Fashion often dictates our clothing choices, but when those choices include incredibly tight clothes, we may be doing more harm to our bodies than we realise.
Dr Narendra Singhla, Lead Consultant in Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, explains the various ways tight clothing can affect our bodies, both in the short and long term.
Immediate effects on the body
When we wear extremely tight clothes, our body responds in several ways, Dr Singhla said:
- Skin Irritation: Tight clothing can cause friction on the skin, leading to irritation, redness, and even rashes. These skin issues may be more prevalent where the fabric repeatedly rubs against the skin.
- Nerve Compression: Compression of nerves is a common side effect. This can lead to sensations of numbness, tingling, or even pain. Over time, this nerve compression may worsen, especially if the clothes are worn repeatedly.
- Restricted Breathing: Tight clothes, especially around the chest or abdomen, can make it difficult for the diaphragm to move freely, which results in shallow breathing. This can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue, and reduced oxygen intake.
- Impaired Blood Circulation: Extremely tight clothes, especially around the legs or waist, can restrict blood flow. Reduced circulation may result in swelling or more severe complications like varicose veins or, in extreme cases, blood clots.
Continuous pressure around the stomach can aggravate or even trigger conditions like acid reflux (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Long-term damage from tight clothing
While the short-term effects of wearing tight clothes might seem manageable, long-term use can have far more severe consequences. Dr Singhla points out several health risks that develop over time:
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Continuous pressure around the stomach can aggravate or even trigger conditions like acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Tight clothing increases abdominal pressure, pushing stomach acids upward and causing discomfort.
- Increased Risk of Infections: For women, tight clothing that traps moisture, particularly in areas like the groin, can create the perfect environment for yeast infections. This is particularly true for tight undergarments or synthetic fabrics that prevent proper ventilation.
- Chronic Nerve Pain: Constant nerve compression from tight clothes can lead to lasting numbness, tingling, or even chronic pain. These conditions may become difficult to reverse, even after ceasing to wear tight clothing.
- Circulatory Problems: Prolonged blood flow restriction due to tight clothing can lead to the development of varicose veins. In severe cases, chronic restricted circulation can result in blood clots, which pose serious health risks, such as deep vein thrombosis.
- Musculoskeletal Strain: Over time, wearing tight clothes can alter your posture. For instance, tight belts or waistbands can put undue stress on your lower back, leading to musculoskeletal pain. Over the long term, poor posture can result in chronic neck, back, and joints pain.
- Respiratory Issues: Shallow breathing caused by tight clothing can affect the respiratory system over time. People who frequently wear tight clothes may develop chronic breathing problems, especially if they already have conditions like asthma.
- Skin Conditions: Prolonged skin irritation from tight clothing can lead to chronic conditions such as eczema or dermatitis. If the irritation persists, it may even cause skin infections.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
