Designer creates hoodies for neurodivergent people

Millie Haywood, a 22-year-old designer from Chalford, has created a unique line of hoodies specifically for people who are neurodivergent or have mental health challenges. Millie, who is autistic herself, noticed that regular clothing often caused her discomfort, especially features like labels and rough materials that irritated her skin. This personal experience inspired her to start her own embroidery business, Mentally Unstitched, where she designs and makes hoodies that are more suitable for people with sensory sensitivities.

The hoodies Millie creates are described as 'anxiety-relieving' and 'sensory-friendly. ' They are made from the same soft material as stuffed toys, which makes them feel gentle and cosy against the skin. One of the special features of these hoodies is their large hoods, which are big enough to fit over headphones. This is important for people who use headphones to listen to music, block out noise, or manage sensory overload. The sleeves have thumb holes, and the hoodies are heavier than typical ones, which can help provide a sense of comfort and security. Millie explained that wearing regular hoodies often felt itchy and uncomfortable, but her own designs are much more comfortable and snuggly. She believes that everyone deserves to have clothing that feels good to wear, especially those who are neurodivergent.

Millie makes all her hoodies in her home studio, using an industrial embroidery machine. She hopes that this first launch will lead to a full clothing line designed for the neurodivergent community. Her goal is to create more adaptive clothing that is comfortable for everyone, not just those with sensory needs. Millie started her business from home, but she dreams of growing it into something much bigger. She wants to help as many people as possible by offering clothing that meets their unique needs. Millie’s story is inspiring because she turned her own challenges into a way to help others. She understands what it’s like to be misunderstood because of autism and mental health issues, and she wants to make a difference for people who feel the same way. Her hoodies are not only comfortable but also help people feel safe and happy. Many people like to wear headphones to block out noise, and Millie’s hoodies make it easy to do that. The big hoods fit over headphones, and the soft material feels nice on the skin. The thumb holes in the sleeves add to the comfort and make the hoodies even more cosy.

Millie hopes that one day she can expand her business and create more types of clothing for neurodivergent people. She started small, but she is determined to grow and help more people. She wants everyone to know that it’s okay to need different things, and that there are clothes out there that can help. Millie’s work shows that caring about others and working hard can make a big difference. She is excited for the future and hopes her hoodies will help many people feel comfortable and happy. Her story encourages others to think about how clothing can affect people’s lives and to consider the needs of those who are often overlooked by mainstream fashion.