Why Does My Child Hate Their Underwear? (What 699 Therapists Discovered About Comfort)

If you’ve ever had a morning where your child refuses to get dressed because their underwear “feels weird,” you’re not alone. For many families, this daily frustration is more than just pickiness—it’s a real sensory issue.

At WunderUndies, we’ve spent years studying why seams, tags, and fabric textures can cause discomfort for some children. And recently, at the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Conference, hundreds of therapists confirmed what parents have been saying for years: the smallest details make the biggest difference.

Why Some Kids Can’t Stand Their Underwear

Children with sensory sensitivities experience the world through heightened touch perception. What feels fine to most of us—a simple seam, a tiny tag—can feel sharp or irritating against their skin. For some kids, even the thought of putting on tight or scratchy clothing can trigger tears, stress, or refusal.

Parents often spend years trying to solve this puzzle. The truth is, it’s not about getting kids to “toughen up.” It’s about finding clothing designed to meet their sensory needs.

The AOTA Comfort Challenge

At this year’s AOTA Expo, we invited occupational therapists to participate in a blind “Comfort Challenge.” On our table were five pairs of children’s underwear from leading brands - the winners of WireCutter's annual "Best Kids Underwear" article —Reebok, Lucky & Me, Hanna Andersson, plus WunderUndies—each labeled only with a color. Hidden inside boxes with no identifying features. Just fabric, seams, and stitching.

Therapists were asked to feel each pair and vote for which one they believed would be most comfortable for kids with sensory sensitivities. Out of 790 votes, 699 chose WunderUndies. That means 88 percent of experts preferred our underwear by touch alone.

They didn’t know which brand they were feeling. They simply trusted their fingertips—and overwhelmingly chose the same one.

What Makes WunderUndies Different

Our underwear is crafted for kids who feel more. Every design decision—every thread and seam—is intentional.

  • Flat seams that lay completely smooth against the skin, eliminating rubbing and irritation.

  • Soft, fine threads chosen specifically to minimize friction.

  • A tagless design so nothing scratches or distracts.

  • A gentle bamboo and cotton blend for softness and breathability, with a touch of spandex for stretch and fit.

  • No latex, ever—safe for kids with allergies or sensitivities.

Each feature exists for one reason: to make mornings calmer, dressing easier, and comfort possible.

What 699 Therapists Taught Us

The overwhelming response from occupational therapists at AOTA was deeply validating. These are professionals who understand the challenges families face every day—children who can’t tolerate certain fabrics, who struggle with sensory overload, who need gentler options.

Their votes told us that what we’re doing at WunderUndies truly matters. Comfort isn’t just a design goal; it’s a form of care. When underwear feels right, kids can focus on play, learning, and joy instead of discomfort.

Why Comfort Is About More Than Fabric

For children with sensory sensitivities, comfort is connected to confidence and emotional well-being. When they can dress without distress, they feel safer in their bodies and more in control of their day. That’s why we say comfort isn’t a luxury—it’s essential.

At AOTA, we saw firsthand how much this message resonates. Parents, educators, and therapists all told us the same thing: the world needs more clothing made with empathy.

The Future of Comfort

The feedback we received at the AOTA Expo has inspired us to keep innovating—to expand our sensory-friendly designs, to partner with more therapists, and to continue listening to families who remind us why this work matters.

WunderUndies began with a simple idea: that the right underwear could change a child’s day. After 699 therapists agreed, we’re more confident than ever that we’re on the right path.

FAQ

What materials are WunderUndies made from?
Our underwear is made from a soft bamboo and cotton blend, with a touch of spandex for stretch, shape, and comfort.

Are WunderUndies suitable for kids with sensory sensitivities or autism?
Yes. Our flat seams, soft threads, and tagless design make them ideal for children who are sensitive to texture or pressure.

Do therapists recommend WunderUndies?
After the AOTA Comfort Challenge, 699 out of 790 occupational therapists voted WunderUndies as the most comfortable brand—chosen purely by touch.

WunderUndies was created to help children feel at ease in their own clothes. Because when comfort comes first, confidence follows—and every morning gets a little bit easier.

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