What people wear and how they wear it can have an impact on their health, according to physicians at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Waist trainers, which have become popular for their promise of a slimmer waistline, are one example. Barbara Bawer, MD, a family medicine physician at the medical center, said: “Waist shapers can often lead to difficulty breathing due to the inability to expand the diaphragm consistently. If used constantly, they can worsen our core muscle strength due to muscle atrophy and weakening. This can lead to poor posture and back pain.” She also noted that in rare cases, waist trainers may cause internal organs to shift and could result in organ damage. Bawer recommends limiting use of waist trainers to short periods.
Tight belts may pose other risks. Michael Jonesco, DO, an internal and sports medicine physician at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, explained: “If you’re on the heavier side, tight belts can compress a couple of rather sensitive anatomic structures. One is a sensory nerve called your lateral cutaneous nerve, and that one can cause a burning pain in the thigh, a condition called meralgia paresthetica.
“Another complication is the restriction of blood flow from the lower extremities back to the heart and lungs. If you can’t return that blood flow, you get swelling in the lower extremities, and that can contribute to blood clots in the thigh and lower leg.” He suggests choosing larger or elastic belts for more comfort.
Sports bras are another common item with potential drawbacks if not fitted properly. Dr. Bawer said: “If they are too restrictive, they can limit the ability to expand the diaphragm like a waist trainer. This may increase the risk of injury if the constricted muscles can’t function properly making others work harder to compensate for this effect." She advises removing sports bras after workouts since wearing sweaty clothing increases risk of rashes or yeast infections.
Slim-fitting jeans or pants—sometimes known as skinny pants—can also be problematic if worn too tightly. Dr. Jonesco reported rare cases where very tight pants compressed nerves in the lower leg. Dr. Bawer added that tight pants may block airflow against skin when someone is hot or sweating; this could result in clogged pores or infections such as rashes or yeast infections. "If you have to hop around multiple times to get into them or the top of the pant rolls down when you sit, they’re probably too tight," she said.
Footwear choices matter as well. Randell Wexler, MD, a family medicine physician at Ohio State noted: “Flip flops don’t provide any support and high heels increase the pressure on the forefront of the foot... Anytime you change your natural gait artificially, you’re going to have vector forces and pressure on the knees, hips and back. Everyone is different but over time people will develop discomfort.” Dr. Bawer cautioned about "sneaker heels," noting that even with cushioned materials these shoes still present risks similar to high heels: “Over time high heels can lead to things like bunions hammertoes and plantar fasciitis,” she said.
Carrying heavy backpacks or handbags also presents concerns for musculoskeletal health by altering posture or causing strain on joints and muscles over time. Dr. Jonesco recommended keeping backpack weight below 10–15% of body weight and using hip straps when possible; he stated: “The increased load on musculature of neck has potential to lead some upper back pain… Heavy backpacks will also change your center gravity…and put increased strain on your lower back even change your posture.”
Dr. Bawer added regarding handbags: “Holding a heavy bag in one hand may cause you lean toward other side to compensate for weight… The improper walking stride can lead musculoskeletal joint injuries including back arm shoulder pain hip knee pain.” She suggested smaller bags with alternating sides while carrying them.
Overall experts recommend moderation careful fit—and being mindful about comfort—to avoid health issues related fashion choices.
