Mattel, National Autistic Society and Tesco renew partnership for Thomas & Friends clothing collection

Mattel has renewed its partnership with the National Autistic Society partnership and will develop a second range of clothing using the Thomas & Friends brand.

The collection will be available exclusively at F&F Clothing in selected Tesco stores until April 29th, including World Autism Acceptance Week from April 2nd to 8th.

Some autistic people are highly sensitive to the feel and colour of certain materials, and research shows that the biggest considerations in choosing clothing for autistic children are pull-on clothing, easy dressing, no back neck woven labels, no buttons and Velcro fastenings. F&F has designed the collection with all these features in mind and will donate 5% of the full retail price of products in the range to the National Autistic Society.

“We here at F&F are really looking forward to launching this very special collaboration between the National Autistic Society and Thomas & Friends in line with World Autism Acceptance Week 2024,” said India Hyatt Mailes, Brands and Licensing at F&F Clothing.

“We have worked hard with Mattel and the National Autistic Society to bring to life a range of sensory friendly clothing encompassing all the much-loved Thomas & Friends characters. We have recognised the importance of ensuring all sensory elements have been considered for the range, including no back neck labels, the removal of drawcords and super soft fabrics and prints.”

Claudia Caron, Thomas & Friends UK Marketing Manager, added: “Thomas & Friends is an inclusive brand that invites all of our fans to celebrate friendship and teamwork. But we are especially proud to be supporting our Thomas & Friends community of autistic fans and continuing a great partnership with the National Autistic Society and Tesco F&F to offer more choices and accessible clothing.”

“We are delighted to be partnering with Thomas & Friends™ and Tesco F&F to create such an important range of clothing for autistic children,” said Peter Watt, Director of National Programmes at the National Autistic Society.

“Parents and autistic young people often tell us how sensory sensitivities can mean that autistic children struggle with certain clothes. For some, a label on a t-shirt, or a particular fabric could be incredibly itchy, distracting or even physically painful. Finding the right clothing can make shopping difficult, time consuming, and stressful. So, it’s really great to have the chance to develop this autism friendly collection.”