M&S 'Easy Dressing' range

High Street store Marks and Spencers have recently been working on and increasing the amount of products in their 'Easy Dressing' range. 'A clothing line which is adapted for children who need extra help – whether they have feeding tubes or simply need clothes that are easy to put on and super-gentle on sensitive skin – to help make dressing easier, quicker, more comfortable – and more fun!'.

After doing some reason I found that parents of children with disabilities are likely to spend 3 times more money on clothing that the child will happily wear e.g. not having too many seams to irritate skin or being able to fit over cast's. Speciality clothing and equipment can be a huge expense for parents and so I think it is great that Marks and Spencers have created an accessible range that fulfils children's more specific needs at such an affordable price. (Ranging from £3 for a baby’s bodysuit to £36 for a child’s winter jacket). 

I really love the diversity of clothing that's in this range - from basic bodysuits to coats to sparkly t shirts, they have all been adapted to the needs of disabled children. I think this is really important; so for example, if someones big sister or friends are wearing a dress with sequins, the younger child who wants to match but has sensory needs will have a softer glitter. I think its really important so these children don't feel like they are different because they can't wear what others are wearing!

Within the range there is not just everyday clothing but also school uniforms. For example, the shirt is like the regular shirt but with an ‘easy dressing’ twist - an added a strip of soft Velcro concealed in the button placket all the way down. The trousers have been simplified, removing zips and buttons. This will make it easier for the child when getting dressed and undressed both at home and at school - making mornings less stressful for parents and the child feel more independent. Although this is such a small element of day to day life this could make a huge impact on both the child and family if things are easier for them.

To show how people will benefit from this range, M&S have a diverse range of young children with disabilities such as Down's Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy to model the clothing. Not only is this important to promote the items with, I think it is important for these young children to walk into stores and be able to look up to these other disabled children. Especially as the range goes up to fit age 16, when these teenagers might be becoming more fashion conscious its nice knowing that at possibly such a self-conscious age they will be able to dress confidently without the worry of not being comfortable.

I'm really glad that this is such an inclusive range from M&S and I can tell how much effort they have put into something that will really help the parents and children alike. It would've been really easy for them to release a range of 15 unisex products and call it a day, just to make themselves appear to be a caring brand. But, the fact that theres a variety of over 110 products ranging from newborn to age 16 really shows how thoughtful they've been. It's great to see such an undeserved segment of the market being catered for on the high street in such an fun and accessible way! I know for some families this will be life changing and I look forward to seeing how it develops and hopefully will result in more brands creating better adapted products!