Is It OK to Wear Shapewear Every Day?

Modern shapewear isn’t as damaging to soft tissue and organs as old-fashioned corsets were. The materials in shapers are flexible and let some air pass through. Your body can return to its natural state as soon as you take the garment off at the end of the day.

Experts still suggest using moderation when it comes to wearing these tight undergarments. Some suggest only wearing it for special occasions and not every day. There are some health risks from clothing that constricts your body. If you notice any discomfort from your shapewear, you should stop wearing it. You can also lessen problems by choosing a different style or size.

Wearing very tight-fitting shapewear every day puts you at risk for some health issues. If your shapewear is too tight or ill-fitting, your risk of problems increases. You should select shapewear that fits you well to avoid certain issues.

Skin problems

Because shapewear is right up against your skin, there is a risk of skin irritation. The tight fabrics can trap moisture near your skin and cause chafing and irritation. Any injury to your skin comes with a risk of infection.

If your shapewear irritates your skin, you should stop wearing it until the irritation heals. Take care of the injury by keeping it clean and dry to prevent infection. You may need a different brand or size of shapewear before you start wearing it again.

In rare cases, people have allergic reactions to the materials of shapewear. You might develop a rash or hives where the fabric touches you. If this happens, you should stop wearing the garment. Look for shapewear in a different fabric to avoid allergic reactions.

Genital health issues

Shapers that go over your genital area are often very snug and trap moisture around the vulva. This may increase your risk of developing yeast infections. Yeast infections can develop in the vagina or on the surrounding skin.

If your shaper is hard to put on and take off, you might delay going to the restroom. Holding urine raises your risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). You should always go to the bathroom when you need to and empty your bladder completely.

To reduce the risk of yeast infections and UTIs, choose shapewear with a cotton crotch panel to allow better airflow around sensitive skin. You should also choose shapers that you can easily remove to go to the restroom.

Digestive issues

If you wear tight-fitting shapers around your belly, you may find that you get an upset stomach. The tight fabric can compress your abdomen and reduce the amount of space your internal organs have between them. This can slow down your digestive process. You may feel gassy and bloated as a result.

Some people find that a tight belly shaper or waist trainer causes acid reflux. If your stomach can’t empty normally, the stomach acids can be pushed up into your esophagus. The short-term result of that is heartburn and indigestion. If you have chronic reflux, you may damage your esophagus.

If you find that shapewear makes you feel bloated and gassy after meals, try changing clothes as soon as possible after eating. That will give your digestive tract room to work. You can also try buying a less constricting belly shaper.

Circulatory problems

‌If you wear poorly fitting or too-tight shapers, you could compress blood vessels. This is a dangerous problem. Reducing the ability of your blood to circulate can lead to blood clots, especially if you have underlying conditions like diabetes or heart disease.

Symptoms of poor circulation include:‌

• Numbness and tingling in hands or feet
• Skin color changes, such as a pale or mottled appearance
• Dizziness, mental fog, or confusion
• Pain while walking

If you notice any of those symptoms while wearing shapewear, take off the garment. If the symptoms don’t improve, call your doctor.

Pinched nerves

Sometimes, shapewear can compress nerves. When that happens, you might notice numbness or tingling in the area around the shaper. You can adjust how the elastic sits on your skin and see if the feeling goes away. You can also try wearing a different size or cut of shaper. If removing the shaper doesn't stop the symptoms, talk to your doctor.