UK Brand Känna Creates Sensory-Friendly Kids' Clothing

Author: Katie Lodge - Känna Limited
Published: 2025/08/24 - Updated: 2025/09/22
Publication Type: Product Release, Update
Category Topic: Assistive Home Products - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This article introduces Känna, a groundbreaking UK children's clothing brand specifically designed for neurodivergent children with sensory processing difficulties. Founded by Devon mother Katie Lodge after struggling to find suitable clothing for her daughter with sensory challenges, the brand addresses a critical gap in the market by creating garments that prioritize comfort without sacrificing style. The clothing features innovative design elements including stretchy non-restricting waistbands, minimal ultra-soft seams, tagless screen-printed labels, and soft organic cotton blends brushed for extra smoothness. This information proves invaluable for parents of neurodivergent children, occupational therapists, educators, and healthcare professionals supporting individuals with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorders, while also benefiting seniors and others who experience fabric sensitivities or mobility challenges requiring comfortable, accessible clothing options - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

Känna: Sensory-friendly children's clothing brand launches in the UK - revolutionising comfort for neurodivergent children

Frustrated with the lack of clothing available for her young daughter with sensory processing difficulties, a Devon mum has set about applying the family's lived experience to create their own clothing line. Today, the Känna range has officially launched and is available exclusively online.

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Main Content

The journey began during a family holiday two years ago when Katie Lodge realised how difficult things had become for her daughter.

She explains:

"Evelyn had one outfit which she was comfortable wearing on repeat, day in day out, the same tee-shirt and skirt being washed and dried three or four times a week. As we were away on holiday she wanted to wear different clothes but she simply couldn't tolerate them. Everything felt wrong to the point of being unbearable - seams were scratchy, labels were irritating, waistbands and synthetic fabrics were overwhelming."

Sensory processing difficulties are often experienced by neurodivergent people including those who are autistic or who have ADHD. The challenges of wearing clothing that most people take for granted create a range of issues - from feeling pain to frustrating levels of discomfort. Children suffer both distress and anxiety, which in turns reflects on family life.

Katie's daughter, now aged 10, cannot access school and is educated at home with her autistic brother.

Katie says:

"I embarked on a worldwide internet hunt to find suitable clothing, but sadly there was very little available. Since a toddler Evelyn has needed clothes which were sensory-friendly, but as she has grown older she also doesn't want to wear clothes that are exclusively functional. She wants to feel good in them too."

"So, out of desperation we decided to create our own. From the start we've had a dual focus - clothes that are both kind to the senses, and clothes that look great too, made in beautiful organic fabrics."

Determined to help her family and others with the same struggles, Katie assembled a team of expert designers and manufacturers to work with her and her daughter to bring their vision to life. Savings spent and loans taken out, the venture is a huge risk for the family but has become a reality.

Every element of Känna's clothing is uniquely designed to be kind to the senses:

• Stretchy, non-restricting waistbands that are easy-on.
• Minimal, ultra-soft seams for durability without irritation.
• Tagless, screen-printed care labels to eliminate itchy contact.
• Soft breathable organic cotton blends, brushed inside for extra smoothness.

With pieces priced between £28 and £35 - mid-range compared to high-street clothing - Känna offers a more thoughtful choice in children's wear. And it's not just for those with sensory challenges.

Katie explains:

"Let's face it, we all feel better when we feel comfortable. I don't have sensory difficulties myself, but wearing uncomfortable clothes really negatively affects how I feel. Let's normalise comfort and self-care for our kids! Everyone can benefit from wearing clothes which are kind to the senses."

Känna also maintains a strong ethical commitment - all clothes are OEKO-TEX or GOTS certified, and sourced from European mills; production is responsible and transparent, and each garment is built to last.

The inaugural collection includes:

• Short- and long-sleeve tees in 4 styles.
• A-line skirts and dresses in 3 colourways.
• Through repeated consumer feedback and hands-on trials.
• A foundational line for children aged 5 to 14yrs, tested and refined.

Katie and Evelyn are now working on building the range, to add joggers, leggings, cardigans and sweatshirts, with plenty for girls and boys.

Känna is available for children age 5 yrs to 13yrs.

Katie adds:

"You could say that Känna was born from necessity, from desperation even! But it's been created with love and today we couldn't be more proud of the range we've produced."

About Känna

Känna (Swedish/Icelandic/Japanese-inspired name meaning 'feeling', 'explore', 'waves') is a UK-based start-up, creating premium children's clothing offering ultra-comfortable, sensory-aware garments. Born out of personal necessity and built with ethical sustainability, Känna's mission is to empower all children to feel good in what they wear. Visit kanna.co.uk for further information.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Katie Lodge - Känna Limited and published on 2025/08/24, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.