Sensory friendly children’s clothing brand launches in the UK – revolutionising comfort for neurodivergent children

Devon, UK – August 2025: 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. 

The Känna range (kanna.co.uk) officially launched in August 2025 and is available exclusively online.

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:

• 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
• Stretchy, non‑restricting waistbands that are easy‑on.

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:

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

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.”

Media enquiries / sample requests
Email: hello@kanna.co.uk

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.