Photo: Courtesy of Bare Roe
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A South Boston native recently launched a clothing line with products made for people with sensory issues.
Erin Sawyer has a sensory processing disorder, she has “always struggled with textures [like] rough sequin or denim," she said.
She wasn’t able to find clothes that made her feel comfortable, so she decided to take matters into her own hands.
After two years of developing her company, she recently launched her clothing line, Bare Roe.
The clothes are made from Tencel Modal and range from t-shirts to dresses. “This fabric does it all. It’s so soft. It doesn’t shrink… and [it’s] really stretchy.”
Photo: Courtesy of Bare Roe
Tencel Modal is a durable, soft, and hypoallergenic fabric.
“But most important is the feel of the fabric against your skin. It feels like you have nothing on and, for a person with sensory issues, it’s a dream come true,” said Sawyer.
In a press release announcing Bare Roe’s launch, Sawyer also said that she wanted to ensure sustainability is “literally woven into each piece of clothing she designs.”
Tencel Modal is made from trees, such as beech and birch trees, and the wood pulp is manufactured into a fiber used in the fabric.
Photo: Chaiel Schaffel/WBZ NewsRadio
“The beauty about this brand is that everything is made out of the same fabric. So you know what you’re going to get,” Sawyer added.
Her company is named in honor of Sawyer’s son, who has autism. Sawyer explained that her clothes are also for people with autism, who often have sensory problems.
The name itself is a reference to her son’s first and almost only words. “‘Roe’ represents something special between me and my son, who is non-verbal. There was a point where he was able to say, “Row, row,” for ‘Row Your Boat.’”
The other word in the company's name, “Bare,” refers to the “feeling of freedom” from the softness of the fabric, which makes someone “feel like you have barely anything on,” explained their website.
The clothes are made locally in Fall River, and 10% of the company’s profits go to Autism Speaks, an autism advocacy group. Another 5% goes to Baby2Baby, a nonprofit that provides children living in poverty with clothing, diapers, and other necessities.
The company shared that they will be at a Mother’s Day pop-up event at Blasi’s Kitchen and Bar in Dorchester on Wednesday evening at 6 p.m.
WBZ NewsRadio's Chaiel Schaffel (@CSchaffelWBZ) reports.
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