The Clothing Curveball

Why holiday outfits can derail regulation faster than sugar ever could.

We spend hours picking the perfect holiday outfit — and about five minutes into the event, someone’s already tugging at a collar, scratching a tag, or declaring war on tights. It’s not defiance. It’s discomfort in a socially acceptable disguise.

Holiday clothes might look adorable in photos, but for many neurodiverse kids (and plenty of adults), they’re a full-sensory nightmare. The truth? A scratchy sweater can tank regulation faster than a plate of sugar cookies ever could.

because nothing says “holiday spirit” like trying to act festive while your pants are plotting against you.

✨ One thing to remember

Holiday clothes — even “cute” ones — often come with hidden sensory and regulation challenges.

Think about what we typically expect kids, teens, and even adults to wear this time of year:
• Dress pants
• Tights
• Button-up shirts
• Dresses with layers
• Scratchy sweaters
• Stiff jeans
• Shoes that aren’t worn often
• Fabrics that don’t stretch
• Tags, seams, waistbands, collars
• Fancy outfits that feel “wrong”
• New clothes with new textures

These aren’t small details.
They are constant, physical reminders that the body is uncomfortable.

For neurodiverse individuals or those with FASD, the brain already works harder to process sensory input. Add clothing that’s itchy, tight, stiff, or unfamiliar — and that “festive outfit” becomes a low-level stressor for the entire event.

And when the nervous system is already managing:
• Excitement
• Crowds
• Social expectations
• Noise
• Lights
• Transitions
• Sugar
• Schedule changes

Uncomfortable clothing becomes the last straw.

The meltdown isn’t about the sweater.
It’s about the sensory load that sweater added to an already very full cup.

✨ One thing to release

Release the idea that holiday outfits must look a certain way for the day to be “special.”

Some things to let go of:
• “They should wear this — it looks so nice.”
• “It’s only for a few hours.”
• “They wore it last year, they can wear it again.”
• “Everyone else is dressed up.”
• “It’s just a shirt.”
• “It’s tradition.”

Comfort is not the enemy of festive.
Regulation matters more than matching outfits.

If the choice is:
✅ comfortable clothing + peaceful day
or
✅ uncomfortable clothing + overwhelm and fallout

Choose peace. Every time.

A regulated nervous system is the holiday magic.

✨ One thing that may help today

Create a Comfort-First Outfit Plan — no apologies, no guilt.

Ideas:
✅ Let them choose between two comfy, sensory-friendly options
✅ Use soft materials (cotton, bamboo, fleece, jersey)
✅ Pre-wash new clothes to soften the fabric
✅ Cut tags out ahead of time
✅ Let them wear preferred clothes under dressier items
✅ Use a “dress-up for photos only” rule, then change afterward
✅ Bring a backup outfit they actually like
✅ Prioritize stretchy, breathable clothes
✅ Avoid waistbands, collars, tights, scratchy seams
✅ Dress for capacity — not aesthetics

Your child/teen/adult will enjoy the day far more if they feel good in their body.

A comfortable nervous system is a connected nervous system.