Body Friendly Fashion Tips

Fashion can be painful but it doesn’t have to be. Picking clothes and accessories that not only look good but feel good can help prevent injury and painful conditions. Here are some of the common fashion pain culprits and tips to wear these pieces safely.

TINY TOPS AND JACKETS

If tops and jackets are too small you can injure yourself putting them on and taking them off. While you are wearing these tops that don’t fit you can also limit how much you can move your shoulders possibly leading to injury. 

Tips: Wear clothes that feel comfortable and that you can move in. Stretch your pectoral muscles throughout the day by clasping your hands behind your back and squeezing your shoulder blades together. Hold this stretch for at least 10 seconds. If you can’t do this stretch in what you’re wearing then you need to put on a different top.

HIGH HEELS

Wearing high heels is a common source of foot, ankle, knee, hip and back pain for many women. Don’t fret, not all high heels are created equally and you can still gain some height while sparing your body.  

Tips: Rocker soles, wedges and platforms can give you some added height while minimizing discomfort. Wearing custom orthotics in your heels under 3 inches high can help provide some needed shock absorption and support.  When you go shoe shopping don’t be afraid to jump, run and squat in your heels before you buy them. If you are able to do these movements in the heels then there is a good chance your body approves.

WAIST CINCHERS 

Who doesn’t love outfits that make your waist look tiny? Some corsets, wide belts, blazers and high-waisted bottoms can cinch your waist dramatically. Unfortunately the pressure that some of these garments place on the abdominal area can slow digestion, decrease your ability to breath deeply, limit blood circulation and promote back pain.  

 Tips: Clothing with lycra/elastin is a good idea to minimize the impact on your body.  Wearing clothes and accessories that are stretchy means that you can still get the desired look while giving your body room to move.  Corsets don’t stretch and should generally be avoided. If you have to wear them limit the time spent in the corsets.

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Dr. Liza Egbogah is a Chiropractic doctor and clinic director of the|fix|, downtown Toronto’s boutique comprehensive chiropractic and massage clinic. She is a sought after health and wellness expert and has provided expert opinions for numerous television programs, newspapers, magazines, radio shows, the Ontario government, workplaces, athletes and productions.