When it comes to getting dressed each morning, how often do we pick the stylish options vs. the comfortable one? Every day? A few times per month – 50/50? Sure it may depend on the day’s events, a new outfit we may have picked up, or just our mood for the day. But what about health factors? What if your wardrobe choices actually affect how your body physically felt throughout the day? Chances are far more “comfort” options would win over looking nice.

According to some recent research, that just may be the case.

When Clothes Don’t Fit

Just because tight jeans or an ill-fitting shirt can’t cause direct spinal or muscular pain doesn’t mean it they don’t contribute. When clothes are too tight, they can cut off or slow down circulation. This means less blood flow through the body, lower amounts of oxygen, and fewer restorative functions that are able to take place. Considering a healthy pulse is one of the best ways to reduce chronic pain, the thought of ultra tight clothes becomes alarming. This can come in the form of pants, socks, belts, shirts, or any other clothing feature that might slow down blood flow. When considering comfort vs. squeezing in to that perfect pair of pants, always choose comfort. Your body will thank you, while continuing to perform its functions properly.

Adjusting your Way into Recurring Pain

Another factor that can bring on recurring pains is how a piece of clothing fits or hangs. Even if the correct size, items that need constant adjustments can bring just as much damage as their baby-sized counterparts. Over an entire day, a person might tug or situate an item into place tens of times. Depending on the effort required, this could lead to some repeat movements that are less than natural. Here, too, pain could emerge from the ongoing clothing maintenance that takes place. Rather than adjust clothing all day (which is annoying even when pain isn’t a factor), search for clothes that fit properly and readily stay put.

Fabric Allergies

When allergic to a certain type of fabric or dye, it’s never a good idea to take a chance. Reactions come in all shapes and sizes, and those who regularly have mild allergies could break out drastically at any time. Even when a reaction is generally mild – small rash, itch, slight swelling – avoid those substances unless a necessity. Of course, a specific trigger could bring on aches or other symptoms that lead to pain, but even when chronic injuries aren’t involved, it’s best to steer clear.

If you suffer from these types of allergies, be sure to check all clothing, jackets, blankets, etc. before making contact. Failing to take these allergies seriously could leave you with a permanent or ongoing treatment regimen. It’s also a good idea to keep necessary medicine or tools on hand (such as lotion or anti-itch cream), in case an accidental contact were to take place.

However, all allergy cases are best discussed with a doctor or specialist, especially with severe instances.

Choosing Trigger-Free Clothing

To get the most out of every outfit (whether or not you’re a fashionista), remember to opt for correct fitting clothes that will easily stay in place – as well as avoiding allergy triggers. When choosing items that are high maintenance, any number of symptoms could come from the coddling they require. And while it’s true these pains don’t take place until months or even years of repeat behavior, they can also intensify any current injuries. Instead, choose comfortable, functional clothing to keep these recurring problems at bay. [Fox]

Stay tuned for more info on pains and how to best avoid potentially harmful factors.