Itching, Scratching, Suffocating.

A photo essay with commentary by Daniel Seitz. 

Photography by Sidney Petersen, assisted by Ella Noack. Modeled by Emma Yutong. Makeup by Mara Hansen. Layout by Thalia Powell. 

Uncomfortable textures, poking tags, and itchy materials cause us to feel suffocated in the clothes we put on our body. While one texture may not be bothersome to one person, it can feel all-consuming to others- especially those with sensory issues, sensitive skin, adhd, autism. In my family, many struggle with finding sensory-friendly apparel options . My relatives with sensitive skin find shopping extremely difficult and not enjoyable because most of the clothes will not work for them. Many can tell by just one touch of a fabric if it will cause them to have skin irritation, eliminating many options when shopping. Other members struggle with ADHD, causing specific sensitivities to textures on different parts of the body, such as the feet. Even within one family, some people have no problem buying items such as socks, while others it can be an intense ordeal. Sensitivity to clothing can come in many different forms, and because of this, shopping for clothes is a deeply personal and intentional experience. 

Witnessing first hand how my relatives struggle with buying clothes, I know how hard it can be for someone to find an outfit that they can both feel comfortable and fashionable in. Fashion has always been a large form of expression for me, but I’ve never had to stop and think about if a material used in a clothing item was going to bother me all day or cause my skin visible irritation. Knowing that I have the privilege of being able to wear any texture, while others are inconvenienced by their lack of options has become paramount to me as a fashion design student. 

In a field focused on creating design solutions, why is it that so many are limited by the constraints the fashion industry imposes in regards to accessibility? Why is it that so many have to make the unwanted choice of either being fashionable or being comfortable? Many affordable clothing brands prioritize profitability over accessibility. Opting for synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon over natural, less disruptive alternatives cuts costs while also cutting down options for those bothered by itchy, non-breathable textiles. 

In a world where ecological and economic sustainability is top of mind, many consumers look to thrifting as a low-waste solution. Unfortunately, thrifting can be a challenge for those who are highly sensitive as well. If one cannot wear most items out of necessity, the thrift store can often be a gamble. The thrift store is at the mercy of what people donate, so it’s only chance if something donated will meet one’s needs. 

With most options being unideal, it’s easy to see how hard finding clothes can be for those with sensory issues. If options are so limited, where does the fashion industry need to change? 

This issue is one of many rooted in the structure of the fashion industry as a whole. The fashion industry has rarely considered sensitivity in clothing and almost never prioritizes accessibility over profitability. The industrialization of fashion has created an unprecedented distance between designers and consumers, continuing to over-produce garments that are harmful to the environment and dysfunctional for the people who wear them. People sensitive to textures continue to face the effects of these decisions, as clothing options minimize and minimize. 

As we complete our studies and enter the fashion industry, it is important that I and other designers advocate for brands to consider accessible apparel options. When we ignore an entire group of people and their needs, we actively exclude them from an industry that should be inclusive to all. As we take on more influential roles in our future careers, it’s our responsibility to create more options for those who have few. When we do this, we eliminate the unfair decision of deciding between being fashionable and being