On the surface, what one wears may seem like the most non-influential aspect of their health and wellness. However, clothing affects an individual internally and externally, mostly health-wise, in more ways than one. Certain outfits, such as comfortable, breathable ones made from bamboo, linen, silk, or cotton, are considered “healthy clothing.” On the other hand, certain clothes have been found to be detrimental to the wearer’s health. Here are some such clothes that affect health adversely:

Underwire bras
Underwire bras are convenient to use, but studies have found that they can have potentially long-term health risks, including cuts and punctures from the sharp-ish wires, skin problems, long-term headaches, blocked milk ducts for nursing mothers, neck pain, uneasiness in the chest, indigestion, and several other problems.

Some other health hazards posed by these types of bras include the metallic straps impeding the wearer’s blood flow and attracting undesirable electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs) to the breast areas, increasing the risk of radiation-based health issues like cancer in women over time.

Tight underwear for men
As is the case with tight bras for women, tight underwear can be problematic for men from a health perspective. Overly fitted underwear can drastically increase the temperature around a man’s testes, leading to eventual and permanent infertility and impotence. The area around the testes needs to stay at a cool and moderate temperature for optimal health. If that does not happen, then men can suffer from other problems apart from the ones mentioned here, too, like low sperm count and a perpetual sensation of pain in the lower abdomen and crotch area.

Tight underwear has also been linked with jock itch, a fungal health condition that causes bacteria infestation in the groin area and urinary tract infections in men. At the same time, women must also wear breathable underwear, as they may develop urinary tract infections.

Skinny jeans
Skinny jeans have been a trendy clothing garment for men and women alike for several decades. Their sleek look and tight-fitting attributes make them a hot favorite among buyers of all ages. However, skinny jeans are not very “healthy” to wear. Tight denim clothing compresses the body and can cause problems such as blood flow obstruction, swelling and numbness around the waist, and nerve damage if worn for a long time.

Several health cases over the years worldwide involve women and men suffering issues when they wear their skinny jeans for too long. For these reasons, one can switch to looser and more comfortable clothing rather than sticking to skin-tight denim that brings a plethora of health issues.

Last night’s pajamas
Before drifting off to sleep, most people slip into comfortable nightwear, such as pajamas. However, many of them also leave their pajamas on throughout the next day. In fact, there are many who may go an entire day, including working remotely, eating, and exercising, in the pajamas, a practice that can have long-term health consequences. One needs to change their nightwear just as frequently as their underwear when starting their new day.

Dirty, worn-out pajamas can lead to bacterial infestation near one’s urethra and other sensitive genital areas. As a result of that, people may develop infections and, if not treated on time, major urethral health issues. Due to these reasons, it is safe to discard a pair of pajamas worn overnight into the laundry basket the next morning. After they are cleaned for the day, one can safely wear their pajamas again.

Leggings
Leggings are the ultimate all-purpose outfit for women. However, leggings come with their own set of health issues, including fungal infections like ringworm, scaly patches on the skin, rashes, itchiness, and other problems. Any piece of clothing that sticks as closely to the skin as leggings (or, alternatively, control-top tights) rubs violently against one’s body throughout the day. A person moves their body in over a hundred ways, so this rubbing can be detrimental to their skin health over a period of time.

While there is no direct substitute for leggings, one should continue to try different garment pieces to see which one is the most comfortable and which sticks to the skin like leggings.

Colored undergarments for women
Women who select designer undergarments that come in extravagant colors may suffer health issues due to the heavy fabric dye used in these clothing pieces. Issues like vaginal infections, skin irritation, and rashes are common effects of such garments.