https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 17 Apr 2026 01:27:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments/page/2#post-1436915 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 02:58:58 +0000 K.M. 1436915@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>old chic, I loved having big boobs!!!! Though I felt I couldn't quite enjoy them in terms of fashion choices because of my plug/bra issues. I miss that part though. They are much smaller now than they were before breastfeeding. </p> <p>(PS But breastfeeding itself was wonderful) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments/page/2#post-1436878 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 01:48:37 +0000 old chic 1436878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>K.M., re breastfeeding. A great joy and a wonderful child, and I'd never disavow. But I hated the big boobs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments/page/2#post-1436876 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 01:47:28 +0000 old chic 1436876@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so sorry so many of you have chronic pain issues! I had them for &gt;30 years, but now have some medication that controls. I have always resisted letting them interfere with my clothing choices -- e.g., I was more comfortable in heels than flats before I had surgery for sciatica. But sometimes there's just no way to prevail. I am absolutely in love with beautiful wools, especially Donegal tweeds, but they itch too much now, and even cashmere is bothersome. Ah, well, that should be my biggest problem! Seriously, I have a lot of sympathy for everybody who suffers! The clothing component just makes the misery worse. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments/page/2#post-1436832 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 00:22:41 +0000 K.M. 1436832@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And jackiec: Glad I'm not alone on the digestive issues! People who don't have them don't understand. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments/page/2#post-1436830 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 00:21:06 +0000 K.M. 1436830@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Deb, thank you for sharing your story. I'm so sorry you've been through all of this. I second tr3kkie9rl: your attitude is so inspiring. You made me think of a friend in college who had to use a crutch daily. She was also the most elegant from head to toe of any of us. When I thought of her, I never thought of the crutch--I thought of how stylish and smart she was.</p> <p>Joy and bettycrocker: Shingles!!! I've also had it!!!! It was a few years ago, when I was breastfeeding of all times! The pain felt like someone was pressing a burning cigar inside of my flesh. I also took the antiviral, which cut it short, so I only had a small sore on the skin surface, but what hurt the most was the nerve pain inside. Weirdly, sometimes I get a similar nerve pain again if my immunity is down (if I am battling another virus, for instance), but I haven't had another flare-out.</p> <p>Re: breastfeeding. While not an ailment, it was certainly a body condition that severely limited my wardrobe choices. I had a tendency to get terrible plugged ducts (well, that's an ailment) and could only wear big loose sports bras with wide straps. I've never felt so un-stylish! (Though I would do it all over if I had to, of course.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments/page/2#post-1436452 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 14:09:27 +0000 Astrid 1436452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I definitely have an issue with heels, I can't wear them for long before my feet begin to hurt like hell. So I'm wearing flats only and I don't have a problem with it. I rather like the look actually, even with skirts and dresses. I also have wide feet and have in the past worn shoes that I probably shouldn't have bought. I've decided a few months ago that in future I'm going to get only shoes that fit perfectly, even if that means I can't shop fashion brands and have to spend more on shoes.&nbsp; I also have problematic skin (neurodermatitis which flares up under stress) and I prefer my clothes to be breathable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments/page/2#post-1436437 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 13:38:45 +0000 Anonymous 1436437@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks. Tramadol doesn't work for me. Have already tried it in several different doses. Getting the shingles vaccine was, IMO, the best way to keep that beastly virus from coming back. My pain is barely managed with the meds I take now, but at least I'm not taking any narcotics. Tramadol is actually now on my state's list of controlled substances, btw, so it's getting increasingly difficult to obtain pain meds. I told my DH that if it gets too bad, I'll just smoke weed or something. I've never smoked weed in my entire life, but I would do it if that's the only way I had to manage pain.</p> <p>Jumping back on the subject now, I am very thankful there are at least a few stylish options for those of us who need comfortable clothing. I was sitting in the doctor's office with my DD yesterday afternoon, looking at some old ladies in the waiting room and thinking how glad I am I don't yet have to dress like they do. There are comfortable pants that don't look like polyester Bendovers that, btw, seem to be sold to older women in lengths way too short for them. Don't get me started on PPL, because it seems to be a problem here with most women.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments/page/2#post-1436431 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 13:30:08 +0000 trekkiegirl 1436431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not to go too far off topic, BettyCrocker - my husband had shingles once and I him be SO miserable because of it! You should be able to take something else though. Unless it is because the dose of gabapentin you take is so high already that there are concerns of losing coherence (my husband also takes it) have you tried something like tramadol? I'd ask your Dr about alternatives, there are lots of there https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments/page/2#post-1436421 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 13:17:14 +0000 Anonymous 1436421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you about the shingles, Joy! I had that about 6 years ago, and it had to be the absolute worst experience of my life. I saw my doctor right when the rash started, and she prescribed a medicine to shorten the severity and duration of the illness. Even with that, it was still really bad. So much so that I got a shingles vaccine this year to keep from getting it again. And yes, it's possible to get it more than once, so get the vaccine if you can. Mine was covered by insurance due to the risk I incur from another outbreak. I already take Gapapentin on a daily basis for chronic nerve pain, so if I get shingles again, there won't be a way to control the additional pain. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments/page/2#post-1436302 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 04:51:14 +0000 Anonymous 1436302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The worst for me has been shingles. I could not wear a bra because of the pain and location of the shingles but have known of women that found it too painful to wear clothes. Not wearing a bra affects the fit of all your tops and dresses. Luckily my shingles pain eventually went away but some are not so lucky. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments/page/2#post-1436176 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 00:44:21 +0000 Meggie 1436176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I truly appreciate this thread. I never would have guessed that so many of you fab ladies are dressing around said conditions. I often feel resentful that I must dress around my conditions and short changed that I can't wear all the fab things I want to wear. It's comforting to know I am not alone.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments/page/2#post-1436139 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 23:43:56 +0000 Peri 1436139@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Because of all the previous answers, and because I've talked about it so much already, I will just add one:</p> <p>Because I'm in gym shoes most of the time I have this thing about pant legs being trouser, boot cut, or wide leg, and full length. I just have this feeling that at least they will cover up and partially hide my shoes a little that way! Of course they are still obvious, but how about gym shoes and ankle pants...or tapered hems that can't spread out over the shoes...even worse!</p> <p>So I will never be part of of the cropped pant trend. Oh well.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments/page/2#post-1436136 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 23:28:06 +0000 Anonymous 1436136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just want to extend my heartfelt well wishes to all who suffer, and admire all who manage to maintain a healthy outlook on life and on dressing as nicely as possible given the circumstances. I also think it's great that we have this forum to share advice and tips on where to find stylish yet comfortable clothing and shoes, and to hold one another up when pain seems to get the upper hand.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments#post-1436131 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 23:21:21 +0000 trekkiegirl 1436131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I know K.M. - some days I just REALLY want to wear a skirt, and then I pay for it later :(</p> <p>Deb - you have a phenomenally positive outlook, that is so inspiring! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments#post-1436127 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 23:05:54 +0000 deb 1436127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am sorry you have so much pain. I have had three strokes with the first hitting when I was 29. The last one, about 8 years ago was the hardest on me, emotionally.&nbsp;It was in my cerebellum and caused balance issues so I now walk with a fore-arm crutch. Not the prettiest fashion accessory. I stay away from long skirts, high heels, and slides. I injured my tibial tendon 18 months ago and had to give up my beloved ballerina flats. My shoes now must have a 3/4 inch to 1 1/2 inch heels. I also have had several ulnar nerve surgeries on both arms and anything too tight on my arms irritates the nerve and my hands. I just had to purge a favorite top that I purchased at&nbsp;Anthropology last year because every time I wore it I hurt.&nbsp; But - really we are all so lucky because it could be so much worse. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments#post-1436112 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 22:39:46 +0000 jackiec 1436112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you on the digestive issues! I have the same, and although I've found a good way of eating that has really helped me over the years, I do suffer from bloating depending on what I've eaten. I've always been uncomfortable in anything close fitting on my midriff, even though I have a relatively slim build. I default to fluid tops, and likely always will.</p> <p>I'm a fast "heel-walker" and can't stand the clippity cloppity sound if I have hard soles. I love me a softer soled shoe so I can stealthily speed-walk through life </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments#post-1436093 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 22:15:45 +0000 K.M. 1436093@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>tr3kkie9rl, I'm sorry about your back and digestive issues too! I thought of you too, as I've been following your no-heels outfits...<br />And yes on the pants rise issue--maybe that's one reason why I love low rises so much! So much more comfortable! And why I end up not wearing so many of my tailored pencil or A-line skirts as often as I wish I would... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments#post-1436088 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 21:57:18 +0000 trekkiegirl 1436088@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>K.M. - I'm so sorry to hear about your painful medical issues! I can somewhat relate... I'm on week 2 of no heels because of something going on with my back. Additionally, I occasionally have digestive issues so I have to be careful not to wear tight things around my midsection at those times. In particular, tights/hose and high waisted skirts are my usual culprits. Pants not so much, as mine are typically lower cut than the skirts I wear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments#post-1436041 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 20:40:29 +0000 K.M. 1436041@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh yes, gradfashionista, you're totally right about this. I could see that this could be a body ailment issue for someone prone to yeast infections for example. </p> <p>And actually, although pantyhose never gave me trouble this way, I noticed that synthetic thermal underwear (long-johns) was having this kind of effect. I guess it trapped heat (and moisture) all too well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments#post-1436015 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 20:08:21 +0000 gradfashionista 1436015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>They're not healthy for gynecological reasons. It's a combination of a tight fabric plus a synthetic one, incl. underwear,&nbsp;even if many have types of pantyhose today have&nbsp;cotton gussets. They&nbsp;encourage bacterial growth and fungal infections, so I prefer merino in the winter, and fishnet/open weave in the summer. Admittedly, not a concern for many, and generally not if they're only worn for&nbsp;special occasions.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments#post-1435985 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 19:11:21 +0000 K.M. 1435985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>gradfashionista, your post made me think to the mid-90s when Prada came out with those shoes that were a hybrid of shoe and sneaker. I can't find pictures of them online now. They were all-leather with a molded footbed and an elastic drawstring with a cute cylindrical metal clip on it (and of course the red strip on the soles). I never had the Prada one, but had a few knockoff variations from a good Brazilian brand. Everyone wore them with suits, dresses, skirts. Maybe not to a concert or fancy dinner, but certainly to work. I miss them!</p> <p>I'm curious--why do you find tights and pantyhose unhealthy? Because of the fabric? I can only wear them if they're not too tight around the waist. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments#post-1435982 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 19:06:04 +0000 K.M. 1435982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dee and E., I'm so sorry to hear about your longtime chronic pain. My issues are intermittent and they are bothersome enough; I can only begin to imagine how it must be to deal with them most or all of the time. I hope that as time goes by, medicine will figure out a way to make you both feel less and less pain...</p> <p>E., very interesting comment about the tactile dimension. You are so right that our era is so dominated by the visual. Touch, time, movement, being in space... are so easily forgotten. (And how about smell?... I like my clothes to smell nice!) Yet we inhabit our bodies in the world all the time!</p> <p>Gardenchick--yes, I also like to be able to walk!!! And while I see some people who look like they walk miles with ease in heels, many don't... many seem to be tottering, stomping, and generally huffing and puffing to balance and move on tall shoes. I also like to walk fast and hate when my footwear forces me to walk slower.</p> <p>Author Linda, thanks for sharing the sock references! They look great (love the one in pic 2). I recently discovered specialty wool socks, which surprisingly do not itch, and love the patterns, but I'm still just beginning to explore brands and models.</p> <p>Shiny, thanks for the pants suggestions. These are just what I've been wanting, and today I was very taken by your post on your slouchy merino pants. I might have to try a downmarket version I spotted at H&amp;M for now. And I'm glad I'm not the only one who deals with the bloating! Of course it gets worse with PMS.</p> <p>&nbsp;Today, I not only have PMS but am also dealing with a mild stomach bug, and more than ever I wish I had some comfy but cute pants (dresses didn't work because leggings and tights were cutting at the waist. Oh yes, I can't wear control top at all.) I'm wearing a pair of fancier-looking sweatpants from Barneys (a gift from my parents... I never went there myself) which are a beautiful heathered gray with leather trims; they are cotton but have a bit of a knit look. The drawstring makes them very sporty though. I haven't yet found the best way to style them. When I get a chance I'll post them for suggestions.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments#post-1435980 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 19:01:33 +0000 gradfashionista 1435980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Totally understood.&nbsp;<br />I have extremely wide bunions (think EE+), flat feet and very loose ankle ligaments. They're hereditary, which means that I could never pretty shoes growing up and have always worn shoes that are too big in length. It strongly influences how I dress, because the outfit begins at the bottom! You don't notice until you see someone wearing footwear that negatively clashes with the outfit. Jeans+heels=dressy. Suit+joggers=frumpy.<br />It means that even for my footwear to look even slightly fashionable, my feet will be uncomfortable. Despite own too many shoes, I often wear my minimalist shoes with various inserts, which means that I'm pretty much confined to denim or kahki bottoms. When I am know I don't need to walk, then I have a bit more fun with footwear.&nbsp; </p> <p>I also avoid tights/pantyhose/socks, because of how they constrict my feet, and because I consider pantyhose/tights (except for 100% merino wool) to be unhealthy for women.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments#post-1435967 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 18:24:41 +0000 Dee 1435967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Much like E, I have had chronic joint and pain issues for most of my life. Most of the time, I'm limited only in footwear. My feet have the most problems so I need wide shoes and can't wear heels, which is very limiting at ny age. And then you have days where a knee swells and skinnies are right out, or you need to wear a brace and it must fit over/under your clothing, which affects silhouette. And some meds make me very sensitive to overheating, so I have a lot of clothes and coats in a variety of weights and natural fibers only. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments#post-1435948 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 17:48:14 +0000 shiny 1435948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>KM, I hear you on #1! And it's only gotten worse with perimenopause. I am living these days in ponte knit pants (LOFT), EF slouchy pants (I have the merino and the jersey), R&amp;B printed sweat pant jeans, VC tube skirt, EF skirted leggings,&nbsp;and dresses that have no waist. I was so thrilled to find that midi dress recently because it has no waist but still shows off a figure. I just can't wear it on days when I'm overly bloated.&nbsp;</p> <p>My feet have also become more temperamental. I am basically down to one pair of pointy toed heels that I can wear (giraffe Nine West pumps). I have the Okala's and those work okay but are only about 4-hour shoes.&nbsp;I do better in the warmer months when I can wear an open toed wedge --- those heels I bought last year that lace up are my friend!&nbsp;I don't think my feet have changed, I have. I simply will not tolerate foot pain.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments#post-1435947 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 17:45:58 +0000 Sal 1435947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your last statement E. Dressing is tactile as well as visual. Pinching, itching, painful clothes are not worth it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments#post-1435943 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 17:43:53 +0000 Anonymous 1435943@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These pants are what I'd describe as 3-season wear. I wouldn't wear them in frigid temps or on the hottest days of summer. They'll be fine the rest of the time.</p> <p>I'm standing on a ladder because I don't have a full-length mirror, so don't laugh. I just wanted to post pics on the pants. They are indeed too long. Q is do they look good cuffed? Pic #2 is how they look from the front. I want you to see how they look with my RL peplum sweater.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments#post-1435941 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 17:41:16 +0000 Author Linda 1435941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>K.M., here are some photos of the kids of socks I find. I've only started posting and have few finds, though here's a pair I just bought from Nordie's.&nbsp;</p> <p>One of my favorite sock vendors is&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://sockdreams.com/">Sock Dreams</a>.&nbsp;They definitely carry some unusual and interesting socks, leggings, and other items of that sort. The photos are from there. I should ask them to allow YLF finds! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments#post-1435933 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 17:28:45 +0000 E 1435933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh yes; I have chronic illnesses that involve perpetual pain, which varies in degree depending on the day (I'm 28 and haven't had a completely pain free day since I was 15 and first became sick). Wearing nice fabrics is a hugely comforting thing for me to do; the tactile pleasure helps to counteract the frustration of being 'trapped' in the pain. It pleases my body too, which is certainly not to blame for its problems! </p> <p>Aside from that general priority, super supportive shoes are a must, and they're never going to look trendy or stylish (especially since I only buy retail from companies that meet my ethical criteria, which hugely narrows my options). I've embraced the old fashioned, often rustic, look of my footwear, and styled my outfits accordingly. Luckily I have the freedom to do that!</p> <p>Depending on my health, sometimes I can't stand how belts feel or jackets or skinnies, but luckily that varies enough that I still get to wear them frequently. And the only fibers my skin can't handle are angora and acrylic, so that leaves me with a wide range of options! Most polyester makes my torso itchy too, but I cut it out of my wardrobe when I lived in the Texas heat, so that's not an issue except when I can't buy an otherwise lovely dress because it's been lined in it. </p> <p>Oh and my feet get cold very quickly, but they'll happily wear wool, and socks are fun to knit, so that's not something I have to dress around.</p> <p>This is a great thread topic! I've found everyone's replies fascinating. Dressing is tactile as well as visual, which is easy to forget in an age of Pinterest. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothes-and-body-ailments#post-1435924 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 17:13:00 +0000 gardenchick 1435924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My issues are with my fussy feet. I have a bunion that demands a wide toe box, plus fallen arches that need arch support. Plus I like to be able to walk. </p> <p>So all my footwear ends up a bit clunky...not sure the degree to which my shoes are on trend but my goal is to get through the day without my feet hurting! Comfort before style, I guess </p>