Covered in Love

Thomasville local Tia Turner, marketing manager for Thomasville Center for the Arts with a collegiate background in fashion design and merchandising, introduces Shore & Seam: a soft, playful clothing line for children with special sensory requirements, designed by Turner and crafted by organic cotton and bamboo manufacturers.

Q: Tell us about how Shore & Seam came to be.

A: Shore & Seam was created after my daughter Selah, who was diagnosed with Level 1 Autism and ADHD, struggled daily with sensitivities—despite loving fashion, everything felt “itchy” and overwhelming, leading to years of frustration and clothing meltdowns. I started the brand to create elevated, coastal-inspired kids’ clothing made with tagless, flat-seam construction and soft cotton and bamboo fabrics, inspired by the calm feeling I grew up with on the waters of Long Island.

Tia Turner, founder of
Shore & Seam. Photo by Daniel C. Shippey courtesy of Shore & Seam.

Q: How does Shore & Seam fit into the local children’s apparel scene?

A: In the South, where children’s clothing is positioned around tradition and charm but not comfort, we’re redefining “good children’s clothing” to be truly good from the inside out. I would love for Shore & Seam to be known
as elevated children’s apparel with functional and sensory-friendly design as the core—
not an add-on.

Q: What impact have you already seen since introducing this line, and what do you hope to see in the future?

A: Early response has been deeply affirming—occupational therapists have supported the concept, parents and kids have been excited by the comfort and fit, and now my daughter wears her Shore & Seam dress from morning to night with ease, which has been the most meaningful proof of all. We’ve also seen interest from schools exploring potential uniform partnerships, and parents have offered thoughtful feedback and suggestions. In the future, I’d like to partner with international brands like GK to offer sensory-friendly gymnastics and dance leotards and other sportswear items.

Turner’s daughter, Selah, was the inspiration for Shore & Seam. Photo by Daniel C. Shippey courtesy of Shore & Seam.

Q: What’s your favorite garment you’ve introduced?

A: The Finn Polo. It comes in a navy blue, sleek cotton-spandex blend and a lighter-weight bamboo option in light blue for the ultra-sensitive kids. I love that it’s elevated for school, church, play, and everything in between and truly feels like butter.

Find the brand online at shoreandseam.com or on Instagram @shoreandseam.