Imagine this: A neck brace of pins poking your skin every time you move your head. Uncomfortable, right? This is the experience of wearing a crew collar t-shirt for an individual with SPD.

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) disrupts how the brain assesses, organizes, and uses the messages from the body’s receptors. We process sensory information through our skin for everyday functioning, but those with SPD suffer from hypersensitivity, which means their senses are more intense. This makes common sensations - that may or may not be a big deal to others - painful to some.

One sensation that often goes overlooked is the crew collars of t-shirts. These cuts - which surround the user’s neck - can become triggers for discomfort. The textured collar constantly constricts necks and scratches the skin every time the wearer looks around. Many individuals with SPD describe the sensation as being assaulted as the texture against their skin can become physically and emotionally unbearable.

Assistees is committed to crafting clothes for those with SPD. While the majority of our products use crew collars, we are introducing V-neck shirts for all wearers. With a deep front cut, the cut allows the wearer to freely bend and crane their neck without irritation. The collar prevents the material from touching their skin, stopping the trigger of discomfort.

In addition, each shirt consists of 100% airlume combed and ringspun cotton to ensure the material is soft to the touch, and a retail cut that runs true to size for a comfortable fit. The side seams help hold the shirt's shape longer and give it structural support - while the ribbed knit makes the collar highly elastic and helps retain its shape even when pulled. These features ensure a comfortable and SPD-orientated experience for all wearers.

In the coming weeks, we will place the majority of our designs on V-neck shirts. You can find our current V-necks here.