Thomas & Friends, National Autistic Society Team up with Tesco F&F for Autistic-Friendly Clothing

Mattel has announced the renewal of the National Autistic Society partnership for a second year to develop a range of clothing using the Thomas & Friends brand to create an autism-friendly collection. The range will be available exclusively at F&F Clothing in selected Tesco stores through April 29, encompassing World Autism Acceptance Week, which takes place April 2-8.

Some autistic people are highly sensitive to the feel and color of certain materials, to the extent that some clothing is unpleasant or even painful to wear. Research that surveyed 1,500 parents who had autistic children under the age of 16, showed the biggest considerations in choosing clothing for autistic children are pull-on clothing, easy dressing, no back neck woven labels, no buttons and Velcro fastenings.

F&F has designed the collection with these features in mind. The collection includes soft fabric, loose-fitting T-shirts, jumpers and tracksuits, all designed for ease of dressing suitable for autistic children ages 1-6.

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

“We are delighted to be partnering with Thomas & Friends and Tesco F&F to create such an important range of clothing for autistic children,” says Peter Watt, director, national programs, National Autistic Society. “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.”

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“Thomas & Friends is an inclusive brand that invites all of our fans to celebrate friendship and teamwork,” says Claudia Caron, U.K. marketing manager, Thomas & Friends. “But we are especially proud to be supporting our Thomas & Friends community of autistic fans and continuing a great partnership with the National Autistic Society and Tesco F&F to offer more choices and accessible clothing.”

“We here at F&F are really looking forward to launching this very special collaboration between the National Autistic Society and Thomas & Friends in line with World Autism Acceptance Week 2024,” says India Hyatt Mailes, brands and licensing, F&F Clothing. “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 recognized the importance of ensuring all sensory elements have been considered for the range, including no back neck woven labels, the removal of drawcords and super soft fabrics and prints.”

The collection is available in participating Tesco Extra stores across the U.K. through April 29.