To my neurodivergent people:
How do you get over clothing sensory issues?
I want to dress in all sorts of clothes and I have ideas on clothes of my own like cosplay. However I have one of the worst sensory issues in the world:
I hate having things on my waist.
I have a pretty big belly (despite being small everywhere else), so I feel anxiety (not quite panic, but you get the picture) every time there is a band or even stretchy elastic on my waist. It feels like I won't be able to breathe.
I also don't really like anything formfitting. I mean sometimes I do, but it's so inconsistant.
Woman's clothes are notorious for having things at the waist and above and being formfitting. I like the look on me, but I just can't wear it. And the clothes that do fit me well look so pillowy and like a potato sack.
I could wear guys clothes, but I get dysphoria thinking about going into that section. I like masc clothes, but I like wearing dresses and skirts.
I also like to move. A lot. And clothes don't tend to have that in mind.
I don't know. I had to return almost all the stuff I got from Old Navy because they either didn't fit me correctly or they caused anxiety.
Okay so this may not be helpful since Iām quite a small person so everything not small or medium is large butā¦ oversized clothes. Always.
I learned how to sew so that I could shrink and adjust my clothing and now I only buy large or above sized clothing (except for underclothes like bra/underwear) It lets me adjust to how I need, means I can hide tighter clothes underneath to catch sweat if itās needed and hides my curvy figure which gives me dysphoria. Also knowing how to adjust clothes means that I can shop in any area of the store (i love thrifting so it opens more options) and then adjust as needed + if thereās a weirdly shaped/formed part of the clothes I can just say fuck that and change it.
So yeah. Oversized always and learn to sew.
And I like to keep an extra set of clothes in my car/backpack for a just in case situation (got dirty, uncomfy for some reason, just donāt wanna wear this anymore)
This actually helps a lot. I know some sewing stuff and have to hem pants constantly (shorties, baby!), although altering clothes otherwise is something I want to learn more about.
Are there any resources you can recomend?
Youtube and books mainly, and a lot of āmom/grandmaā blogs for patterns or tips. The library is a great source for hobbies in general but they may have sewing machines you can use if you donāt have one. Also Iād recommend if you can get a sewing machine the first thing is learn how to clean it/how it works in general. It helped me a lot when it would start acting up I knew where to look for issues first (and saved me money since I didnāt have to go to a repair store) I have would recommended johanns for patterns/fabric/supplies but since thatās gone youāll need to figure out where to source things yourself, if youāre lucky there may be a small fabric store in your area or you may have to travel/buy online. Thereās tons of resources online about where to get food supplies from
Also hand sewing is just as useful as machine sewing, it just takes more time.
If possible Iād also suggest practicing on scrap fabric/the cheapest possible option at a thrift store (bedsheets are great for this) so you can get a feel for how to sew and to learn techniques. You can also learn to clone your favorite clothes (use something you donāt care about for your first try, it takes a bit of practice)
And lastly: Donāt be afraid to go into a small fabric store and ask for help on a project, older ladies especially love to share their hobbies with younger people and will often eagerly offer to help. (this honestly goes for so many hobbies. Iāve met some wonderful people just by practicing my hobbies in public and meeting old folks who love seeing young-uns doing the same hobbies they do)
