YOU ARE SAFE HERE.YOU ARE SEEN.

This is more than apparel—It’s a quiet revolution for people reclaiming space, safety, and self.


She’s not just wearing a tote. She’s telling the world, “I deserve respect.”

For every person who’s been silenced, overstimulated, or dismissed—

I Like Handshakes is a badge of healing.

A symbol that says: My story matters. My boundaries matter.

And I don’t have to explain myself to be worthy of space.

💬 Read Our Story

Featured products

Because Comfort Should Never Be Controversial

  • Mission Statement:

    I Like Handshakes is more than a brand—it’s a movement rooted in healing, consent, and personal space. We create empowering apparel and accessories that speak for those who have experienced trauma, mental health challenges, overstimulation, and for the loved ones, friends, and allies who stand beside them, supporting them, to show that they are not alone. Every product is a reminder that it's okay to set boundaries and reclaim your voice—with kindness, with confidence, with a handshake.

  • About Us

    I Like Handshakes — A Movement Rooted in Boundaries, Healing & Voice

    This brand started with a simple conversation between a mother and her daughter.

    She said, “I don’t like hugs.”

    And I told her, “Then say you like handshakes.”

    That moment changed everything.

    As a trauma survivor, I realized I had spent my entire life accepting discomfort—believing I had no right to say no, no right to ask for space. But my daughter’s words reminded me of something powerful: We can choose how we connect.

    That’s why I Like Handshakes was born. Not just as a brand—but as a movement.

  • What the Community Is Saying

    “When I wore my I Like Handshakes shirt to a family reunion, it was the first time I didn’t feel anxious about being hugged. It gave me control without confrontation.” – Alicia, trauma survivor

    “As someone on the autism spectrum, overstimulation is a daily challenge. This brand made me feel understood and seen.” – Jaylen, student

    “My daughter used to dread school events because of unwanted hugs. Now, she proudly wears her button pin and tells people, ‘I like handshakes.’ She feels empowered.” – Tasha, parent

    Join the Movement

    Every item you wear or carry spreads awareness, opens conversations, and gives others permission to protect their peace.

    Together, we're redefining connection—with clarity, kindness, and consent.
GET INVOLVED

Why This Matters

“Your space. Your voice. Your choice.”

The I Like Handshakes Movement

This is more than apparel. I Like Handshakes is a message—a movement—for those who’ve ever struggled to ask for space, to feel safe, or to say “no” without guilt.

The Need Is Real


1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year.


1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence or abuse by an intimate partner.


Over 70% of youth in the juvenile justice system have a history of trauma.


Highly sensitive individuals and neurodivergent people often experience overstimulation in everyday environments.

And yet, in a world that preaches closeness, we rarely talk about the power of personal space, the courage of saying no, and the importance of consent in every interaction.

Why Consent, Boundaries, and Healing Matter

Consent isn’t just for intimate situations—it belongs in everyday life. From greetings to conversations, respecting boundaries is a form of love.

For trauma survivors, neurodivergent individuals, and those with social anxiety or sensory sensitivities, a handshake is not just a greeting—it’s a safe alternative to forced closeness.

I Like Handshakes creates a silent but powerful way to advocate for comfort, voice, and agency—without needing to explain it every time.



HEALING HUB

💬 What Our Community Is Saying

Real people. Real healing. Real boundaries honored.
This brand is more than clothing—it’s a lifeline.

These are the stories of those who wore their truth, and felt seen for the first time.

🧡 Testimonial