Questions, Questions

A while ago I developed, and distributed through support groups, a set of questions for parents. Having answers to these questions will allow me to better understand the range and depth of issues that you face in finding clothes for your kids and whether I can provide solutions at acceptable price points. I have appreciated,and enjoyed reading, every response. Each gives me a view of the parent and the child and makes me feel that I know them a bit. That makes me even more motivated to create clothes that fit the child and makes them feel good.

I need as much feedback as possible and would love for you to contact me with your thoughts too. Your feedback is invaluable in the development of this clothing line. I’ve listed the questions below. Please provide as much or as little information as you’d like – of course, the more the better from my perspective! Because the more I understand your child’s clothing needs the better I can address them. Also, please feel free to contact me directly. My email address is sherryroberson@earthlink.net. My phone number is 847-401-5832.

Clothes Factors

Do you have any challenges finding clothes for your child? If yes, please list and describe the issue(s).

How old was your child when you first encountered clothing fit issues?

Are the challenges/issues that you face related to age or development phase?
If yes, what issues are specific to what ages?

How old was your child when he/she stopped wearing a daytime diaper/pull-up? This is important for me to understand from the perspective of designing pants that are cut fully enough to accommodate the presence of the diaper for younger children.

With what types of clothing do you have fit, comfort, or any other issues? Please describe the issue/s (e.g. “Pants that fit the waist are too long in the legs.”) The following list is provided to trigger your memory.

 Pullover shirt, short sleeve
 Pullover shirt, long sleeve
 Pants
 Shorts
 Buttoned shirt/blouse short sleeve
 Buttoned shirt/blouse, long sleeve
 Skirt
 Dress
 Pajamas
 Coat/Jacket

How do you currently address the issues that you find in clothing (e.g. alter the clothes yourself, pay for alterations, roll up cuffs and sleeves, buy husky or plus size clothes, etc.)?

Do you find this (or these) solution(s) adequate? If not, why not?

What features would your child’s ideal clothing include (e.g. Velcro® closures, double thickness knees, elastic waistbands, zipper fly, no fly, fabric with stretch, etc.)

Do you currently have a favorite brand or brands of clothing? If yes, which are they and why are they your favorite(s)?

How would you describe the style of clothes you prefer for your child?

Please rank the importance of the following aspects of clothing for your child. (1 = most important, 10 = least important)

 Price
 Fit
 Comfort
 Durability
 Style
 Made in the United States
 Ease of Care/Laundering
 Fabric Content
 Brand Name
 Environmentally Friendly

What other factors influence your clothing purchase decisions?

Market Factors

Approximately how much do you spend, in a one-year period, on clothing for your child?

Please estimate how many articles of clothing you purchase for your child in a one-year period.

What is the range of prices you pay for each type of clothing, as follows.

 Pullover shirt, short sleeve
 Pullover shirt, long sleeve
 Pants
 Jeans
 Shorts
 Buttoned shirt/blouse short sleeve
 Buttoned shirt/blouse, long sleeve
 Skirt
 Dress
 Pajamas
 Coat/jacket

Please estimate which three articles of clothes do you buy most often for your child, and list them below in the order purchase frequency (i.e. 1 = most frequent, 2 = second most frequent, 3 = third most frequent)

Does your child have a favorite article of clothing? If so, what is it and why do you think it is his/her favorite?

Please estimate how many (if any) pieces of clothing your child receives from others such as grandparents, other family, friends during a one year period.

Where do you currently buy clothes for your child? Please list the top 3 sources.

How many children are in your household in total?

On a 5 point scale, with 5 being most likely and 1 being least likely, how likely would you be to buy clothing designed and produced specifically for the Down Syndrome body type if it were available and did fit your child?

Additional comments, thoughts, suggestions, or advice? I appreciate all feedback, positive or negative. Thanks.





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