Are you familiar with the phrase, "slave to fashion”? It's a common idiom that rang true for many men and women in the past. Even today, with the advent of modern fabrics and casual styles, some trenders are still a slave to fashion, but maybe not in the ways you might think.
To explain, certain clothing and accessories can hold your health captive. While some fashion styles and materials produce a killer look, they may be harmful to your health. Fashion is meant to enhance, not cause discomfort. With this in mind, here are a few clothing hazards to avoid and suggestions to keep you looking great and staying healthy.
Bathing Suit Blues
They're super cute and scream summertime fun. However, that teeny weeny polka dot bikini may also pose big health risks. One not-so-obvious health concern is skin cancer. It's true; the whole point of a bathing suit is to show some skin, splash in the pool, and soak up the sun. However, overexposure to the sun without skin protection is a leading cause of melanoma skin cancer. So go ahead and show off your swimming suit, but slather on sunscreen to safeguard your skin from sun damage.
Another hidden swimsuit health threat is bacteria that can grow in a wet suit. Bacteria flourishes in dark, moist places. So if you're sitting in a wet bathing suit all day, you might be sitting in a breeding ground for bacteria. This could lead to yeast infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs). Avoid the bathing suit blues by wearing a clean, drysuit. Also, switch out wet bottoms for fresh dry ones if they've been moist for a long time.
Down There Health Care
These days, underwear is more than a wardrobe necessity; it’s also a fashion statement. However, not all undergarments are created equal. Panties treated with certain color dyes or made with synthetic material can lead to painful skin rashes. The style of your panties may cramp your personal style too.
For example, a thong solves the problem of panty lines, but it can lead to harmful genital disorders. If you've been screened for an infection or are prone to yeast infections, thongs can exacerbate these conditions. Furthermore, this panty style transfers bacteria from your bum to the vaginal area, which causes urinary tract infections. You can avoid these uncomfortable health hazards by opting for more loose-fitting panties. Also, consider switching to natural fibers such as cotton instead of synthetics as a go-to choice for underwear.
Shelve the Body Shapers
Girdles, corsets, control-tops, shapewear - whatever you call them, undergarments meant to sculpt and flatter the body's appearance can be very unflattering to your health. While these shapers work wonders for tucking in the tummy or concealing love handles, they also compress internal organs and restrict blood flow.
These garments are designed to squeeze the body tightly, resulting in excessive pressure on the bladder, abdomen, and thighs. This unwanted compression can lead to digestion problems, acid reflux, restricted breathing, or even nerve damage. Do yourself a favor, and love your curves instead of cramming them into body shapers. If you simply cannot leave your corset in the closet, wear it sparingly. Err on the side of safety and reserve shapewear for special events and for limited lengths of time.
Skip the Skinny Jeans
Sure, they look great with heels and accentuate your curves, but skinny jeans could be squeezing your body in all the wrong ways. For example, wearing overly tight jeans for too long can cut off blood circulation to the legs, leading to swelling and pinched nerves. If that's not bad enough, other health risks of skinny jeans include bladder weakness or UTIs.
You don't have to say goodbye to skinny jeans forever. Just wear them in moderation or for special occasions. When the tight trousers are in the closet, opt for skirts or roomier pants. These alternatives will keep your muscles, groin, nerves, and blood more circulated. Your body will thank you for that!
Fashion is many things. It can express your personality, flatter your features and make a statement. But one thing fashion should never do is put your health at risk. So while it may be tempting to cave to the newest trends, please don't be a slave to fashion. Your health and wellbeing are far more important than the latest style.
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