Victim of Fashion

One of the great mysteries in life is the length that seemingly sane, sensible people go through to obtain the ideal appearance. We pluck, pinch, bleach, wax, fry, tighten, wrap, roll, scrunch and tape our bits and pieces in order to create the illusion of a perfect figure. From what we put on our faces to what we squeeze onto our feet, every day we continue to stretch the realms of physical possibility. Yet the fashion conscious may not actually be truly ‘conscious’ of the long and short-term damage they are really doing to their bodies.  

Underwear and Underwires
For centuries, women have strived to achieve physical perfection through a series of secret ‘tricks’ that create the illusion of an ideal figure. One of the most damaging trends in modern history is, of course, the corset. Made to enhance the appearance of a tiny waist, the corset sought to tighten in the waist to extremes. The side-effects of a perfect silhouette were breathing difficulties, fainting, and in many cases permanent deformity of the internal organs and ribcage.

Since corsets gave way to that glorious ‘breast-defying’ invention, the brassiere, new problems have begun to crop up. Ill-fitting bras – too large or too small - can lead to lower-back pain, poor posture and generally unbalanced bodies. Tight bras can have equally stifling effects on breathing and the rib cage, while the sting of a stray under-wire can be a painful experience. 

Yet bras are not the only enemy of the world of underwear. Tight underwear, particularly those made of synthetic fibres rather then pure cotton, can lead to an imbalance of the natural environment “down there”, causing allergies and uncomfortable infections like Candida (thrush). Tight waistbands or itchy fabrics can also lead to the breakout of rashes and discomfort in general.  

Time to Heel
Shoes and pain go together like toast and vegemite. How many of us have suffered painful blisters, cracked heels and twisted ankles trying to break in a fabulous new pair of shoes? You may think “No pain, No gain” but if the ‘rewards’ of ten centimetre heels are bunions, corns, tendonitis, or crippling arthritis, was it worth it for the appearance of great calves?

Podiatrists and Physiotherapists are united in their disdain for the high heel. My physio recently claimed “If I ever met the person who invented high heels I would murder him/her on the spot.” And with good cause: Too-high high heels and platforms cause the tendons to claw up, increasing the pressure not just on the foot itself, but on the whole body. High heels increase the natural forward curve of the back, causing the pelvis to tip forward and body to become unbalanced. Apart from the odd drunken ankle turn or swollen heel, the long-term damage of daily wear may make for a regretful early retirement into hush puppies.

Another plague to the foot is the pointy-toed ‘witch heel.’ While we knew that rectangles never fitted into the triangle slot as toddlers, somehow we still believe that our long square foot could fit into the dead-end tunnel of the pointy shoe. They are uncomfortable for a good reason – they cause excess pressure and stress on the forefoot, forcing the big toe to drift unnaturally towards its four pals and throwing off body distribution. Embrace the ballet flat while you can still walk!
 
Who wears Tight Tights?
‘Sexy’ and ‘Tight’ have always been good friends, but it is not a match made in fashion heaven. If you pour yourself into a tiny frock or skimpy tight top you may feel ‘happier’, but is the achievement overshadowed by the result? Shuffling those tight jeans on can offer short-term gratification, but can also be followed by regrets later on.

Beyond ideas about decency and appropriateness, tight clothing can be more damaging then the simple strain of getting them on. In broad terms, any tight outfit is essentially restrictive and effects the ‘normal’ way you perform daily tasks. Tight clothes restrict the natural movement and execution of actions such as bending, walking and sitting. High-waisted skirts and trousers can cause abdominal tenderness, crushing ribs and effecting natural breathing, while those low-rise jeans can give more pain then the dreadful vision of a “muffin-top.”

Beyond this, tight clothing has also been connected to those aforementioned health issues like thrush, where body is left little space to ‘breathe’ inside your clothing and reacts in a way to ruin your day. 
 
Bag Ladies
Ah yes. A woman’s handbag is a symbol of her identity, an archaeological mystery that can uncover her secrets and desires. Full of all of the necessary things a woman needs to function; her bag of tricks may also be a major hazard. A shoulder bag that weighs more than 10% of a person’s body weight will interfere with the natural movement of the body. This can cause complete imbalance, placing increased pressure on the feet and neck, causing the spine to curve towards the shoulder and leading to short term (fixable) and in some cases, long-term permanent damage.  Even constantly wearing a light bag on the same shoulder can cause similar problems.  While you may wear your genuine Gucci with pride, your neck may be plotting a revolt that will see you walking like a robot. Not a good look, huh?

Cosmetic Perjury
The naked body is an empty canvas; many of us use layers and layers of ‘paint’ to disguise the more “natural” reality. We apply product after product, each designed to smooth, tighten, lighten or bronze the surface of the skin. Yet inside these handsomely labelled products are cleverly disguised chemicals and toxins that may do more harm them good. Petroleum, detergents, lead, waxes, metallic remnants, acids, preservatives, synthetic fragrances and bleaches may cause allergies, rashes and infections, many of which we never attribute to the beautifying process.

Beyond the hairline, the efforts we go to for luscious locks may look fabulous in the moment, but what if your follicles decide ‘enough is enough’? How many of you, who religiously straighten your hair every day, think of a future when you are as bald as Homer Simpson?

Sizzling hot
Advice on the damaging effects of sun-baking has continually rung on the deaf ears of those determined to have a rosy bronzed glow. Premature wrinkling and leathery skin are pretty tolerable consequences when you consider coping with terminal skin cancer. The long-term dangers of using sun beds have also been recently highlighted in the media; with health professionals questioning whether the reliance on this ‘beauty treatment’ is paving the way to an early grave. Despite the warnings, many people still see the quick-fix tan of the solarium as more important than a healthy future.

But hey – it’s your body. Many women (and men) have suffered for fashion and truly believe the pain was worth the admiration and covetous looks. I guess the moral here really should be about moderation. If you are going to wear high heels, give your feet a rest every now and then. Swap your tight jeans for a loose dress and give your hair a rest from the rigours of your GHD. Remember sometimes to be nice to your body – It’s the only one you’ll ever get!