When we first started selling chew necklaces back in 2014, I assumed everyone would naturally choose silicone.
By Brian Evans – Founder of Chew Necklace UK
After all, silicone is durable, easy to clean and available in hundreds of different shapes and colours.
But over the years, something interesting happened.
Many parents began telling us exactly the opposite.
Their child simply wouldn’t use a silicone chew necklace, yet happily chewed a soft fabric one all day.
That taught me one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in over a decade of supplying sensory products:
There is no such thing as the “perfect” chew necklace. There is only the right chew necklace for that individual.
Every Child Experiences Sensory Needs Differently
One mistake I often see is people assuming that because two children have autism, ADHD or sensory processing differences, they’ll benefit from exactly the same product.
In reality, sensory needs are incredibly personal.
Some children love firm pressure.
Others prefer soft textures.
Some constantly seek movement.
Others find comfort in gentle touch.
The same applies to oral sensory input.
We’ve spoken to thousands of parents over the years, and no two stories are ever quite the same.
Why Fabric Feels More Comforting
Many children naturally chew on things that feel familiar.
Sleeves.
Hoodie cords.
Blankets.
Collars.
Cuffs.
When you think about it, they’re almost always fabric.
So when you introduce a fabric chew bracelet or necklace, it often feels familiar from the very first time they wear it.
Silicone, although extremely popular, feels very different.
Some children love that firmer resistance.
Others simply don’t.
Neither is right or wrong.
We See This Quite Often
One conversation I’ve had many times goes something like this…
“We’ve bought three silicone chew necklaces and he won’t touch them.”
So I usually ask another question.
“What does he normally chew?”
The answer is often…
“My daughter’s cardigan.”
“My son’s hoodie string.”
“His school jumper.”
“A blanket.”
That’s usually the clue.
They’re not necessarily looking for something firm to bite.
They’re looking for the comfort of soft fabric.
Comfort Often Comes Before Durability
People sometimes ask us,
“Which one lasts longer?”
It’s a fair question.
Silicone is usually the more durable material, particularly for moderate to strong chewers.
But here’s something I’ve learned.
The strongest chew necklace in the world is no use if the child refuses to wear it.
Sometimes a softer fabric bracelet that gets used every day provides far more benefit than a silicone necklace left sitting in a drawer.
Every Chewer Is Different
Another thing we’ve learned over the years is that children don’t all chew for the same reason.
Some chew when they’re anxious.
Some chew when concentrating.
Some chew because they’re excited.
Others simply enjoy the sensory feedback.
Understanding why someone chews is often more important than deciding what they should chew.
That’s why we never recommend products based purely on age.
We recommend them based on the individual.
Fabric Isn’t Just for Younger Children
There’s another misconception I’d like to clear up.
Many people assume fabric chewelry is only suitable for toddlers.
In our experience, that’s simply not true.
Teenagers and even adults often prefer fabric because it feels softer, more discreet and more comfortable to wear throughout the day.
Some of our customers tell us they wear a fabric chew bracelet while studying, watching television or travelling because it provides comfort without attracting attention.
There Isn’t a “Best” Material
If someone asked me,
“Brian, which is better—fabric or silicone?”
My answer would probably disappoint them.
Neither.
They’re simply different.
Silicone provides firmer oral sensory input.
Fabric offers a softer, more familiar texture.
The right choice depends entirely on the individual wearing it.
My Advice After 11 Years
If there’s one piece of advice I’d give any parent, it’s this:
Don’t be afraid to try something different.
If your child doesn’t like silicone, that doesn’t mean chew products aren’t for them.
It may simply mean they haven’t found the texture that feels right.
We’ve seen children refuse every silicone chew necklace we’ve recommended, only to fall in love with a simple fabric bracelet.
Sometimes the smallest change makes the biggest difference.
Our Philosophy
At Chew Necklace UK, we’ve never believed in selling products simply for the sake of making a sale.
If we think a fabric chew necklace is likely to suit someone’s needs better than silicone, that’s exactly what we’ll recommend.
Every child is different.
Every sensory journey is different.
And finding the right sensory product should never be about buying the most expensive option—it should be about finding the one that genuinely helps.
That’s been our philosophy since 2014, and it’s one we’ll continue to stand by.
Looking for the Right Fabric Chewelry?
If you’re curious whether a fabric chew bracelet or necklace might be a better fit, we’d love you to explore our collection.
At Chew Necklace UK, every product is selected with comfort, quality and safety in mind.
✔ Soft, sensory-friendly fabrics
✔ Comfortable for everyday wear
✔ Suitable for children, teenagers and adults
✔ Family-run UK business since 2014
Browse our range at www.chewnecklace.co.uk or explore our wider chewelry collection at www.chewelry.co.uk.