8 Places to Find Non-Toxic Sensory-Friendly Clothing

Image by Lucy & Yak

This post contains some affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, EcoCult receives a small percentage of the sale price. We only recommend brands that we truly believe in. Support our editorial work by supporting them!

For most of my life, I thought that fashion wasn’t for me. I just wasn’t comfortable in anything outside my basic wardrobe of tried and true tees, and rarely succeeded when trying on something new. I had barely any pieces I was excited to wear, and even fewer that made me feel like myself. I couldn’t understand why until I figured out two things.

One, I had sensory issues. How the fit and fabric felt against my skin would make or break any article of clothing, no matter how cute it was. Two, I learned that a concerning amount of clothing is made with synthetics, often dyed with skin and immune-sensitizing disperse dyes. Switching to natural fibers opened a whole new world of cute and comfortable looks, and I built a wardrobe that actually felt like mine.

If you’re neurodivergent, experience sensory issues because of chronic illness, or even just want to be more comfortable in your clothes, this list is for you. Fashion can work for us, too.

Everyone’s experience is different, but here are a few things you can look for to get started:

Natural Fibers: Natural fibers are more breathable than petroleum-based synthetics, and they’re much better for your body, too. Cotton, hemp, and linen are light and comfortable, but I’ve found that Tencel and bamboo rayon are also breathable with the benefit of some stretch without added synthetics. If you struggle with temperature regulation, I highly recommend linen for the upcoming summer days.

Skin-Safe Dyes: On top of existing sensory issues, the azobenzene disperse dyes used on synthetics like polyester can further irritate your skin. To avoid these, look for labels from Oeko-Tex and bluesign, which ensure the product was made without hazardous substances.

Loose Fits: Restrictive clothing can be incredibly distracting, even on low-sensory days (days when my sensory sensitivity isn’t particularly high). This list features brands with a wide selection of loose-fitting clothing with lower, non-claustrophobic collars. I’m also a fan of tank tops and crop tops for that extra bit of freedom they give me.

Versatility: The best pieces are the ones you can wear anywhere, especially when you need something familiar on lower-functioning days. Look for clothes that you would feel comfortable in for multiple kinds of occasions to get the most out of your sensory-friendly wardrobe.

Eileen Fisher

What we love: Eileen Fisher is a long-time sustainable and non-toxic brand that has worked to make getting dressed easier for decades. Almost all of its cotton and linen is organically grown, and 90% of its current materials are verified by bluesign, Oeko-Tex, or GOTS. Eileen Fisher works closely with its supply chain partners to ensure fair labor and responsible chemical management. Its versatile pieces have a relaxed fit and easily removable tags.

Watch out for: Some products contain nylon or elastane, so check the material makeup before you buy if you’re sensitive to synthetics.

Our review: I tried out an Eileen Fisher cotton long-sleeved button down, the linen blazer, and the wide-legged linen pants. I was pleasantly surprised that in addition to being soft and breathable, the pieces were loose enough to not be restrictive but not so much that the fabric was overstimulating. They’re my go-to pieces when I’m having a high sensory day but still want to look nice and professional.

Price Range: $68-$478

Available in: The U.S., Puerto Rico, and Guam

Encircled

What we love: This certified B Corp specifically makes clothing designs that are travel-friendly, which is great for those of us who love a looser fit. The brand works with local makers and workshops in Toronto to knit and dye its lightweight Oeko-Tex-certified fabrics, including Tencel, Modal, viscose, and organic cotton. Its collection is designed to be as versatile as possible, with styles made to be worn both casually and formally.

Watch out for: Its Luxe Shapeknit and BeyondSoft Scuba blends contain synthetics, so avoid these if you’re sensitive to them.

Our review: I tried out the dressy sweatpants in black, and I’m in love. They truly provide the easy comfort of sweatpants while still looking just as nice as slacks. I paired it with a mock turtleneck one day, and a button down another day, and in both outfits I was extremely confident and comfortable at my desk, in my meetings, and going on a long walk.

Price Range: $35-$295

Available in: Globally

Lucy & Yak

What we love: Lucy & Yak prioritizes timelessness, comfort, and versatility in its designs. Its sensory-friendly collection, which contains its “most feel-good” products chosen by its neurodivergent staff and customers, is made with organic cotton and Oeko-Tex-certified dyes. The collection includes comfortable trousers, dungarees, shirts, and jackets. It lists all of its suppliers on its website, and audits them annually through an independent third party.

Watch out for: It’s unclear where it sources its materials from. Some items contain a small amount of elastane.

Our review: While I’ve never tried something specifically from Lucky & Yak’s sensory-friendly collection, I do love my cotton dungarees from them. They’re light and breathable, but still have a nice and comforting weight. They give me a great range of movement and are an easy way to look cute when I’m having a high sensory day.

Price Range: $25-$95.38

Available in: Globally

Sensory & More

What we love: Sensory & More (or Sam Sensory) specifically creates soft sensory-friendly clothing without any irritating labels or seams. Its collection includes Oeko-Tex-certified long-sleeve tees, trousers, leggings, sweaters, and socks. It also carries a line of attachable fidgets and weighted accessories. It primarily manufactures in Europe, and works with supply chain partners in Belgium, Turkey, Romania, and Poland.

Our review: I tested a long sleeve shirt in blue, and it was like putting on a comfortable, familiar sweatshirt. At first, I thought I had it on inside out, and then realized the seams were supposed to be on the outside! The lack of seams against my skin was remarkably soothing, especially because I was having a tough sensory day when the shirt came in. I love that it has loops for wearable fidgets, and certainly have my eye on some from the brand. Best of all, it holds enough shape to look professional under a blazer or with a pair of slacks.

Watch out for: Some pieces contain a small amount of synthetics, so check the material makeup before you buy if you’re sensitive to them.

Price Range: $34-$104 (for clothing) $20.57-$146.17 (for fidgets and accessories)

Available in: Europe, the U.S., and Canada

Kotn

What we love: Kotn is a certified B-Corp that ethically sources cotton, Tencel, linen, and merino wool to make its soft and timeless clothing. Its wide collection includes many loose-fitting options with low collars. The brand closely tracks its supply chain from farming to shipping to ensure fair practices throughout, and reduces waste by using precise cutting methods and upcycling its leftover materials.

Price Range: $10-$298

Available in: United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe

Magic Linen

What we love: Magic Linen specializes in, you guessed it, linen clothing. The brand uses soft stone-washed Oeko-Tex-certified linen. It manufactures in a small family-run studio in Lithuania, where its clothes are handmade by its team of seamstresses. Magic Linen’s styles are lightweight and loose, with low, non-restrictive collars. The brand upcycles its fabric scraps into home accessories.

Watch out for: It’s unclear where it sources its linen from.

Price Range: $52-$149

Available in: Globally

Target Universal Thread

What we love: In addition to being affordable, Target’s in-house brands have surprisingly good chemical management. Its Universal Thread collection is designed for all bodies, including sensory-sensitive and disabled folks. The clothing in this collection are tagless with flat seams, with a wide range of sizes. The majority of the designs are made with cotton and linen.

Watch out for: The denim in this collection includes both recycled denim and recycled polyester, so check the material makeup before you buy if you’re sensitive to synthetics.

Price Range: $5-$44

Available in: The U.S.

Levi’s Lightweight Dressing

What we love: We love Levi’s for sustainable jeans, but the classic brand also has some very comfy-looking tops and shorts made from cotton and Tencel. It designs its clothes to last for years, and partners with Fashion for Good to ensure its products meet durability, traceability, and health standards.

Watch out for: Some products are made with a small amount of synthetics such as elastane.

Price Range: $19.50-$108

Available in: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia & Pacific Countries, South Africa, and Turkey. If you’re shopping outside the United States, you’ll have to find your country-specific website here.