👕Sensory Friendly and Accessible School Uniforms - Summer Holiday Support Series👕

Mary_Scope

Part One - Summer Holiday Support Series Introduction
Part Two - Accesible Days Out for Parents and & Carers of Disabled Children
Part Three - Keep Routine At Home in the Summer Holidays

Ah, the school uniform shop… I remember it so clearly…

My mam was very particular about mine and my brothers school shoes. I always used to want a pair of the “cool” school shoes, the ones with the flashing lights and the hidden compartments for tiny toys and stickers. Anyone else remember the Lelli Kelly shoes? I was obsessed with them so every each year I would ask if I could I have a pair but….it just wasn't meant to be!

Instead, I always ended up with a pair that were solid, supportive and with proper ankle support. Not a sequin or a flashing light in sight! But looking back now, I get it and I’m actually really grateful because I think I would be in a lot more pain if I wore unsuitable and painful shoes for so many years as young child just because they flashed when I walked!

That experience stuck with me and it’s the reason why I’ve put together this post. I know how overwhelming it can be trying to find school uniforms that are not only smart and suitable but are also comfortable and accessible.

So I hope this post make it easier to find something that suits your child’s needs, takes the stress out of getting dressed and helps them head to school feeling confident and comfortable!

George at ASDA (Easy-On Easy-Wear Collection)

School Uniform Items

• Polo shirts
• Trousers
• Skirts and dresses
• School jumpers/cardigans

Sensory & Accessibility Details:

• Soft labels to avoid irritation
• Printed waistbands so no scratchy tags
• Easy-iron fabrics
• Simple fastenings
• Some tagless or minimal label options

Price Range

• £1.50 – £20

Marks & Spencers (M&S) Adaptive Clothing Range

School Uniform Items

• Adaptive school shirts (with hidden Velcro behind buttons)
• Adaptive joggers (with side openings or elastic waist)
• Adaptive sweatshirts (with Velcro shoulder openings)
• Polo bodysuits and adaptive rompers for older children

Sensory & Accessibility Details

• Hidden fastenings (Velcro/button hybrids)
• Flat seams and printed labels to reduce irritation
• Tube-access panels in sweatshirts for medical needs
• Easy-pull styles, envelope necks, soft cotton

Price Range

• £7 – £19

Sensory Smart Schoolwear

School Uniform Items

• Sensory-friendly polo shirts
• Trousers and joggers in plain colours
• Seamless school socks

Sensory & Accessibility Details

• Flat seams, no internal labels
• Super-soft fabrics (organic cotton)
• Adaptive features: elasticated waists, no zips/buttons
• Reversible tops (no front/back)

Price Range

• £15 – £80

Fledglings - Adaptive Schoolwear

Key School Uniform Items

• Popper-front polo shirts (short and long sleeve)
• Polo bodysuits (with nappy/continence coverage)
• Adaptive school trousers
• Easy-dress pinafores and skirts

Sensory & Accessibility Details

• Discreet poppers for easier dressing
• Hidden seams and tag-free interiors
• Bodysuits for children with continence or medical needs
• Adaptive footwear available

Price Range

• £16 – £60

Also a big shout to Sketchers, I've recently discovered their hands free slip in trainers which are an amazing idea and they also have a childrens range

Have you come across any hidden gems for accessible or sensory-friendly school uniforms? Or do you have any tips or tricks that have helped make getting dressed for school easier in your household?

Albus_Scope

Excellent info there Mary! I remember the ritual of cutting all the labels off of my school clothes the day before term started.

That was probably a huge sign that I should have been assessed for ASD. 😆

Mary_Scope

Thank you, haha its great that you can buy tag less clothes now or clothes that just have the information just printed on the inside! Would've saved you a job @Albus_Scope!

johndtay

One thing to consider whether the school shoes they need are comfortable. Im not sure but if it's a problem I think black trainers (fully) and require a reasonable adjustment for the student to wear them

I rember that it can take a while to wear these in. I'd recommend a week or two before the term wearing these at home so it's more comfortable on the 1st day of term. I think this may also cover shirts, if they require say a button shirt, and that it isn't suitable to have the usual t-shirts (these a lot of schools wear them mainly I believe.