F&F Clothing teams up with Thomas & Friends to create autistic friendly collection

Mattel has renewed its partnership with the National Autistic Society for a second year to develop a range of autism-friendly clothing using the Thomas & Friends brand with supermarket brand F&F Clothing.

Some autistic people are highly sensitive to the feel and colour of certain materials, which means that some clothing can be unpleasant or even painful to wear. Research from the the National Autistic Society has shown that the biggest considerations in choosing clothing for autistic children are pull-on clothing, easy dressing, no labels, no buttons, and Velcro fastenings.

Tesco’s clothing brand F&F has designed the childrenswear collection with all these features in mind, including soft fabrics, loose-fitting T-shirts, jumpers, and tracksuits, all designed for ease of dressing and suitable for autistic children aged 1 to 6 years old.

As part of the collaboration, F&F Clothing will donate 5 percent of the full retail price of this product to the National Autistic Society to help the charity to continue its vital work of providing information and advice and campaigning for a society that works for autistic people.

Peter Watt, director of national programmes at the National Autistic Society, said in a statement: “We are delighted to be partnering with Thomas & Friends and Tesco F&F to create such an important range of clothing for autistic children.

“Parents and autistic young people often tell us how sensory sensitivities can mean that autistic children struggle with certain clothes. For some, a label on a t-shirt, or a particular fabric could be incredibly itchy, distracting or even physically painful. Finding the right clothing can make shopping difficult, time consuming, and stressful. So, it’s really great to have the chance to develop this autism friendly collection.”

The line will be available exclusively at F&F Clothing in selected Tesco stores until April 29, including World Autism Acceptance Week running from April 2 to 8.

India Hyatt Mailes, brands and licensing at F&F Clothing added: “We have worked hard with Mattel and the National Autistic Society to bring to life a range of sensory-friendly clothing encompassing all the much-loved Thomas & Friends characters.

“We have recognised the importance of ensuring all sensory elements have been considered for the range including no back neck labels, the removal of drawcords and super soft fabrics and prints.”