3 Ways We Suffer for Style

No pain, no gain, some might say--but being fashionable doesn’t have to be unbearable. Here’s how to look stylish without suffering in silence.

To tell you the truth, fashion isn’t always user-friendly. There are the constricting silhouettes that bind our bodies tighter than lumpiang shanghai; the sky-high stilettos that leave our feet in the sorriest of states; and the lacy or synthetic underwear that feels more scratchy than sexy, to name a few. And while most women acknowledge the fact that fashion can be uncomfortable, this doesn’t prevent them from sticking to the latest complicated styles, just to be on-trend.

But looking good doesn’t have to make you feel bad. After all, fashion should be fun, not a fright. Here, we’ve listed three of the most common modish mishaps that women suffer through in the name of fashion—plus how you can avoid them yourself.

TOO-TIGHT CLOTHING

The easiest way to feel uncomfortable in your own skin is to be stifled in skin-tight clothing. It might be a dress in a size too small, or a pair of super-skinny jeans that cling dangerously close to your groin. Whatever the garment, a too-tight fit is sure to make you squirm—and unless you have the “clothes hanger” physique of a model, you risk looking larger than you actually are. You could even end up with rashes, red spots, and itching due to the constant friction between the fabric and your skin!

To steer clear of the “stuffed sausage” effect caused by tight clothing, choose your silhouettes wisely. With dresses, go for the next best thing to a second-skin fit—body-skimming styles. This kind of cut emphasizes your womanly shape without hugging your figure too closely. With pants, ensure that the pelvic region is tailored perfectly to your shape, no matter how tight the style is supposed to be. Make sure you can still “breathe” down there, so you avoid potential moisture accumulation and feminine itch. You may also want to try harem pants or “drop crotch” jeans, which are very fitted on the legs but loose and baggy in the crotch area.

UNCOMFORTABLE SHOES

No surprise here—high heels have been both the wonder and woe of the female sex for generations. Each season, heels inch higher and higher, leaving the stiletto-clad feet of millions in major distress. Swollen feet are just the beginning of your problems—bunions, blisters, dead or ingrown toe nails, and in worst cases, foot deformities can result from wearing uncomfortable high heels, which constrict the natural shape of a woman’s foot.

Add this to the fact that high heels are usually paired with skin-tight jeans and body-binding skirts—painful, we know, but it’s a fashion thing—and you may end up with even more discomfort in addition to your throbbing soles.

The easiest way to avoid all this (apart from making not-too-tight fashion choices) would be to wear flat shoes, of which there are a growing number of fashionable options. There are ballet flats, loafers, moccasins, brogues, sandals, and even sneakers, to fit the bill. But if you aren’t willing to give up your stiletto addiction, try to at least add more comfort to your high heels. Choose a pair with a platform in the front, as this will decrease the pressure at the toe and make walking much easier. Also, make sure that your shoes have a cushioned instep, which should lessen the amount of soreness your feet may experience afterwards.

ILL-FITTING UNDERWEAR

We live in a day and age where even our undies fall under style scrutiny—some designer labels are completely devoted to lingerie. But even the most celebrated underwear has its pitfalls if you don’t know how to pick the right kind for yourself. Wearing the wrong bra can easily make your bust look lopsided or give you “back fat” if the straps have incorrect measurements, causing garments to fall unnaturally. Wearing panties that are too large will create bulky lines that can be seen under clothing, as will panties that are too small; the latter may also lead to chafing in your private parts. Too-tight skivvies are also the prime culprit in causing feminine itch, because it traps moisture that could encourage yeast overgrowth.

The key to preventing these style no-no’s is simple: never use ill-fitting underwear. Take down your measurements for all the appropriate regions (bust line and cup size for bras; hips, thighs, and bottom for panties) so that you always know which size to get. Being able to squeeze into a tiny pair of knickers doesn’t mean that they actually fit you, or that you should buy them for when you get thinner. For you to look good in your clothes at all times, you’ve got to have a solid foundation—that is, well-tailored, good quality undergarments that fit like a dream. And please, throw out your old undies!

STARTING FROM SCRATCH

When you’re already faced with the consequences of these fashion blunders, the best way to deal is to relieve the pressure on your suffering body parts as soon as you can! Carrying on with a fashion trend when it’s already given you grief just prolongs the pain and might lead to a chronic condition.

Give tired feet a rest by foregoing your cramped heels for a few days, and treat any problems like bunions and cracked cuticles with the appropriate meds. A trip to your favorite nail salon should also come in handy for a much-needed mani-pedi!

Give your body a break by wearing loose, comfy garments, and let your nether regions breathe by using clean cotton knickers that don’t constrict or chafe your privates. Otherwise, you risk moisture build-up that could predispose you to feminine itch due to yeast infection. If you do get feminine itch, however, you may want to try Daktacort Feminine Care Cream, which quickly relieves the itch and appropriately kills the infection.

The important thing to remember is this: even if fashion is your passion, you shouldn’t go overboard with uncomfortable styles just for the sake of being on-trend. Keep it fun, fresh, and body-friendly, and you’ll always look and feel your best!
Reposted; femalenetwork