The cult, “The Tactile Awakening,” eschews the superficial world of sight, dressing its members in garments that are less about style and more about the rich symphony of textures. Their motto, “Feel First, See Later,” drives their everyday fashion choices.

**Shirts:** The cult’s signature top is a beige, shapeless tunic made from an assortment of fabrics stitched together at random. One half is soft like an old, worn-out bath towel, while the other half feels like a steel-wool pad. The sleeves are asymmetrical, with one side made from the smooth slickness of a vinyl raincoat, while the other is knitted from the scratchiest wool, providing a sensory experience that ranges from comfort to mild irritation. Members often run their hands across their bodies, shivering with delight (or discomfort), savoring the emotional rollercoaster.

**Pants:** The trousers are an exercise in textural confusion. Made from patches of corduroy, satin, and a patch of rubber (liberated from an old yoga mat), they are designed to awaken one’s sense of touch with every step. The waistband is lined with velcro, creating a constant tugging sensation as it brushes against the skin. Knees are reinforced with what feels like sandpaper, providing ample opportunity to pause and rub sore knees during moments of reflection. Footwear is eschewed entirely — walking on the earth, whether grass, gravel, or broken glass, is considered the ultimate sensory connection.

**Outerwear:** Their coats are bulky, filled with an uneven mixture of feathers and gravel. The lining varies wildly, from silky polyester to the grainy texture of burlap sacks. Each coat comes with pockets that are filled with “mystery items” — textured objects like crumpled tinfoil, marbles, and squishy stress balls — which members are encouraged to fondle in public for a grounding experience.

**Accessories:** Gloves are mandatory, made from an assortment of materials ranging from latex to velvet, each finger encased in a different texture. Scarves are knitted from yarn as coarse as straw, with embedded sections of smooth silk. They drape awkwardly over the shoulders, with cult members frequently rearranging them to fully appreciate the clash of roughness and smoothness against their skin.

The cult places great importance on ritualistic hats, which are stuffed with random objects that press uncomfortably against the skull. These hats might include pebbles, foam beads, or small metal bolts — all chosen for their ability to “stimulate the scalp” during long meditations on sensation.

**Daily life in the Tactile Awakening:** Their gatherings are a cacophony of rustling fabrics and the sound of people murmuring about “the joy of grit.” While other groups might discuss current events or philosophy, Tactile Awakeners spend their time comparing notes on the best textures to touch in the dark, where they feel they are most themselves.