Weird Things You Didn’t Know Are Affecting Your Lymphatic System: Clothing
Written by: Haley Kallas, LMT 147800, MLD-C
If you joined us at Rooted Birth’s recent perinatal support group, this series may sound familiar! Our conversation about some of the surprising things that can affect the lymphatic system inspired Haley to keep it going here.
Welcome to Weird Things You Didn’t Know Are Affecting Your Lymphatic System.
One of the weird things affecting your lymphatic system that the majority of people don’t usually consider is our everyday clothing!
Anything and everything that comes into contact with our bodies has the potential to affect us in some way. And when it comes to clothing, we’re talking about something that can remain in contact with our skin for hours at a time.
The skin is the largest organ of the human body, yet it is often one of the most overlooked. It is our first line of immune defense and the minute that defense is compromised a chain reaction occurs throughout the body.
But for a minute, let’s set aside the more obvious things that can compromise the skin, like open wounds, abrasions, and surgeries.
Instead, let’s talk about what we’re wrapping our skin in—and how tightly we’re wrapping it.
What Is Your Clothing Actually Made Of?
Natural materials such as cotton, linen, and wool are often known for their breathability and can be more comfortable for sensitive skin. Fabrics containing polyester, spandex, nylon-spandex, latex, and other synthetic materials can interact with our skin and lymphatic system differently. So why does that matter?
Many synthetic fabrics are made using a variety of chemical compounds and man-made materials. Over the course of a day, these fabrics are sitting against our skin while also coming into contact with sweat, natural skin oils, and body heat. This becomes especially interesting when we think about tighter clothing—leggings, biker shorts, sports bras, and other pieces that stay close to the skin for hours at a time.
Some synthetic fabrics are less breathable and can trap heat, sweat, and moisture against the skin rather than allowing them to evaporate as easily. Add in the dyes, finishes, chemicals, and plastic-based fibers that may be present in textiles, and there can be quite a mixture sitting against your skin barrier throughout the day.
Researchers have been looking more closely at our exposure to chemicals and microplastics from textiles and what that exposure may mean for human health. There are numerous published studies discussing the consequences of the prolonged wearing of these synthetic fibers. From anything as mild as worsening body odor, allergic reactions and eczema, to full blown cases of immune disruption (autoimmune diseases) and infertility.
Does that mean wearing polyester leggings is going to cause an autoimmune disease or infertility? Well, there are a lot of factors involved, and research into textile exposure and its long-term effects is still evolving. But I do think it's worth being aware of what we're putting against our skin every day and doing your own research so you can decide what feels important to you.
It’s Not Just What You Wear—It’s How It Fits
Touching back on the physical breathability and fit of our clothing—the lymphatic system is very superficial, with many of the initial lymphatic vessels sitting just beneath the surface of the skin. Because of this, these vessels can be affected by external pressure and compression.
In certain cases, compression is actually used to help support the function of the lymphatic system. However, when someone needs therapeutic compression, they are typically prescribed or recommended a specific level of compression and given guidance on how and when to wear it. Not everyone needs compression, and not all compression is created equal.
Take our bras, for example. If your bra is consistently leaving deep indentations around your ribs or shoulders, that's a sign that quite a bit of pressure is being placed on those tissues. That pressure can also affect the superficial lymphatic vessels in the area and may make it more difficult for fluid to move as freely as it normally would.
Over time, especially for someone who is already prone to swelling or has difficulty moving fluid efficiently, this kind of prolonged pressure may contribute to fluid retention. It's one more reason why paying attention to the fit of the clothing we wear every day can matter.
So…Do You Need to Replace Your Whole Wardrobe?
Absolutely not.
That would be expensive, overwhelming, and probably pretty unrealistic for most of us.
Instead, start by simply paying attention.
As you purchase new clothing, glance at the tag and see what it’s made from. Notice which fabrics feel breathable and comfortable against your skin. If you know you’re going to be particularly active or sweaty that day, consider what you’ll be comfortable wearing for several hours.
Pay attention to fit, too.
If you’re larger-chested, maybe that means looking for wider straps with no underwire. If you know you're going to be very active on a particular day maybe go for those cotton shorts instead of the leggings.
You don’t have to become afraid of your clothes or completely overhaul your closet.
The goal is simply to become a little more curious about something that touches your body almost every single day.
What are you wearing? How does it feel on your skin? How tightly does it fit? And is there a different choice that might feel better for your body?
It can feel tedious and maybe even a little overwhelming to start thinking about all of this.
But you don’t have to change everything overnight.
Being able to make informed decisions is a pretty great place to start.
Curious About Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Haley offers Manual Lymphatic Drainage at Nurture Massage Therapy in San Antonio, with a special focus on supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood.