Fashion choices that are causing you harm
Throughout our lives, many of us, will make some kind of sacrifice in the name of fashion. Whether financial or physical, forgoing a certain level of comfort in a quest to look our best is par for the course, right? You may have already guessed, but allowing your body to suffer for fashion could be doing lasting damage to it. Let’s take a look at some of the things you should avoid or limit and why.
1. High heel shoes
This one’s a no-brainer. We’ve known for years that high heels aren’t great for your posture, despite the way they appear to make women stand up taller when wearing them. According to the Spine Health Institute, heels can “take their toll on your spine, hips, knees, ankles and feet, while altering your posture and gait.” Phew, that’s a lot just for one pair of shoes. Wearing high heels will cause a woman to push her chest and lower back forwards, throwing the hips and spine out of alignment, places excess pressure on the knees and balls of the feet. The Spine Health Institute recommends women avoid wearing high heels for long periods, and setting a two-inch limit, as well as mixing footwear up with flats and sneakers to give your feet a break.
2. Skinny jeans
The British Chiropractic Association (BCA) have revealed that many seem unaware of the negative impact the popular “skinny jean” can have on a body. The tight-fitting denim “restrict free movement in areas such as the hips and knees, affecting the way we hold our bodies.” This restricted movement can have a negative impact on postures, as well as the spine, as well as limiting the “bounce” in one’s stride, causing pressure on joints throughout the body.
3. Shapewear
In the never-ending quest to achieve the “perfect silhouette”, many women turn to constricting undergarments, often known as “shapewear”, to press their bodies into submission. However, the tightness can lead to incredible pain and even numbness. In some cases, the fabrics can harbor bacteria, leading to nasty things like yeast infections.
4. Heavy handbags
Large handbags, which lend themselves to being filled up with everyday bits and pieces, cause back, shoulder and elbow problems. While it can seem convenient to have everything one could possible need within reach at all times, the reliance on handbags to contain one’s life could end up sending you to the chiropractor. The BCA recommend investing in a backpack or cross-body bag for days when you have a lot of necessities.
Tell us in the comments below about a fashion choice you’ve made at the expense of your comfort or health.