Ill Effects of Tight Clothing

Healthy Living
Women’s Health

Last time you were getting dressed, planning for a big night out or shopping for some new clothes, I’m sure you spent a lot of time trying to find clothes that flatter your figure, complement your complexion or fit in with your sense of style. Chances are you didn’t spend much time worrying about the affect those clothes could have on your health.

Tight Fit is Not Fit for Health

Regardless of people’s viewpoints on whether tight-fitting clothes make you look good or not, they most certainly present risks of many health problems, especially in women. The main health problems that can arise due to tight garments are:

1. Risk to Human Skin


• Dermatophytoses. This is a kind of infection affecting the keratinised tissues such as the skin, hair and nails. Dermatophytoses is caused by fungi called dermatophytes. Tight clothing and sweating are the major contributing factors to this condition.

• Urticaria. Also known as hives and nettle rash or uredo, urticaria is a common type of allergic reaction that results in red bumps or welts on the skin. One of the causes of to urticaria is the wearing of tight clothing.

• Angioedema. This is also a swelling, akin to urticaria. The swelling or welt, however, always occurs below the skin rather than on the surface as a bump.

• Jock Rash. Also known as jock itch, jock rash normally occurs in the body folds close to the groin, typified with a red skin.

• Candidiasis. Also known as candida or yeast, this is an infection caused by strains of candida fungi. The occurrence of candidiasis can be attributed to exposure of the skin to excess moisture by wearing very tight clothing.

• Blisters. Blisters, particularly due to burns, are common. Under these conditions, tight clothing (or shoes) should be avoided altogether.

• Köbner Phenomenon. Lichen sclerosus (et atrophicus) results from tight clothing exerting excessive pressure on the surface of the skin. The Köbner Phenomenon involves a skin lesion occurring on a healed scars or scratches subsequent to an injury or operation.

2. Other Health-Related Problems/Risks

• Heartburn. Heartburn can occur if the clothing is tight enough to exert undue pressure on the stomach. The symptoms generally flare up after heavy meals and after performing exercises that involve bending or lifting after the meal.

• Varicose Veins. Tight clothing, particularly ones that are tight around the waist, groin and upper thighs as well as legs, can cause and aggravate the condition of varicose veins.

• Flatulence, Wind and Bloating. Wearing tight underwear or pants is likely to cause wind and bloating as it effectively pulls one’s stomach in, which can prohibit the diaphragm from moving naturally.

• Frostbite. Wearing tight, sweaty and inadequate clothing can increase the risk of frostbite, especially on the hands and legs.

• Blood Circulation. Tight-fitting clothing (especially socks, shoes and gloves) can seriously hamper blood circulation in cold climates. Poor blood circulation can prohibit the smooth passage of heat to the extremities.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Ulcers. GERD involves bile travelling up the oesophagus, which is the tube running from the mouth to the stomach. Ulcers and GERD can be aggravated by wearing tight-fitting underwear/belts.

3. Conditions Typical to Women

a. Lymphedema. Lymphedema is a side effect that can arises during or after breast cancer operation or treatment. Women should avoid wearing tight fitting clothes to prevent worsening of the condition.

b. Menorrhagia. Menorrhagia, also known as flooding, involves an excess of menstrual fluid discharge. Women should desist from wearing tight clothing to facilitate the free flow of the bloodstream without exerting any undue pressure on the related body organs.

Health Canada on Tight-Fitting Clothing

A Health Canada guide in 2000 advises people to get rid of clothing that does not fit. It says wearing tight clothes simply indicates how ‘not right’ one’s body is!