A lot of people live with pain, but few people without fibromyalgia find the simple act of wearing clothes painful.
For us, though, it's just a fact of life. We often need to re-think the way we dress and make significant changes to avoid the burning, searing pain associated with anything tight, binding, rough, or made from certain fabrics.
The reason for clothing-related pain is something called allodynia. It means "pain from stimulus that isn't normally painful," and it's common in fibromyalgia.
To get you started on the road to dressing for less pain, see:
Do your clothes hurt? How has this symptom forced you to change your life? Leave your comments below!
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Yes, I find it impossible to wear pants or anything that rubs on my hips or legs in a constricting fashion. I have given up on underwear long ago! I can tolerate a skirt for a number of hours but I have to make sure the hem line does not hit too low on my legs. It seems like I can tolerate pressure in different places, but not other spots. It is quite strange. I am getting to the point where I think a full time nudist colony would be the best place for me!
I cant believe what Im reading! I dont know if Id call it pain but I certainly feel uncomfortable in my clothes and had no idea this could be related to this disease!The first thing I dont when I get home remove my bra and any restrictive clothing cause I just cant bear it any more!!
I deal with this every day. Its very rare that I wear a bra, or skinny jeans anymore, let alone the corsets I used to so love.
At least in the summer, I can wear lightweight flowing dresses and skirts, so much more comfortable.
http://www.facebook.com/FibroWarriors
I gave up on wearing bra’s years ago and only wear underwear during my period. All my clothes are oversized because I cant stand anything tight. I wish I could go nude, but then the fabric of the furniture would drive me crazy too. Sigh!
I have had pain when ever I put on a shirt. I mostly wear t shirts that have very thin straps and very soft flanel in the winter time, but this affects me being able to go out in public in the summer. Sometimes I just take more pain pills to help with the pain as directed by my doctor.
Wear thin clothes. Cotton muu muu type clothes. Nightgown like. No T-shirts or jersey. Material must float away from body. Move where dry and warm.
Clothing doesn’t bother me too much as long as it’s not too tight. But jewlery!!! Rings drive me crazy. It’s so weird. Some days I can wear necklaces, but most often I can’t stand them either. Bracelets are okay. It’s not really pain, but necklaces feel heavy, like they’re sticking to my neck. Rings just put me in a constant state of distraction. I keep moving them around, on and off. I just gave it up even though I had a lot of rings I loved.
I pretty much haven’t worn jeans for the last 20 years. I have a couple of pairs I can tolerate for a few hours. Land’sEnd and LL Bean have some nice elastic waist cotton-type pants that I can wear anywhere. Land’ sEnd material is a little nicer, buy both brands are comfortable and can be dressed up, if necessary with a nice top and/or jacket. Infortunately, colors are limited to black, brown, and navy.
I can’t go without socks because I have a weird uncomfortable feeling at the end of my big left toe (although I can wear open-toed sandals without socks but when the sandals come off, the socks have to go back on. I just found some crew socks for diabetics and bought 3 pairs. I’m not diabetic, but I can’t socks that are too tight in the toe area. These socks are very soft and loose in the toe area and there is extra soft padding in the toe area. I got them at discount at Tuesday Morning. I have washed them once and they held their shape. I don’t know if all socks for diabetics are the same.
I can’t wear winter sweaters. I’m way past menopause, but I smother and sweat in sweaters.
I have to to wear soft cotton pajamas. I prefer to wear a cotton camisole on top, but can tolerate short sleeve tops.
I wish someone would start a line of clothing for us–maybe even some with Velcro closures so we don’t have to struggle with buttons if we find that too painful.
O
I now have very saggy breasts, because bras are so painful for me. I only wear them when I have to go out, and sometimes even then I don’t wear one. The straps don’t bother me, it’s the material that encircles my body. I also can’t wear necklaces anymore and I have a ton of them. It’s not the rubbing, or stuff hanging off of the necklace that bothers me, it’s the weight of the necklace. My neck can’t tolerate it, even the lightest thin gold necklace can cause a horrible neck ache. Then there is the matter of shoes! I am also a type one diabetic and have had to wear shoes all the time for my entire life, but now, against my doctor’s wishes, I have resorted to flip-flops. Someone previously mentioned long flowing dresses. I think I’ll give that a try, since I also can’t stand anything around my waist.
I thought I was all alone when it came to the pain and clothing issue, espesically the bras and bandus.
WOW…I didn’t realize it was a fibro thing….bras have bothered me for years and I switched to sports bras that were good for awhile..but now too bother me and come off when at home…
Socks bother me…my skin feels confined..
Sharon – there are clothes (some very nice styles, even) that are made with velcro closures. I learned this when I searched on-line for “post shoulder surgery clothing” just before I had shoulder surgery. I didn’t have enough time to buy any, but found that other search terms you could use are “clothing for arthritis sufferers” and “adaptable clothing”.
I think that someone wanting to start a line of clothing just for FMS sufferers would make lots of money if he or she knew what they were doing.
JudyP–thank you for the information about the clothing! I’ll check this out.
We might not have some of the things we used to have, but we all (men and women) who struggle with the pain, the brain fog and just putting one foot in front of the other belong to a large family.
Thank you Adrienne for giving us a place to meet and for providing us with the kind of reliable information we all need!
It’s so silly, so stupid, but my left wrist is irritated and painful because of my watch strap! Such a little thing has left me with inflamed skin that needs Voltaren gel to quiet the pain. And I really love this watch, now I cannot wear it anymore.
My shoes have to be expensive with soft leather outside but a steel last inside to provide support. And then I change them several times a day. There are plenty of painful spots that I can find no reason for, just medicate them the best way I can. Stretching, Pilates and Yoga all help me to feel better, but I do them with my low doses of Oxycodone in my blood all 24 hrs.
Thank G-d for good sleep. With Xyrem, (sodium oxybate), I have been able to get out of bed and have a little life, read a book, go to class, travel to visit loved ones. Without good sleep this was outside of my abilities.
So glad more is being written about this. I discovered this clothing-related sensitivity years ago, before I was even clear if I had FMS or not. In fact, all my life I have avoided wrist watches, jewelry, bras & girdles, tight shoes – all the “necessities” for a girl growing up in the 60′s! So thank God for “hippie-dom” styles – no bras, flowing dresses, Birkenstocks! I don’t care about style, I care about comfort! I am able to wear all cotton t-shirts, some blends, but struggle with elastic waist slax. Diabetic sox are great – and I lovelovelove the clothes that have print on labels!! And I have back scratchers in every room as well as a small telescoping one in my purse!!
Flip flops for me until the weather turns bitter cold. Then I wear those soft boots whose name I cannot dredge up when I want it. In the winter I wear a lot of velour. You have to get it larger than what your body fits into. If I buy a size larger I can stand the elastic waist longer. I love the way it keeps me warm and doesn’t hurt me. Nothing but cotton underwear with out binding legs. Bras are always hard. Right now I am able to tolerate a bra that has front hooks and no wires. It also has gel straps. Of course I am retired so on really bad days I just don’t get dressed.
I can’t tolerate anything that fits too snuggly around my waist and bras…forget it. It comes off once I am home and in the winter when you have more layers on I don’t wear one at all. Besides the fibro, I have a mild latex allergy. Trying to find bras with absolutely no latex, they don’t exist. So, I sag.
I’ve lost lot of weight and that has helped some with the clothing issues. I only wear cotton, silk or other natural fibers. Anything synthetic doesn’t breathe and I get unbearably hot and itchy. I prefer loose stretchy waist bands but again lates can be an issue.
Really hate that they think they have to put spandex in everything. I guess they don’t care they can’t sell them to latex sensitive people.
I can’t stand to wear bras anymore. I have large breasts and have to when I go out but as soon as i’m home it comes off. It’s so tight around and the shoulder straps kill me too because it tugs on my shoulders. I can barely breathe sometimes my neck, shoulders, and back will hurt so bad and it makes me sick to my stomache. I love tank tops but I have to be careful. I have a few that are form fitting but still not tight and are comfortable. I have a few I almost never wear because they are tight and form fitting. Some days nothing bothers me but most days it does. I rarely wear jewelry anymore either because even the lightest feels like it tugs and puts to much pressure on me. I also really can’t wear anything but tennis shoes or crocs. No more heels
It’s very sad because I love to get dressed up but I have to think of pain levels and comfort everytime I get dressed. I’m glad to read this and know I’m not just crazy. i thought it was just me and didn’t know it was related to the fibro.
Thank you for the suggestions on bras to wear with FMS. My shoulders are in terrible pain when I wear a bra, but I am not of the size to go without if I leave the house. I am going to explore your recommendations. Moving to the SW has helped somewhat and is kinder than New England but I still have all-over body pain. In recent months chronic fatique has “attacked” me. Could this be from humidity?
I have the bra issue as well and I have just recently realised that i should stick to plain round or v necklines as anything with a shirt collar irritates my neck and houlders. till they ache.
I have the bra issue as well and I have just recently realised that i should stick to plain round or v necklines as anything with a shirt collar irritates my neck and houlders. till they ache.
I have the bra issue as well and I have just recently realised that i should stick to plain round or v necklines as anything with a shirt collar irritates my neck and houlders. till they ache.
I’ve found over the last 12 years that synthetic fabrics bother me. The itch, give me hives and are just uncomfortable.
For many years, I went without a bra. I wore camisoles and lots of layers. When I had to wear a bra, I’d be clawing at the bottom band within 45 minutes, and have myself raw within three hours. My sister-in-law pointed out how bad my sag looked, so I started researching fabrics. I discovered sports bras in Cool Max fabric. That worked well, except they were a pull-over style. When my shoulders were worse than usual, I couldn’t get them pulled on – or worse, couldn’t get them back off. Then I discovered Playtex 18-Hour bras in “Breathable Fabric,” #4159 Wirefree. I fasten them in the front, and spin the hooks and eyes around to the back, then slide up in place, making sure that the tab doesn’t rearrange itself and fold over during the spin process. But these are “18-hour” bras – after 19 or 20 hours, they drive me crazy!
I can’t wear flip flops at all. They feel like they are trying to slice my feet in half. Sandals drive me bananas if they move around on my feet. If I’m going out somewhere special, diabetic socks are usually paired with “dress black tennis shoes.” Nearly everything I wear is cotton. Many fabrics, when I run my fingers over them, make my skin crawl all over. All labels get cut off. Belts make my lower back ache. Jewelry is usually confined to my wedding band. Watch bands are uncomfortable, and I suck the life out of watch batteries in no time.
I have severe food and environmental allergies, but I couldn’t figure out how to wear MedicAlert-type jewelry that wouldn’t be a problem. I found a 4 GB flash drive that is about an inch long, with a loop on the corner. My plan is to put my medical information on that and rig wrist straps, necklaces, shoe fasteners, etc., to attach it to me, depending on how I feel that day.
Does anyone ever have their head hurt where their glasses touch around your ear? Sometimes this hurts so bad I have to take them off for a while. Weird!
I was a Levi’s fan for many years. Now I can’t wear them at all. I blamed it on my body changing after menopause, but now that I’ve read this article, I guess it’s more from my MS + FMS. I gave up bras years ago, way before I was dx, because I couldn’t stand the pressure on my rib cage. Now I keep a few soft, cotton sports bras for very sheer shirts or dresses.As far as footwear, I have CROCS for every season and every weather. I put on other boots or sandals for only a little while on special occasions.
Feel good
Maris
Hi, try Alegria shoes, Goodnighties, Ahh Bras and the Worlds Softest Socks. Wash clothes on gentle (so its a short cycle) with normal stuff including softener. Then wash again with vinegar. Its a natural fabric softener. 2 washes removes all the residue and makes things softer. Also I found a bra at Whole Foods that is pretty good!
There are days I wish that I could ‘crawl’ out of my skin. I am most comfortable in my p.j.’s/nightshirts. I shed my clothes, socks, etc as soon as I walk through my door.
It’s so frustrating that so many doctors refuse to diagnose a condition that is so serious that it makes clothes painful! Belleruth Naparstek cites a Texas study finding that yoga and meditation can help fibromyalgia symptoms. It is worth a try for those who find daily tasks painful.
Has anyone ever had itching and redness under the breast where the bottom o f the bra sits? This hurts so bad!
I’m glad I’m not the only one too when it comes to bras. I’m in England and I wear Marks & Spencer’s microfibre vests with hidden support, mostly I can tolerate these but a bit warm when the weather is hot.
For shoes, I too gave up on heels years ago but I swear by a company called Hotter, their pixie boots are so comfy. I’m gradually building up a collection of comfy shoes to replace the heels I used to love, Now I go for colour whenever possible which cheers me up.
It is hard to feel like dressing up anymore, most “smart” clothes are tailored and/or uncomfortable. I retired on health grounds so at least I don’t have to worry about dressing smartly for work, but I do feel frumpy at the school gates where the yummy mummies congregate!
I cannot wear watches with batteries in, they make my arm ache, so I have resorted to old fashioned wind up watches. It is such a shame because I have a lot of really pretty watches, but he ho what do you do
@ Gina, I too have pain from my eyeglasses (especially around my ears) but also on my nose. I wore contact lenses for years, but due to “oldage” can’t see close up issues, I find it annoying to wear the contacts and then have to add reading glasses.
As for clothing, I agree with you all, anything that actually fits I can’t stand. I buy all my clothing in a bigger size. I usually stick with cotton as much as possible, and definitely elastic waist pants and skirts. As for my bra – I do not wear one unless I am going out to a store or restaurant. And then it comes off as soon as I walk back in the door.
Shoes – heels were all given away years ago. I prefer flipflops as long as the weather allows and then i can only wear slip on shoes or sneakers – nothing with ties or buckles.
I now know why as soon as I get home I want to take my bra off right away nd get out of long sleeves.
Thanks for the info
I too have had severe issues with clothing for many years due to Fibronyalgia and disc and joint pain! I have tried the Genie bras through QVC and they work well for short periods of time, although most of the time I go without because I cannot stand the additional pain and pressure!
Anne I will try the socks you suggested! Burning feet and toes are another issue.
Most days can be dismal due to the pain control issues and Depression that accompanies this disease!
I have very sad relationship issues with my adult children because what they can’t see is not believable to them and they refuse to accept my explanations for missed opportunities! Does anyone else experience this behavior?
I too thought all of this pain from wearing a bra & jeans was in my head…I can not stand anything tight…its a shame because these baggy clothes make me look old…I can’t find any bra that I wear for anymore than an hour without wanting to rip it off…I also get sick to my stomache from the pain…so weird..Please someone invent a bra that doesn’t cause so much pain……
Wow, I can’t believe what I am reading, I thought it was me, all in my head. Glad I am not going crazy and am not alone!
will try some of the things mentioned here, especially about the bra. Tanks for the info. Good luck to all
I can’t wear any tight clothes at all, not jeans or anything so I wear a lot of sweatpants. I can’t wear any jewelry except earringd (and usually just studs) and I can’t even take a shower or brush my teeth like in the past because of so much discomfort. Was recently started on valium for the pain & it has helped a lot but not with skin sensitivity issue
I can’t stand bras, tight shirts, and OH MY GOSH!!! SOCKS!!! I have to wear them because I am a Nurse, so I wear tennis shoes. But it is a constant irritation. Not pain, but like I am walking around with a pebble in my shoe all day. I buy expensive socks which used to be enough, but even now, I get no relief. AGHHHH!!!!