Getting dressed in the morning can be a real challenge for some children — whether that’s because of a feeding tube, sensory sensitivities, limited mobility, or simply needing clothes that go on and off with less fuss. M&S recognised this with its Adapted for Easy Dressing range, a collection of kidswear designed to make dressing easier, quicker and less stressful for children with additional needs.
The Adapted for Easy Dressing range from Marks & Spencer looks just like the rest of the main kidswear collection, so children can choose from the same fun prints and styles as their siblings and friends — just with clever adaptations built in.
Children using wheelchairs, crutches and frames, or those with different additional needs, can choose from soft prints and fabrics with thoughtful detailing that makes getting dressed and undressed far less of a chore. The range followed on from M&S’s easy dressing schoolwear line, which was well received by parents when it first launched, and it carries that same thinking into everyday clothing.
How Is the Easy Dressing Range Adapted?
The range was developed in partnership with parents — including families from three specialist schools — along with expert input from consultant paediatrician Dr John Chang.
“Parents passionately told us that disabilities don’t define their children, so the adaptations shouldn’t define their clothes, it’s why all the products are inclusively designed and modelled closely on our main collection,” said Rebecca Garner, kidswear designer at M&S who helped create the range.
“So whilst big sister might wear a dress with sequins, the little one who wants to match but has sensory needs will have a softer glitter. Offering great value has been a key consideration and parents purchasing Easy Dressing products will never pay more.”
Every piece in the range is made with soft materials, as few seams as possible, and hidden care labels — with just enough of a nod to fashion without unnecessary detail.
Other adaptations across the range include:
- Trousers and shorts with the zips and buttons replaced by a straightforward popper
- Leggings with flat-lock seams (usually used in sports leggings)
- T-shirts with a soft velcro fastening at the back of the neck for easy over-the-head dressing
- T-shirts and dresses with discreet pockets for a feeding tube
- Coats and gilets with velcro down the front and back so they’re easier to put on if you’re in a wheelchair
- Smart shirts with soft velcro behind the buttons
- Babygrows with dimensions to allow for a cast, suitable for babies with hip dysplasia
The range was designed to be available online, covering a broad range of children’s and teen sizes. If you’re hoping to buy specific pieces, it’s worth checking directly with M&S for current sizing, age ranges and stock, as these can change over time.
Why Adaptive Clothing Matters
For many families, adaptive clothing isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s what makes independent dressing, or dressing with less stress, possible every single day. Small design changes like a popper instead of a button, or velcro instead of a zip, can make a real difference to a child’s confidence and comfort, and to a parent’s morning routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the M&S Easy Dressing range?
It’s a collection of children’s clothing from Marks & Spencer, adapted to make dressing easier for children with additional needs — including those using wheelchairs, crutches or frames, and children with sensory sensitivities or feeding tubes.
How does it differ from M&S’s regular kidswear?
Visually, it’s designed to match the main kidswear collection so children can wear the same styles and prints as their siblings and friends. The difference is in the details — poppers instead of buttons, soft velcro fastenings, flat-lock seams, hidden care labels, and discreet pockets for feeding tubes.
Who was involved in designing the range?
It was developed with input from parents, including families from three specialist schools, along with consultant paediatrician Dr John Chang and M&S’s own kidswear design team.
Is the range more expensive than standard kidswear?
M&S has stated that Easy Dressing pieces are priced in line with the main collection, so parents shouldn’t expect to pay more for the adapted versions.
Related Articles
- Awesome Sensory Play Environments For Kids In Ireland
- 7 Simple Sensory Box Ideas
Browse More Family Life Ideas
Looking for more ways to make family life a little easier? Save this article and browse our Family Life hub for more practical ideas, tips and product finds for parents.
Get More Ideas Like This
Want more useful finds, parenting tips and family offers delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free MyKidsTime newsletter — it’s packed with ideas, competitions and offers, and it’s completely free.
