seams Away?
No, you do not need a PayPal account. You can use your credit card through the PayPal facility without setting up an account.