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Clothes and body ailments

K.M.

Veteran

This post was inspired by Betty Crocker's "I hurt" thread from a little while ago. It made me think of all the ways in which my body peculiarities influence the way I dress. For example:

1. I have a sensitive digestive system, with a tendency to get heartburn and bloating. If I wear anything constrictive around my stomach or waist, these tendencies get worse. It could be a bra that's too tight, a high-waisted pant in a more rigid fabric, a dress belted close to the body... Mind you, it's not that I wear things that are too small for me; it doesn't even have to be that tight to make me hurt.
2. My knees are not the most resilient, so if I wear high heels--or just a mid-heel in a wrong angle--or shoes that are too tight in the toebox, my knees hurt so much that at some point I can't even walk. I've had to walk barefoot in a few extreme instances.
3. Also, my ankles are too flexible, meaning it is very easy for me to bend them (in a bad way) and hurt my ligaments. This happened once when wearing an innocent-looking low-heeled bootie; the heel tapered at the base, which made it ever so slightly less stable, and I had to be off my feet for days after!

I also have a bunion. Fun, huh?

Others here have similar issues that end up steering the way you dress?

Dressing

42 replies

Latest reply was from K.M.

Author Linda

Veteran

I so read you about the knees and ankles. So many people look wonderful in the heels and jeans look, don't they? But my knees are just short of needing replacement and I simply cannot wear high heels. I can wear booties and shoes with 2" heels, but that's as high as my heels go, and the heel has to be wide, not narrow. Long story short, like you I need just-right shoes. Arch support. Great fit. If I can find something wonderful, I'll pop the necessary $$$. Because if the feet are happy, the rest follows.

Anonymous

I totally understand! On top of needing more comfortable pants, I also have bunions and osteoarthritis that affects both my knees and my feet, so I have to wear comfortable shoes (with lower heels) that don't aggravate these conditions.

Today I'm wearing the ponte pants I ordered from J Jill, and I have to say I feel so much better. Thanks so much for recommending those, Carter.

I'm almost to the point of not wanting to wear jeans anymore. I need pants with a more relaxed fit. My Express Editors are great; I just don't want to wear them that often. I'm actually thinking about BF jeans, but they'd be too casual for work. The faux suede NYDJ Sheri pants I just bought are fantastic. They feel great and are suitable for both work and weekend wear.

greycat6

Veteran

While comfort is always important to me, I find it affects my footwear choices with increasing frequency. Heel height and width across the toe box can be deal breakers. If my feet are not happy it puts a damper on my attitude for the whole day.

Diana

Veteran

I have similar issues as you. For whatever reason, pressure on my lower rib cage often makes me feel panicky and I get what feels like mild palpitations and diaphragm twitching. This means that tight waist belts are really uncomfortable, especially because I am really short waisted to begin with, so they always creep over my ribs.

I also have a similar panicky reaction to high or tight necklines. I'm always clawing at them and yanking them away from the front of my neck. Maybe I have an underlying fear of suffocation?

And my feet have a whole host of issues of their own that really limits footwear. Flat feet, history of plantar fasciitis, virtually no fat pads so rubbing/lack of cushioning is an issue, nascent bunion on one foot, narrow heels and shallow insteps, but splayed toes. Pancake duck feet! Oh, and I have rotten balance and weak, hyper flexible ankles too so I have to be concerned about wobbling too.

My skin, particularly on my thighs, is super sensitive to some fabrics. Pants containing stretch poly are particularly itchy. Even some cotton fabrics, particularly those with "4 way stretch" are itchy.

Sheesh, I sound like such a special snowflake!

K.M.

Veteran

Diana, oh yes, I also have itchy skin! Wool makes me itch instantly, and some tights will do that to my thighs too. Forgot about that!

greycat6 and Author Linda, I am always in awe of those people who can walk all day in super narrow high heels and pointy toes. Just the other day I was admiring this woman strutting on a sidewalk in 30 degree weather on tall high-heeled boots. She was carrying a big grocery bag too. She looked so elegant and effortless and I saw her walk a few blocks. I can only wear heels if I know I'll be walking five steps from the car door to the next door.

bettycrocker, I'll have to look into some of those pants as I think they might be good for my digestive issues too. Did you see Shiny's post today on her slouch merino pants? Those look perfect!

Thistle

Veteran

I like all of my clothes to have a bit of stretch in them. It makes it more comfortable for me, especially as I sit all day long at work.

Comfortable shoes are critical! Unhappy feet make all of me unhappy. I like mine cushioned with a low heel, please. And a helping of extra comfortable.

I also hate being cold. Ankle pants are right out most of the year. As is anything else "seasonally confused".

catseye

Veteran

I hear you.

I don't even try shoes that are higher than 1 inch. Cannot do them!

One out of one hundred flat shoes may stay on my feet without straps. I did find one pair of loafer last year. No ballet flat ever stay on me. No pumps ever stay on my foot.

I also probably need a size 5 wide for sandals. Not a size that exists often. However, Ecco size 35 seems to work for me as sandals.

So my choice of footwear is extremely limited.

K.M.

Veteran

Thistle, right, I forgot about the cold too! Yes, I get cold super easy. But also get hot super easy. So in winter I need warmth (hence my chunky sporty snow boots instead of regular boots as so many can seem to pull off). And in summer I need very lightweight breathable fabrics.

This is probably why I don't like 3/4 or bracelet sleeves. They are either too cold or too hot. There's probably two days out of the whole year when the weather is temperate enough that they would keep me comfortable.

Author Linda

Veteran

Oh gosh, the cold! It's freaky, but I can tell if the indoor temperature is lower than 70F because my feet start to hurt. Like really. Hurt. For years I've made warm and fun socks part of my style. Sophisticated? Got 'em. Foxes? Got those. Gotta keep those feet warm!

Anonymous

Oh God the itchy skin! I have that, too. In addition to avoiding itchy fabrics such as wool (except merino) and stiff fabrics, I use "Free and Clear" laundry detergent and use unscented lotions, etc. No fragrance whatsoever.

I can't tolerate cold, either. Seems like the cold temps make me ache. I have a heater by my desk just for that reason.

K.M., I ordered the seamed ponte pants, which are on sale:
http://www.jjill.com/jjillonli.....W&gcl
I bought the regular misses size, even though I'm petite, because I have a long rise. These feel great! They're a teeny bit long for any of my boots, and they look awful tucked into my tall boots (I tried this morning), but I went ahead and wore them with flat ankle boots and let them slouch. I think they'll be fine with my summer sandals, though. If not, I'll pay to get them hemmed.

Diana

Veteran

Weirdly, I am ok with most wool (except alpaca, which I'm allergic to) everywhere except my thighs. Thank goodness because I don't know what I'd do without wool sweaters, scarves, hats, and coats!

K.M.

Veteran

Diana, I try to layer so the wool doesn't touch my skin, which is not always possible. Sometimes I tough it up--gotta choose between being cold and not itchy, or itchy but warm!

Bettycrocker, those pants look great! Are they warm? I had been wanting thick ponte pants for winter.

Author Linda, if you don't mind, please share your finds for warm cute socks! My toes turn blue in the cold. And also, I happen to love fun, whimsical socks!

gardenchick

Veteran

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.

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

E

Veteran

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

Author Linda

Veteran

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.

One of my favorite sock vendors is Sock Dreams. 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!

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Topshop Leopard Print Crew Socks

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Anonymous

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.

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.

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Sal

Veteran

I love your last statement E. Dressing is tactile as well as visual. Pinching, itching, painful clothes are not worth it!

shiny

Veteran

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&B printed sweat pant jeans, VC tube skirt, EF skirted leggings, 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.

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. 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! I don't think my feet have changed, I have. I simply will not tolerate foot pain.

Dee

Veteran

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.

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

Totally understood.
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.
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.

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.

K.M.

Veteran

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...

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!

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.

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.

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&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.

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.

K.M.

Veteran

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!

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.

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

They're not healthy for gynecological reasons. It's a combination of a tight fabric plus a synthetic one, incl. underwear, even if many have types of pantyhose today have cotton gussets. They 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 special occasions.

K.M.

Veteran

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.

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.

trekkiegirl

Veteran

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.

K.M.

Veteran

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...
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...

jackiec

Veteran

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.

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

deb

Veteran

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. 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 Anthropology last year because every time I wore it I hurt. But - really we are all so lucky because it could be so much worse.

trekkiegirl

Veteran

Oh I know K.M. - some days I just REALLY want to wear a skirt, and then I pay for it later

Deb - you have a phenomenally positive outlook, that is so inspiring!

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