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When clothing stops being comfortable ETA clarified question about price

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Today's post about footwear got me thinking about other things we wear. Where is your comfort cutoff?

Do you give up activity so you can wear a pair of pretty "sitting shoes"?
Would you wear other things that are uncomfortable?
Does material, cut, or fit/size matter to you more?
Does an item's price influence your decision: do you expect higher-priced things to be more comfortable, and would you accept uncomfortable clothing if it is less expensive?

Dressing

28 replies

Latest reply was from Kathleen

always trying

Veteran

all my footwear has to be at least comfortable for walking a reasonable distance like a couple of blocks from parking my car.

I measure comfort by degree. Like I may wear something that is just a bit uncomfortable if it is the only thing I own for the occasion -but would be on my list to replace ASAP. I find things like jeans that start out fine, but a few hours later are sliding down. These also go on a replace list. this is difficult as one can not wear them all day before deciding to return them, but I am going to try something like an hour or so at a time for a few days at home..

As far as fabric content I have to have everything for hot weather to be breathable fabrics. Absolutely no spandex or its equivalent--even 2% is enough to make them way too hot for me.

I consider the price I pay mostly by how much wear it will get-CPW..I try not to pay too much for things that get worn only 2 or 3 times a year.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Always trying, do you have a minimum cpw that you aim for, and does that mean that if something is less expensive, you'll get it even if there is something about it that will prevent you from wearing it often?

Mainelady

Veteran

I don't compromise on comfort. When I was younger and not quite as wise, I wore some clothing or footwear that were not comfortable. Often that would happen if I was going to an event, or a dinner. I would convince myself that it would be ok, because it would only be for a short period of time. Of course, when wearing something uncomfortable, I was a bit distracted by my clothing. One day, I realized that being distracted meant I was not fully attending to, or enjoying the event I was at. From then on, I added comfort to my must have criteria for new clothing items. I have no regrets.

Ginger

Veteran

I don't recall giving up an activity. But I do tailor my clothing for the weather and activity.

I rather like the feel of a snug waistline, and enjoy dressing up in
conventionally flattering garments. I know many/the majority of YLF-ers
would not find that comfortable. I like the look so much that most of
the time it's not a question of comfort.

I don't compromise on fit, so that's first. Cut plays a big part in
that, however, since many cuts don't play nicely with my emphasized
curves. Ex: tops that fit beautifully from neck to waist, then
immediately ruck up on my hips.

Material comes after that.

Price is absolutely an influence, since I don't have a bottomless wallet. My shoe choices have been getting pricier (albeit most bought on discount) because certain kinds are a better, more comfortable fit for my feet.

- Like always trying, I don't have any shoes that aren't minimally comfortable.

- Some of my shoes are church-only. Meaning I only regularly wear them on Sunday mornings. They aren't fun to wear all day at work, since I walk so much further. If I'm going shopping after church, I try to toss a different pair of shoes into the car to change into.

- I'm not super picky about natural fibers, except that I cannot wear 100% polyester dresses to work when the high temperature is over 95F in the shade. I can be fine on the morning walk and indoors for 10 hours, but 10 minutes in the parking lot + car that's another 20F hotter --> hot and miserably sweaty and icky clothes. Even heavier cotton knits don't work. A lightweight, breezy polyester or poly-cotton top and skirt are okay, but I save the poly dresses for cooler weather.

- I'm avoiding acrylic sweaters. I'm naturally cold-natured, but somehow acrylic makes me sweat while still feeling cold. Merino is <3.

Tessera

Do you give up activity so you can wear a pair of pretty "sitting shoes"?

No, but the issue rarely comes up. I pick my shoes based on the activity, rather than vice versa.

Would you wear other things that are uncomfortable?

As rarely as possible. I have fibromyalgia, so something that is slightly uncomfortable for a healthy person can be truly unpleasant for me, especially waistbands that pull on me when I sit.

Does material, cut, or fit/size matter to you more?

Material first (breathable, pleasant to touch), then cut for flattery and comfort. Fit is less important in ready to wear because I can do my own tailoring, which is often necessary.

Does an item's price influence your decision?

Yes and no. I won't buy something just because it's on sale but I do have a budget that must be considered. I'd rather pay more for a few high quality things than less for more pieces, because quality gives me more pleasure than quantity (although I like that too!).

Anonymous

With the exception of the silver sandals I just bought for my DD's upcoming wedding, virtually everything I own is comfortable, especially my shoes. I don't intend to be on my feet all that much for a wedding, and at least the sandals have padding on the insoles, so I don't think I'll die. There are very few occasions in my life that call for such shoes, so I spent as little as possible. The shoes I wear on a daily basis have to be comfortable enough to wear all day and walk for blocks if necessary. I practically ran through the airport in my Dansko sandals last month. They proved their worth, even though they did set off the security alarm.

always trying

Veteran

fashionterm- the things I know will not get much wear are things like dresses and formal and semi formal wear, or even things like business attire. I am retired so life is very casual except for a couple of holiday parties, and two or three other events a year. I have few occasions even that I can not go in jeans and sneakers, even though I choose not to. If I wore a dress and heels to play bridge I would be very overdressed.

Fit is always a priority. Some of my tops and jackets are not perfect, but I have found that sometimes a $20.00 top will fit better than a $100.00 one..same with jackets. Also I have $19.95 sandals that are a 10 as far as comfort.

Sara L.

Veteran

Like Ginger, I've never had to give up an activity due to shoes but I also tailor my outfits to my activities. I wear heels to work because I know I sit at a desk and work on a computer for the majority of the day. I wear sneakers on the weekends when I'm on my feet.

I don't wear things that are uncomfortable but again I try to tailor my outfit to the occasion. Jeans are fine for casual weekends but I wouldn't wear them on a plane (unlike Angie) because the waistband always digs in when I sit in them for long periods.

There are some fabrics that I don't wear, like acrylic, but for the most part I'm not super picky on fabric content.

Price is always a consideration since I have to live within a budget. I don't expect more comfort from a more expensive item, but I do expect more longevity.

Joy

Veteran

I don 't do sitting shoes and have given away bags and shoes that are too heavy. I want to be comfortably warm or cool but don't mind shapewear or tights/stockings. I will spend more on lovely fabrics and quality construction and am trying to get away from buying fast fashion. Material and fit matter. I expect higher priced items to last longer and look great.

Anonymous

Do you give up activity so you can wear a pair of pretty "sitting shoes"? NO! EMPHATICALLY NO!

Would you wear other things that are uncomfortable? No! Never!

Does material, cut, or fit/size matter to you more? More? I believe it always mattered to me, but yes, as I aged, the feel of the fabric against my skin seems to matter more than anything else. I can no longer wear fabrics that feel icky against my skin.

Does an item's price influence your decision: do you expect higher-priced things to be more comfortable, and would you accept uncomfortable clothing if it is less expensive? Not necessarily. I think fabrication matters most to me. I have found really good quality silks and cottons at all price points.

jill58

Veteran

The only time I wear high heels is when I'm absolutely certain that I won't be called upon to walk a long distance. Typically, evenings out or more formal events. If I was going to an evening event where I knew there was going to be the option of dancing I would wear appropriate shoes, rather than "give up the activity." In general, I'm spending more on shoes these days. I'm a runner in my late 50's and I'm interested in preserving my feet. When I was young I would wear inexpensive shoes. I remember when I wouldn't spend more than $30.00/$40.00. Those days are no more. I would agree with Sterling that some fabrics feel "icky against my skin." A pair of non-leather Franco Sarto loafers that I own is a case in point. I bought them to wear without socks but I find them just too sticky feeling.
I can't think of much that I own that's truly uncomfortable -- maybe a pair of "control top" leggings that I bought by mistake that I never wear.

Material/cut/fit/comfort matter to me a lot. I have an Eileen Fisher tank dress that is cut so perfectly that it could have been made for me. It goes in and out of the wash and always looks perfect. It is also extremely comfortable and can be worn in so many situations that I don't know what I'd do without it. I would not accept a lesser priced substitute, even though there are less expensive versions available, because everything about this dress is perfect for me.

As I've gotten older, I'm willing to pay more for clothes but rarely pay full price. I try to be very careful about "sale goggles" though since buying something that's vastly discounted but never worn is never a good idea.

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binkle

Veteran

Do you give up activity so you can wear a pair of pretty "sitting shoes"?

No, like what others have said, I pick the shoes for the activity.

Would you wear other things that are uncomfortable?

No (short answer!)

But (long answer) others might find them uncomfortable - depends on what the definition of "comfort" is. i guess I would define comfort as not constantly being aware that what I am wearing is annoying me to the point of distracting me from the task (or fun) at hand. Others might find Spanx, control top pantyhose, underwire bras, heels of any height, or structured office clothes to be uncomfortable, but I enjoyed wearing them to work - I felt I looked better, that all my wobbly bits were appropriately controlled and situated, that my clothes fit better, and thus I had more confidence.

Does material, cut, or fit/size matter to you more?

No - all matter to varying degrees, depending on the garment.

Does an item's price influence your decision: do you expect higher-priced things to be more comfortable,

No, at least size/style wise. I do expect higher end fabrics to be more comfortable. But that is also not always true.

and would you accept uncomfortable clothing if it is less expensive?

No.

cindysmith

Veteran

As I've gotten older and grumpy-er, I have less tolerance for discomfort (be it physical or emotional). If it is physically uncomfortable, away it goes, immediately. If it is emotionally uncomfortable, away it goes as soon as I find a suitable replacement.

To answer your questions:
Do you give up activity so you can wear a pair of pretty "sitting shoes"?
I did it for my sister's wedding, but as soon as they were done with the official photographs, I changed into my black sneakers with a slightly sparkly finish.

Would you wear other things that are uncomfortable?
I've done it in the past, but no more.

Does material, cut, or fit/size matter to you more?
Cut and fit are equally important to me, but I won't even try something on to see if the cut & fit work on me until I've checked the fiber content. It has to be mostly natural fibers or it ain't going on my body. This is Texas, and I'm not wearing synthetics in this frigging heat because I struggle enough in heat & humidity (thanks COPD) to also struggle with suffocating the rest of my body with synthetic fabrics. I do have one acrylic sweater but I only wear it when it's cold, and I always wear a cotton tee under it.

Does an item's price influence your decision: do you expect higher-priced things to be more comfortable, and would you accept uncomfortable clothing if it is less expensive?
I do expect higher priced things to be more comfortable because I expect better quality fabric in higher priced items. Also, I won't accept uncomfortable clothing for a lesser price. I won't even accept uncomfortable clothing if it's free, because I'm that old and grumpy LOL

Some things that were very comfortable last year, this year not so much. Some things that are comfortable now won't be next year. Away they go. I live in an RV, I don't have room to store stuff I know I won't wear. It's a constant process with me; lifestyle changes, weight changes, color preference changes, these all cause me to constantly reevaluate my wardrobe. The hard part is not binging when I purge LOL

K.M.

Veteran

Even if I wanted, I can't wear uncomfortable clothing. It's not a matter of discomfort, but pain. If I wear something constricting around my belly and waist, I get cramps. If I wear something tight around my ribs, I get heartburn. If I wear something tight around my legs or tights, my veins act up. So it's a matter of health!

rachylou

Veteran

*Do you give up activity so you can wear a pair of pretty "sitting shoes"?
-It's more like I wear pretty sitting shoes when there's no activity, but such situations are harder and harder to find. Someone always wants to perambulate. At the very least, it'll be a hike to the car.

*Would you wear other things that are uncomfortable?
- Generally, no, I don't like to wear things that aren't up to the occasion. But if it's just me that isn't up to it - I mean, I've danced in 4' heels. They weren't uncomfortable, but admittedly I don't condition for that sort of thing. Little extra effort there needed.

*Does material, cut, or fit/size matter to you more?
- I'm thinking of shoes... fit first, then material properties.

*Does an item's price influence your decision: do you expect higher-priced things to be more comfortable, and would you accept uncomfortable clothing if it is less expensive?
- Makes me think of an episode of What Not To Wear, where the person complained something was uncomfortable and Stacey told her she just wasn't used to things that fit properly. Expensive clothing has some aspects that can be uncomfortable. Likewise, cheap clothing...

Sal

Veteran

I view it as a continuum.

At one end are lounge clothes and at the other end are stiletto heels, constricting waists, awkward hats etc...

And normally (when heading out of the house) I am somewhere in the middle. Because of appropriateness, image and pride I guess.... There are occasions when I will wear shapewear and high heels and a fascinator (sadly not as many as I would like), and feel happy to take off the look at the end of the occasion.

For my everyday work and weekend wardrobe clothes and footwear have to be comfortable, I can do fitted waists, stockings and heels, but I do not want to be constricted nor feel silly tottering across to the rugby field in a pair of pointy heels.

Thistle

Veteran

Do you give up activity so you can wear a pair of pretty "sitting shoes"?
I don't own sitting shoes anymore. Either they go the mile, or they don't earn a place in my closet.

Would you wear other things that are uncomfortable? No.

Does material, cut, or fit/size matter to you more? Material is important as it must be weather appropriate and comfortable. Cut and fit are crucial. If it's the wrong size, it'll look bad and be uncomfortable!

Does an item's price influence your decision: do you expect higher-priced things to be more comfortable, and would you accept uncomfortable clothing if it is less expensive? I stopped expecting more out of higher priced women's clothing. Midbrand tends to be fine, and even on my EF stuff, I haven't always felt the quality matched the price. It's why I've bought a lot less of it lately.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Hmm, if I am at a wedding wearing uncomfortable shoes and want to dance I just take them off. This has not happened in a long time, however. Maybe I used to bring those foldable ballet shoes for this purpose?
I don't relate price with comfort since I buy many second hand things that initially had a much higher price point than the actual price I pay for new things.
I cannot stand too tight clothes.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Do you give up activity so you can wear a pair of pretty "sitting shoes"?

Not ever. I even have this in my style statement in my profile: I never want my clothing to keep me from an adventure, indoors or out.

Would you wear other things that are uncomfortable?

I agree with Sal on this one, except I think life is too short for shapewear. Otherwise, it's a continuum. Not every outfit is going to feel like pajamas, and that's okay. Generally, if I'm dressed appropriately for the occasion, I can forget my clothes.

Does material, cut, or fit/size matter to you more?

Fit is most important (size on the tag is irrelevant). Material is next (I look mostly for wool, silk, linen, and organic cotton. This is as much for environmental and social reasons as comfort) I give different cuts a chance, even if I know through experience they're unlikely to work on me.

Does an item's price influence your decision: do you expect higher-priced things to be more comfortable, and would you accept uncomfortable clothing if it is less expensive?

I force myself to not look at tags before I take an item into the fitting room and try it on. I make a preliminary decision, yes or no, without knowing the price. Budgets are real, so I might change my mind based on price, but that would generally be deciding not to buy something, rather than compromising because something is cheap.

Sal

Veteran

LOL Jenn:)

I am choosing a uniform for our athletic club and I told the Account Manager for the uniform company that I am vain and won't wear X and Y.......you have confirmed it......

Sorry Fashiontern to hijack.

Anonymous

I hurt so badly today that I'm in no mood for anything that isn't 100% comfortable. My back and legs are killing me.

Anonymous

No. No. Material. Yes. No.
No uncomfortable clothing at all ever at any price because it's distracting. Totally with Mainelady on this.
There isn't a style so compelling that I would wear it if I don't like the fabric and I wouldn't try it on so the fit will be forever mysterious.
Less expensive clothing is often very comfortable but I definitely expect more expensive clothing to be better in every way, especially fabric and fit even after being washed and worn many times.

Echo

Veteran

Do you give up activity so you can wear a pair of pretty "sitting shoes"?

No. As other have mentioned, I choose shoes according to the activity planned. I do occasionally wear less than ideally comfortable "sitting shoes" for an evening where I will be primarily sitting.

Would you wear other things that are uncomfortable?

I guess that would depend on what we mean by "uncomfortable." Not everything needs to feel like sweatpants. But pain? No, of course not.

Does material, cut, or fit/size matter to you more?

I cannot see favouring one over another here. I will not buy an item if any of the three is wrong for me. It goes without saying that something must fit properly, but the cut contributes to that, and if the material is wrong for me, then the other two don't matter. All three must work together for something to work for me.

Does an item's price influence your decision: do you expect higher-priced things to be more comfortable, and would you accept uncomfortable clothing if it is less expensive?

No. Price, IMO, has no bearing on comfort. I will not buy something that isn't quite right simply because it is inexpensive or on sale. People talk a lot about CPW, but DELIGHT per wear is immeasurable. I've been aiming for that recently, meaning that I will not purchase something unless it ticks ALL the boxes. Realistically, I have clothing to wear; it is rare that I need something to wear immediately that something I already own will not work for. So why compromise? I'd rather wait and have the right fit, style, material, construction, level of comfort and delight factor than have something I don't absolutely love.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I have one pair of fancier shoes that I only wear when I am mostly sitting. I am fine going up stairs in them, but I take it very slow going downstairs when wearing them. And I have heard that other fabbers can walk for miles in them.

Oh, and a pair of booties I can wear for a while, but not all day.

I don't think I wear anything else that is uncomfortable, although I don't consider my underwire bras comfortable.

I am very sensitive to wool and some other fabrics also, so I can't have them near my skin. Sometimes they seen okay in the store, but then I take them home and wear them and that's the only wear they get.

binkle

Veteran

Echo, I just came back to carch up on new comments, and I LOVE "Delight per wear!"

3style

Veteran

This has been a useful post for me. But in its opposite form. Meaning that my problem is more often that my husband and I will go for a brisk walk and sometimes we want to do something afterwards which we hadn't been planning on before hand. I don't feel very fab if I end up, for example, in a nicer restaurant wearing grubby gym clothing. So, to articulate my style goal for 2017: I would describe my goal as focusing on purchasing "crossover clothing quickly and efficiently."
So my focus for shopping is to buy capsules of nice things which can be well integrated into sportier functions.
I don't much care for most athliesure or what I call "droopy draggy drapey" nor very "crisp and boxy" so I find the options are very limited.
I have found that the best strategy is to review the trends online and decide how that could be integrated into my style goals. For example I am wearing a lot of coral pink and more florals than ever before for this summer. I feel that those things reads as feminine and dressy even without much in the way of accessories or fancy shoes. I am amused to find Angie doing the same. I'm usually behind rather than with her on trends.

Anonymous

No, I don't expect higher priced things to be more comfortable. I think they do a good job on the low end making things comfortable.

All I really expect from a higher priced item is better fabric (more durable, or less prone to pulling, or smoother, or thicker) and possibly some more interesting details. On some garments I expect a nicer lining, nicer finishing.

I find the sewing is pretty good across all price points. But quality control is less good on the low end so you will end up with more duds reaching retail stores.

Kathleen

Do you give up activity so you can wear a pair of pretty "sitting shoes"?

I think like 3style, I have sometimes found that I won't feel comfortable going somewhere nicer if I'm not dressed appropriately in my mind. I'm feeling very conscious about this as I'm planning my trip to Europe with my mom and I want to be appropriately dressed to visit all of the churches and other sites as an example. Still, other than for say a wedding or a night at the theatre I would rarely wear heels these days so I very rarely wear sitting only shoes.

Would you wear other things that are uncomfortable?

I can't think of a time recently when I've worn something uncomfortable. If I find something uncomfortable, I get rid of it.

Does material, cut, or fit/size matter to you more?

For me fit/size come first. Being shorter, I'm used to needing to get things tailored so that's the first thing I think about. Cut is next as I know there are some cuts I don't like on my figure. Material is third but still very important to me. I prefer natural fibers when possible and the actual feel of the fabric has become more important to me over the years. I tend to look at the seams and construction of the garment a lot more closely now regardless of how much it costs.

Does an item's price influence your decision: do you expect higher-priced things to be more comfortable, and would you accept uncomfortable clothing if it is less expensive?

I'm not generally going by price as a good percentage of my purchases are 2nd hand- either consignment, ebay, thrift, etc. I'm looking at fiber content, construction, fit. It still absolutely has to be comfortable for me to purchase it.