SOLACE Collective Officially Launches Sensory Supportive Apparel Line
by Aidan Turner ’25, Co-Founder of SOLACE Collective
SOLACE Collective, a Syracuse University founded apparel startup, has officially opened pre-orders for its debut line of sensory supportive clothing designed with neurodivergent adults in mind. The launch marks a major step forward for the brand, transitioning from research driven student work into a fully operational company with products now available to the public.
Built on the belief that comfort should be a right rather than a luxury, SOLACE Collective creates everyday garments that support a wide range of sensory needs without sacrificing style. Rather than designing clothing that looks therapeutic or ostracizing, the brand integrates subtle sensory supportive features directly into modern streetwear silhouettes, allowing wearers to feel grounded, confident, and comfortable throughout their day.
Pre-orders are currently live on SOLACE’s website, giving early supporters the opportunity to purchase from the first production run. Customers who pre-order are also invited into an exclusive early community experience that includes behind the scenes updates, early access insights, and limited-edition brand materials created specifically for launch supporters.
Designing for real sensory experiences
The idea behind SOLACE Collective is simple but often overlooked. Clothing can significantly impact how people feel throughout the day. For many neurodivergent individuals, common elements like seams, tags, tight pressure points, and restrictive silhouettes can cause discomfort, distraction or anxiety. SOLACE addresses those irritations by designing garments that work with the wearer’s sensory experience rather than against it.
To find and connect with the sensory problems faced by many, the SOLACE team conducted extensive research and testing informed by feedback from over 400 individuals. That research revealed how common sensory discomfort from clothing is and how frequently it affects confidence and wellbeing. Among the research, it was learned that different sensory needs require different solutions because there is a spectrum of needs that can manifest in people in different ways. Those insights directly shaped the final products that make up the brand’s debut launch.
Founders take photos of products for the website.
Three collections, three approaches to sensory support
SOLACE Collective’s inaugural release includes three distinct collections. Each collection is designed around a different relationship to sensory regulation, allowing wearers to choose how visible or discreet they want their support to be:
- COVE is the most discreet regulation collection, designed for calm in public, academic or professional settings. The silhouettes are classic and low key, blending easily into everyday wardrobes. Sensory support is built in quietly.
- FRAY takes a different approach, turning self-regulation into visible self-expression. Inspired by streetwear culture, FRAY garments feature a tearaway fabric layer designed for tactile play.
- BREEZE is designed for decompression and sensory relief through minimal contact. Built around reduced seam construction and an intentionally airy drape, BREEZE focuses on making clothing feel almost absent on the body.
From student research to official public launch
While SOLACE Collective has been featured previously for its early development and competition success, this launch represents a shift into full-scale production and long-term brand building. The company was founded by Syracuse University students who combined design research, entrepreneurship and lived experience to address a real gap in the fashion industry.
If you would like to learn more about SOLACE Collective’s story and early stages, including its recognition through university competitions and student innovation programs, you can read more in these previous Syracuse University articles: Maxwell’s ‘Clothing Line That Considers Neurodivergences Takes Top Prize at Lerner Competition’ and SU Today’s ‘Innovative Student Group Designs Inclusive Clothing for Neurodivergent Community’.
The role of the Libraries and campus support
The development and launch of SOLACE Collective were made possible in part through support from Syracuse University Libraries and campus innovation programs. The Libraries provided access to research resources, design references and collaborative spaces that allowed the team to test ideas, refine concepts and develop a research grounded approach to inclusive design.
The LaunchPad, Syracuse University’s entrepreneurship hub, played a key role in helping SOLACE transition from concept to company. Through mentorship, workshops and access to funding opportunities, the LaunchPad supported the team in navigating business formation, manufacturing planning and launch strategy.
The team also credits InclusiveU and Intelligence++ for supporting the broader mission behind SOLACE Collective. InclusiveU’s focus on disability inclusion and accessibility helped shape how the brand approached dignity and representation, while Intelligence++ provided an interdisciplinary framework that encouraged the team to think critically about design, technology and human centered innovation.
Students conduct research to gather feedback on product ideas in Bird Library.
Looking ahead
With pre-orders now open, SOLACE Collective is focused on building long term relationships with its community, forming partnerships, and continuing to expand what inclusive fashion can look like. The team is actively exploring collaborations, retail opportunities, and future product expansions while remaining committed to thoughtful, research driven design.
The launch of SOLACE Collective signals more than a new clothing line. It represents a growing movement toward designing everyday products that acknowledge diverse sensory needs and normalize comfort as an essential part of daily life.