Soft was founded in February 2007. We then began a two year market research process and one year sample development and testing phase, and finally launched our first collection in Winter 2009/10! We are a research driven company, therefore we continue to test samples on children with a variety of sensory needs and a range of tactile sensitivity--to ensure that the clothing we manufacture will eliminate the most common complaints we hear from parents and children. No more morning meltdowns, no more spending hundreds on clothes your children refuse to wear. Sign up for our mailing list on the Contact Us page for updates on our collection launches, new styles and for access to exclusive coupon codes.
Mission
Many children are extra-sensitive to the texture and feel of clothing. Soft® is the first line of inclusive clothing designed with the needs of all children in mind, including those with Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, and tactile defensiveness/sensitivity. We use flat seaming and seamless construction for extra comfort, 100% of the softest combed cotton and our specially developed Soft Sensory Blends , wide collars, encased elastic waistbands, printed labels (tagless), custom fits, and much more.
Created by a Mom and Special Education teacher, our goal is to design clothing that can enhance social skills, sensory organization, concentration, by addressing unique sensory needs, but without sacrificing personal style and self expression.
Jessica E. Ralli (founder, director) has an MA in Special Education from Columbia University, and worked with children with Autism and Sensory Disorders in the New York City school system before starting Soft in 2007. Jessica conducted three years of both qualitative and quantitative research in and out of the classroom in preparation for launching the Soft clothing line. Jessica is also an avid fashion junkie--following her favorite designers religiously, and pulling expertise and inspiration from her close friends in the industry.
Suzy Kogen Friedman (co-founder, partner), is a lifelong advocate for people with developmental disabilities. Her nephew Timmy, now 9, was diagnosed with Autism and global developmental delays at age 3. Timmy's daily dressing challenges were Suzy's inspiration for Soft Clothing. Suzy runs a successful real estate development company in the Chicago area, where she is also a wife and a mother. Suzy is working her creative and problem-solving magic on the development of the Soft Sensory Toy line, to launch in 2011.
What is so different about Soft?
More than 1 in 150 children have sensory needs that are largely unmet by the children's apparel market today. Soft is about to revolutionize children's apparel. We are the first inclusive and universally designed line of clothing geared toward children with sensory or tactile sensitivity, a common symptom of Autism, Aspergers, and Sensory Processing Disorder. Soft is designed and constructed considering the needs of all children, particularly, sensory sensitive dressers.
Soft provides comfort and style for all children. After conducting over two years of in-depth market research, we learned a lot about what parents want and what children like. We have incorporated that feedback to create stylish and comfortable clothes for the people who need it most. We use:
- Flat seaming totally seamless construction throuought (for extra comfort)
- Soft high quality cotton (combed, bio-washed and pre-washed for extra soft and smoothness)
- Wide collars (for a roomy fit)
- Encased elastic (waistbands that don't pinch)
- Printed labels throughout -- printed with water based ink (for a smooth non-plasticy feel that won't itch)
- Vegetable dyes, natural enzyme washes, and water based digital prints (to protect against allergies)