Swimming on the spectrum: Understanding Neurodiversity in Fashion
Platte Lake MI, summer 2023
As someone on the spectrum, when I’m in the water everything feels…calmer. All noise, emotions and business of the outside world mutes. The water resistance is soothing to my body, having to focus on breathing helps resest my nervous system. There are many proven mind & body benefits tied to swimming, but for many neurodivergents getting to this moment certainly has it’s challenges.
When we first began developing swimwear, we knew we wanted to be as inclusive as possible. In fact it goes farther than that—we wanted to create something that inclusively feels good.
‘Feeling good’ is the measurement of choice for Saint Andro. Feeling good about ethical & environmental impact is a must, but in finding solutions for those with sensory issues, we set sights on creating a literal ‘feel good’ effect. In today’s blog we’ll talk a little about what makes swimwear neurodivergent friendly, and how we got there.
The Fabric of Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity encompasses conditions like autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, and Asperger's, where individuals experience the world differently, especially in sensory processing. The challenge of finding suitable clothing can be a significant hurdle, often overlooked in mainstream fashion narratives. Going to a store to try on clothes can be pretty uncomfortable for a lot of neurodivergent folks. Bright lights, constant noises, scratchy construction methods, the crowds—it can all feel like an assault on the senses.
Many neurodivergent individuals have tactile overresponsivity. This is also called tactile defensiveness, or tactile hypersensitivity. It’s just what it sounds like—sensations such as sound, light, and touch can be much more intense for these individuals. And those sensations can quickly overwhelm an individual, triggering a fight or flight response.
This means that certain fabrics or garment features, such as seams and tags, can be extremely uncomfortable, even unbearable. Imagine a tag at the back of your shirt feeling like a constant needle prick or a seam made of sandpaper. These are daily considerations for many.
The Shopping Experience
The process of shopping for new clothes can be daunting. Loud, scented stores, bright lights, and an overwhelming array of choices are just a few barriers. For someone with tactile overresponsivity, in-person shopping presents a gauntlet of challenges. Online shopping, with detailed descriptions and visuals (and no crowds!) can offer a more pleasant experience. Shopping at your pace with all the information at your fingertips can be really empowering in comparison.
The Sensory-Friendly Checklist
Seamless and Soft
Seamless socks, tagless shirts, and smooth-lined garments are game-changers. It's about removing those tiny irritants that can overshadow the entire experience of wearing a garment.
Stretchy and Forgiving Fabrics
Fabrics that are too tight or stiff can be a significant issue. Stretchy, cotton-rich materials that offer flexibility and breathability are often preferred. Our RIPSTOP N' GO SWIM SHORT, made with recycled poly and spandex, is an example of using material that moves with the body, not against it. It also has deep pockets so you can add to your beach glass collection.
Weighted Clothing: A Lesson from Therapy
The concept of weighted blankets, offering deep touch pressure, has interesting applications in clothing. For some, a garment that offers gentle, consistent pressure can be soothing. This principle can be subtly integrated into everyday wear, not just specialty items. Compression garments that move with your body can help keep focus on the activity and not what you’re wearing.
Our dual-front binder swim top is my favorite garment for this use.
Our Journey To Soothing Swimwear
It was easy to include Nuerodivergent-friendly construction methods into our designs. Opting for heat press labels instead of sewn-in care instructions was a no-brainer.
testing our suits’ fit n’ feel on a number of bodies ensured minimum bunching and tugging in-action.
In our first collection we tested three different fabric prototypes over the course of a year before pulling the trigger. Aside from sourcing ethical materials, we were looking for something that felt “peachy” to the touch (think of your favorite pair of leggings) but without the heavy-when-wet, slow dry times. We found a quick-drying double-knit recycled poly that was much more substantial than the average flimsy swimsuit material, and it held up to fit testing in pools, oceans and lakes. Whether wet or dry it didn’t bunch or ride, and is also has UV-protection and is chlorine-safe to ensure its practical versatility.
Fashion for All
As we continue to learn and grow in our understanding of neurodiversity both internally and externally, we love being part of creating a world where clothing isn't just a necessity or a statement but a form of true expression with providing comfort for everyone. And while that may sound grandiose, for those with neurodiversity it’s rooted in a very simple desire: to be included in the conversation.
When you make a purchase from a store like Saint Andro, you help make these views a little more mainstream. You can feel good that your purchase supports a business that endeavors to be all-inclusive.
It's about recognizing the spectrum of human experience and responding with empathy, creativity, and innovation. How fucking rad.
this article was written with the aid of ChatGPT,
lol could you tell? 