While we might not think about it often, the clothes we wear can have a big impact on our health. From tight-fitting clothes to itchy, irritating fabric, the clothes we wear can affect our health by giving us digestive issues, acid reflux, skin rashes, pain, and even sometimes anxiety.
Here are a few ways your clothes may be making you sick.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. This article is not intended for or to replace medical advice. Consult your doctor with medical questions and concerns.
When Your Clothes Are Too Tight
Tight-fitting pants are not only uncomfortable, but they can also cause acid reflux and digestive issues. If you wear pants that are too tight, it puts pressure on your stomach and intestines, which can lead to indigestion, heartburn, and other gastrointestinal problems.
Wearing other restrictive clothing such as bras and corsets can also wreak the same havoc on your digestive system.
According to Michelle Washmuth from HealthDigest, “ Restrictive undergarments can cause acid reflux issues, resulting in heartburn and ulcers. The diaphragm’s function can also be affected by overly snug clothing, which means your breathing capabilities can be hampered.” — written by Michelle Washmuth from HealthDigest, read more here!
Tight clothing can also rub against your skin, causing irritation and even rashes. Finally, wearing tight clothes can be uncomfortable and cause unnecessary pain in your muscles and joints.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is recommended to loosen up your clothing or find a more comfortable option. Your health is worth more than being fashionable.
When Your Clothes Contain Harmful Chemicals
My mom always told me to wash new clothes before you wear them. However, one day I didn’t, and I broke out in an unpleasant, itchy rash!
That’s because some clothing may contain special dyes or other chemicals that make them stain and/or wrinkle resistant. Sometimes these chemicals linger long after washing them!
According to Business Insider, that ‘new clothes’ smell is a good indication that your clothing contains some harsh chemicals. “If your new clothing smells like chemicals, it’s likely due to formaldehyde, a colorless gas that’s frequently associated with embalming.” — written by Aria Bendix from Business Insider, read more, here!
If you are prone to skin issues or allergic reactions to synthetics, it is better to stay away from clothes labeled “stain-resistant” or “wrinkle-free.”
When Your Clothes Give You Anxiety
Sometimes tight-fitting clothes can cause anxiety by affecting how you breathe. When it is harder to breathe, you may take more breaths which can trigger feelings of panic and distress.
Additionally, what you wear can have psychological effects on your body and can drastically affect your mental health. If you do not feel comfortable in what you are wearing, it’s harder to feel confident and could lead to extra anxiety.
Wearing tight or constricting clothing can cause anxiety and feelings of claustrophobia. If you find yourself feeling anxious or stressed while wearing certain clothes, it's best to avoid those garments and stick to clothing that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed.
When Your Clothes Are Made Out of the Wrong Material
Itchy fabric can also be a problem for many people, especially those with sensitive skin. Wearing clothes made of synthetic materials can lead to skin irritation, rashes, and even hives. If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to stick to natural fabrics like cotton or linen. Wool can also be irritating for some people, so if you’re unsure about a fabric, it’s always best to try it out on a small area of skin before wearing it.
Conclusion
Next time you’re getting dressed, take a moment to think about how your clothes might be affecting your health. If you’re experiencing any discomfort, it’s best to loosen up your clothing or switch to a more comfortable fabric. And if you’re feeling anxious or stressed, try to choose clothing that will help you relax and feel at ease. Your body will thank you for it!
References and more information:
https://www.healthline.com/health/tight-clothes#keep-in-mind
https://www.healthdigest.com/426567/when-you-wear-tight-clothing-every-day-this-is-what-happens/
https://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/clothing-matters
https://www.businessinsider.com/toxic-chemicals-in-clothes-cancer-2019-7
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Comments (10)
great insights on how the feel and smell can demonstrate the quality of a fabric. natural fibers are always better!
good read
Yes love this the girls needed to hear it
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This was interesting. I've long known that how I look in my clothes affects my anxiety - 'if you look good you feel good' and all. but I've never given any thought to what physical impacts it may have as well. Thank you, I'm revamping my wardrobe and style so this is advice I will take into account.
Indeed, the clothes now are really too unsafe0.
Will try to keep that bit about the new clothes smell in mind when shopping online.
Yes love this the girls needed to hear it
I have to be careful with clothes as I suffer severely from Chronic Urticaria which is made worse by wool and other itchy material, this also brings me out in hives which is awful. Some materials such as polyester and spandex make my chronic hayfever more irritable too.
Good article! My whole childhood I hated certain clothing - namely wool, because it made me itch. In my teens, anything polyester was awful. No matter how often I washed the things I had to wear for my crappy teen part-time jobs, they would stink and make me sweat. Like you, I made the mistake of wearing clothing without washing it first - once. I had to wear a dress shirt for an event and because I was at a hotel and didn't have time, I wore it right out of the package. It smelled, it scratched, and after a while I started to itch and sneeze uncontrollably. Those things are covered in chemicals.