Shapewear Is Harmful to Your Health
I’ll start by saying I don’t think the St. Virginia gal is necessarily a Spanx gal, but I still must tell you this, and I want you to tell your friends (even though they might think you’re annoying; do it with love.) I had sort of heard about this and thought maybe it was a rumor, but it’s actually true!
I adore Sara Blakely, inventor of the shapewear sensation. She is one of my entrepreneurial icons, for sure. I’m also sure that she never intended to create anything harmful for women when she created the body rubber band that lots of women won’t leave home without.
But I have some news for you Spanx-lovers and friends of Spanx-lovers. All that squeezing and pressing and squishing can actually make you sick. It can cause gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux, and heartburn.
It also reduces circulation and can even cause blood clots, varicose veins, and lymph congestion.
I want so much for you to put things on your body that are healing and not harmful.
Your body is beautiful, just the way it is! I know this is hard to believe sometimes. I struggle with it a lot personally. Lots of scars, babies, weird pains, fake boobs (not on purpose, but still), weight loss, and weight gain.
The Maxine Dress is the perfect antidote, of course. It’s literally the most healing, comfortable, special dress ever. But here are some other dresses, too, that I am coveting this summer.
It’s 100% organic cotton, and patchwork, from Doen. O.M.G. https://shopdoen.com/collections/dresses/products/darby-dress-patchwork-print
2. I’ve been falling in love with this brand, Fanm Mon, from afar. I do get a little bit nervous about the sizing (also why I love the Maxine because the sizing is forgiving and not too long). But look at the embroidery. Gorge-ous.
3. Last but not least. Always a Natalie Martin fan. BUT, the silk is ultra thin. Definitely more of a cover-up than an actual dress. Some of her dresses are block-printed, and some are rayon, which I’m not a fan of if I can avoid it. (Here’s a little primer on rayon from WWD: rayon is a fabric made from purified cellulose fibers, which are typically created from wood pulp. Though rayon is derived from natural materials, it requires certain chemicals, so it’s considered to be a semi-synthetic fabric.)
Cheers to anti-shapewear dressing forever (and to your health)!