Clothes that are too tight: 6 harmful consequences for the body

THE tight-fitting clothes shape the silhouette and follow the shapes. But worn permanently, they present risk for the health. List of consequences clothes that are too tight and advice from our experts for avoid.

1. More cellulite

“Wearing clothes that are too tight (jeans, tights, socks, underwear..) at the level of the hollows of the groin, theback of the knees (in the popliteal muscle) and ankles can cause circulatory problems. These clothes compress the veins too much in these areas, which may not be properly oxygenated. The blood will tend to stagnate in the lower limbs“, wishes to clarify Dr. Isabelle Rousseaux, dermatologist-venerologist in Lille. This poor venous return is called “venous insufficiency”. It results in a feeling of numbness in the lower limbs, swelling (edema often located around the ankles), cold feet, heavy legs, Orange peel (typical sign of retention), or even an appearance of varicose veins if the veins are dilated. “If you suffer from circulatory problems or if you have a family history, it is not advisable to wear clothes that are too tight. On the other hand, without any particular health concern, these clothes only present a risk if they are worn for a very long time, every day.“, reassures Dr. Guillaume Stalnikiewicz, vascular doctor.

2. Tingling in the crotch

“In addition to being uncomfortable to wear and limiting movement, clothing that is too tight around the crotch (gluteal groove, labia majora), especially leather pants or jeans, can lead to inflammatory phenomena like irritation“, says Dr. Isabelle Rousseaux. The fabric rubs against the skin, which eventually alters the protective barrier of the epidermis and increases the risk of redness, burning and tingling in the crotch area.

3. Bloating

Wearing pants, a belt or a skirt that are too tight or high waisted can compress the abdomen. And because of the pressure generated on the stomach, the stomach works more slowly and digestion cannot be done properly. Of the digestion problems occur in particular by abdominal painbloating or constipation. In case of difficult digestion, wearing high-waisted clothes should therefore be avoided.

4. Back pain

“Wearing a bra that is too tight can lead to mechanical stress in the dorsal area, which favors joint dysfunctions and muscular tensions with regard to the dorsal column (between the shoulder blades, but also at the level of the shoulders)“, explains Charlène Chéron, chiropractor. The column does not risk “deforming”, but she experiences tensions that are painful, especially at the end of the day. “It is therefore important to choose a bra that provides good support for the breasts, but which is not too tight. For this I give this advice to my patients: the bra must make a straight horizontal line in the back and be located in the middle of the dorsal area, and you must be able to inhale deeply without feeling discomfort in the back.“, recommends the expert.

5. A yeast infection

“Worn daily, clothing or underwear that is too tight rubs the mucous membranes and hairs and can lead to vaginal infections such as yeast infectionsespecially if they are made of synthetic materials“, warns our dermatologist. Indeed, they prevent the skin and mucous membranes from breathingpromote perspiration and maceration of body fluids, creating a humid and warm environment conducive to the proliferation of bacteria and germs. The first symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are itching at the level of the vulva and the entrance to the vagina, thick and creamy white discharge or the appearance of burning during urination.

6. Vulvar burns

“Clothing that is too tight promotes friction and therefore burns on the vulva“, observes Dr. Odile Bagot, gynecologist. These pains are called “vulvodynia“which are characterized by feelings of burning, tingling, tightness or abrasions at the level of the vulva and the entrance to the vagina as well as pain on urination.

► Avoid wearing slim or skinny jeans on a daily basis and alternate with wider pants and fluids at the level of the crotch (“mom”, “carrot”, “slouchy”, “palazzo” cuts…)

► Prefer tights woven in fairly fine stitcheswhich let the skin breathe and reduce the risk of infection.

► Prefer underwear such as panties, shorties or thongs rather than thongs which promote friction and therefore the risk of infection. In terms of material, opt for underwear in cotton which lets the skin and mucous membranes breathe.

► Do not rely solely on the size on the label (a 38 in one brand does not always equal a 38 in another brand) and try them on before you buy them. Wear clothes that fit and change sizes if the jeans button or seams leave marks on your skin, especially at the end of the day.

► Gentlemen, beware of jeans that are too tight at the crotch and worn permanently, which compress the testicleskeep them at a higher temperature than normal, which can eventually reduce sperm production and lead to infertility problems.

Thanks to Drs Isabelle Rousseaux, dermatologist-venerologist, Guillaume Stalnikiewicz, vascular doctor, Odile Bagot, gynecologist and Charlène Chéron, chiropractor.