Tuesday, March 7, 2000

Bad Underwear

Mom never stops
being your mother
Have you been wearing the same type undies for years?

Did you know that those panties, thongs, boxer shorts and briefs may breed bacteria?

Don't wear bad underwear.

It's going to a much better year than last. A good, positive attitude helps. Let's focus on comfort.

You know stop the squeeze and pinching. I mean do you have bad underwear?
Have you been wearing the same type undies for years? Did you know that those panties, thongs, boxer shorts and briefs may breed bacteria?

Who knew that 80% of Americans put on the same type of undergarment pretty much for their entire adult lives? Wow! This means that a whole lot of people probably put up with substandard underwear and don't know it. Why?

Because underwear has evolved like everything else. Underwear isn't meant to be scratchy. It's not supposed to pinch you, or be unflattering to your body silhouette. It's not supposed to give you a skin rash.

While most trust the "tighty-whities" they've grown to know and love, times have changed. Here's what both men and women need to know about undergarments you wear.

The fact is, tight and uncomfortable underwear traps moisture in the cloth fibers and that encourages candida (which can cause infections, rash and even disease). Bad underwear increases the risk of urinary track infection. Have you felt pain on skin that is red and sore? Have you suspected it might be your underwear, but thought the detergent or fabric softener was the culprit? Maybe. Probably not. Avoid trouble. Get new underwear. There are wonderful new styles. Shop. Break old habits. Try something new. Choose the right fabric and size. It makes a difference.

Fabric. 
Many people think fabric is a fashion choice. Actually, fabric can be uncomfortable and cause real pain especially if it's scratchy, doesn't breathe and induces sweat. Underwear fabric lives next to your skin all day. Rub the material between your forefinger and thumb. Does it feel smooth and soft? If the fabric feels thick, it can bunch up after wearing for over an hour. It won't feel good, and it won't look good either.

Look for a soft cloth. Cotton is good, because it breathes and is easy to care for. Other options might be Microfiber, cashmere, nylon that feels silky, cashmere, and a high quality polyester. Satin and pure silk are wonderful, but very tiresome to care for because it needs to be handwashed. Blends, too, are a good option for underwear because blends support and contour. Nice.

Underwear size. 
When it comes to underwear, size matters. It has to be comfortable. Comfort means fit and that's all there is to it. When your underwear is tight, pinches, pulls and makes walking, sitting and stooping unpleasant, chuck it. All of it. Undergarments are supposed to help you feel good, confident — not cause you to grimace from pain or be embarrassed from you trying to re-adjust the band around the waist or leg. Be sure to select a size, cut and style that fits comfortably.

There's no right or wrong. The benefits and disadvantages depend on you, your body size, activity levels and preference. You want fit, but fit with breathing room. Think carefully about what you do all day. Are you active? Do you walk, run, lean, stretch, climb, bend or stoop? Do you sit at a desk most of the day? Are you a retired homebody?

Look for support, contour and style to fit your activity level. You may need one style for work and change to another for exercise, to walk the dog or jog. One style usually does not fit all of your activity levels. Good underwear can turn into bad underwear depending on you and what you're doing.

Remember to choose underwear that supports your good health. Always wash your underwear immediately after purchase and before wearing to remove any residues left from the manufacturing process. Do not think cheap means bad quality, or expensive means good quality.

Fit and comfort don't have a price tag. Fashionable underwear may make you feel good about yourself, but fashion should be your last consideration. Don't forget to replace your underwear every six months. Love wearing the underwear you choose.

Well, that's it this week. Nothing new. I am still working on putting out Christmas decorations. After that, I'll probably get back to Monday, Tuesday... routine. My honey's birthday is in a few weeks, so I'm wondering what to get him. It may be love. Hmm  All is well. I hope all is well with you, too.