In recent years, the body positivity movement has been replaced by a new trend—an obsession with slender figures and defined lines. Social networks and celebrities actively promote the image of a toned body, bringing back corsets, shapewear, and slimming tights. More and more women are striving to meet these standards, often without considering the health consequences. Meanwhile, experts warn that constant pressure on the body can lead to serious problems with internal organs and bodily systems.
Modern products differ from their historical predecessors, but the core idea remains the same—shaping the silhouette through compression. Even the most advanced materials can’t fully eliminate the risks if such items are worn for too long or if the size is chosen incorrectly. In pursuit of the perfect figure, many forget that health should always come first.
Corsets
Corsets today are much softer than those of the nineteenth century, which were made from whalebone and metal. However, even modern versions crafted from elastic fabrics can cause a range of problems if worn for extended periods. The maximum recommended wearing time is no more than six hours a day, with mandatory breaks. Daily use can lead to negative health effects.
Medical corsets are designed with anatomy in mind and should be prescribed by a doctor, but even they shouldn’t be worn without supervision. Decorative corsets, especially those with strong tightening, compress the chest and diaphragm, restricting breathing. This leads to shallow breathing, reduced oxygen intake, and, as a result, hypoxia. Lack of oxygen is especially dangerous for the nervous system and heart—fainting, arrhythmias, and even heart attacks are possible.
Impact on organs
Compressing the abdomen and internal organs disrupts the digestive system. The intestines slow down, food lingers, which triggers fermentation and irritates the mucous membranes. As a result, constipation and changes in microflora may occur, and in the long term—liver disorders and even mental health issues.
Wearing a corset for extended periods weakens the back muscles, which can lead to poor posture and neurological complications. In addition, constant rubbing and pressure on the skin can cause redness, abrasions, calluses, and blisters. It’s important to remember: even if the corset doesn’t directly damage nerves or blood vessels, it sets off a chain reaction that affects the entire body.
Bodysuits and shapewear
Bodysuits and other types of shapewear have become a real hit in recent seasons. They allow you to quickly adjust your figure, creating a smoother and slimmer silhouette. However, if the size is chosen incorrectly or they’re worn for too long, these items can lead to serious problems.
Shapewear should fit snugly against the body without constricting it. Undergarments that are too small can cause discomfort, compress muscles, and impair blood circulation. Women with a narrow pelvis or chronic health conditions should be especially cautious, as bodysuits may provoke organ displacement, disrupt menstrual cycles, weaken pelvic floor muscles, and cause chronic pain in such cases.
Lymphatic system
The dense fabrics of shapewear place additional stress on the lymph nodes in the groin and underarm areas. This can disrupt lymphatic drainage, leading to congestion and swelling. Prolonged use may result in lymphostasis, which negatively affects the body’s ability to eliminate toxins.
Unlike medical-grade compression garments, which apply precisely dosed pressure, regular shapewear often compresses blood vessels unevenly. Wearing such garments for more than 4–6 hours at a stretch is particularly risky—it can impair microcirculation and worsen skin condition.
Tights and compression
Tight-fitting tights can also be problematic. They apply pressure to the pelvis and legs to shape the silhouette, but if the size is chosen incorrectly or they are worn for too long, they can disrupt blood flow. It’s important to consider not only height but also hip and waist measurements to avoid excessive compression.
Tights with strong compression in the abdomen and hips can constrict arteries, reduce tissue nutrition, and cause numbness, cold sensations, and pale skin. Constant squeezing leads to micro-injuries and irritation, especially if the material is synthetic. In hot weather, this intensifies the “greenhouse effect,” increasing the risk of skin infections and allergic reactions.
Medical compression tights are prescribed by a doctor and have a strictly regulated pressure distribution. Choosing shaping garments without consulting a specialist may not only fail to provide benefits, but can actually harm your health, especially if you have chronic vascular or nervous system conditions.
In case you didn’t know, Sergey Solodnikov is a Candidate of Medical Sciences and a scientific consultant in pharmacology at the KhimBio Research Center, Perm Polytechnic University (PNRPU). He specializes in the effects of clothing and accessories on human physiology, and advises on the safe use of medical and decorative products. His research formed the basis for modern recommendations on wearing shapewear and corsets.
