My career was in computer science until I received a cancer diagnosis that left me without a voice for years. On the sidelines of life, raising my young son, I went from a corporate director to an invisible, stay-at-home-mom overnight.
During this time I became a keen observer and noticed other families on the sidelines in places people were supposed to be having a great time - at the beach, water parks, playgrounds. It became clear that clothing for some was huge problem.
I learned that the autistic community is so sensitive to textures that life can be unbearable. I thought by using my technical skills, I could redesign clothing so it does more than cover your body. It manages your heat or is designed so specifically that there is no cling, no itch or rash discomfort.
We test each design with the autistic community. When people who don't like clothing are comfortable, everyone will be comfortable.
During this journey, I've also seen how hard the textile industry is on the environment so we've taken some steps to be extremely sustainable.
- A portion of each purchase employs impoverished women to collect plastic before it enters the ocean.
- Our fully lined anti chafe swim trunks are made from recycled plastic.
- Our no-rash guards are made from reclaimed fishing nets.
- Our athleisure lines are knit in NYC from saw dust which is naturally anti sweat.
- Our stay in place women's swimwear is knit in NYC too from corn waste.
We believe that we can change the model of clothing to a force for good so everyone can experience sustainable, symbiotic comfort and adventuring at their best.
- Cathy Paraggio, Founder