Research has found that many of us regularly wear clothing that is painful, distracting or restricting. Women are much more likely to do this than men (largely because so much of women’s clothing is designed for form and not function). In fact, women are 10 times more likely to wear shoes that cause pain.
Many of us wear uncomfortable clothing because it’s fashionable and because it makes us look more attractive. However, wearing this clothing regularly can cause long term damage to your body in many cases – from squished toes to varicose veins, there are all kinds of problems we can create for ourselves.
Fortunately, people are starting to take a stand and it’s becoming trendier to wear comfortable clothing. Below are just a few ways in which you can take a break from uncomfortable clothing while still looking stylish.
Say no to shapewear
Shapewear can help to compress all those lumps and bumps, giving us a more flattering figure. Yes, there definitely is a time and place for it. But certainly not everyday! Unfortunately, shapewear is not good for our bodies. Not only is it uncomfortable, but wearing it regularly can actually cause many health problems over time including digestion problems, acid reflux, UTIs, varicose veins and even nerve damage. There are much healthier ways to create a more flattering figure that don’t involve squeezing your body such as wearing black, wearing high-waisted clothing or wearing certain patterns. Try to only wear shapewear seldomly.
Keep it loose
From skinny jeans to tight crop tops, there are so many types of clothes that are designed to be tight. While it can be nice to show off our figure once in a while with these clothes, this type of clothing isn’t very comfortable to wear long term. Loose ‘oversized’ clothing is now very much back in style and can be much more comfortable. Think wide leg pants or mom jeans. Check out these baggy jeans ideas. Of course, overly loose clothing can snag and become a nuisance so get the balance right. Items like these white kick crops are a great choice for when you want to stay loose without having your clothing getting in the way.
Embrace elastic
Do you spend every day trying to squeeze yourself into tight-waisted pants? Elasticated waists are the way to go. Elastic waists can expand as you breathe and as you eat, helping you to feel more comfortable.
Know your bra size
Many women wear the wrong bra size. It’s worth taking the time to find the perfect bra by exploring different bra sizes. Your bra shouldn’t be too loose as this can fail to offer support and move around causing chafing. Overly tight cups will meanwhile cause spilling and tissue damage, while overly tight straps will dig into you and affect your posture. Find the perfect size to protect your breasts and your body.
Photo by Ray Piedra from Pexels
Swap out your shoes
Shoes are by far the biggest offender when it comes to uncomfortable clothing. You should avoid wearing pointy shoes too often as these crush the toes and can cause all kinds of foot problems over time. Regularly wearing heels will meanwhile cause joint damage over time, while overly tight straps can cause blisters. Try to wear flat breathable shoes more often. Sneakers, slip-on shoes and UGGs are always a good choice. If you want to add some height, opt for platforms or wedges rather than stilettos. This guide to comfortable shoes lists a few great trendy shoe options that won’t hurt your feet.
I hope these tips have given you some food for thought regarding your clothing choices and comfort!
