Comfort Without Compromise

In a world dominated by leggings, jeggings and yoga pants, designers are increasingly in support of providing more comfortable options for clientele that highlight functionality in tandem with fashion. Though many believe cozy clothes are limited strictly to athleisure wear, numerous fabrics and tailoring techniques are being used to ensure that keeping you comfy does not keep you trapped in your pyjama pants.

Many of us strive for a put-together, clean silhouette, yet there is a common misconception that it comes with a price; namely, your comfort. From waistbands that cut into you when you sit down, to shoes you can only wear for 35 minutes before your “little piggies” cry all the way home, the old saying that “beauty is pain” has never felt more on point. Though the creator of that saying was likely wearing something ill-fitted, there are steps you can take (and rules you can follow) to incorporate comfy fashion into your daily wardrobe without sacrificing style.

FIT

Too many of us have long suffered in silence at a dinner party, smiling and making polite conversation with guests while a belt has slowly imprinted itself into our abdomen, or felt the relief that comes from removing a too-tight pair of heels. If something in your wardrobe is hurting you when you’re sitting/standing/living, it may be the wrong size.

As many of us know, there is no true “one size fits all,” and that applies to any numeric clothing as well. Many believe if you are standing straight and your dress/shirt/pants look good and are not “pulling” anywhere, they must fit. Hence, the “squat test” is critically important in fashion (and fitting rooms).

When trying on any new clothing for the first time, be sure to practice your daily range of movement in them. You wouldn’t buy a pair of running shoes without taking them on a quick lap around the store, so why purchase a fitted blouse without stretching out your arms to make sure you’re not buying a corset in disguise? Almost any item of clothing can look good if all we do is stand still, but unless you’re employed as a human mannequin, clothing must provide a little more functionality.

At times, this might mean you will have to “size up” your clothing, resulting in it being too baggy in another area. This brings me to the importance of tailors — an often-forgotten industry created to solve this precise issue. A proper tailor can adjust your clothing where needed, resulting in you having enough room for daily activities while not constricting your breathing, or leaving red marks on your skin when the offending item is finally removed.

FABRIC

Nearly any item of clothing can instantly go from “très chic” to “too casual” with the wrong choice of material, which is especially notable in “comfy” clothing. Most types of “sweat” clothing (pants or shirts) are made from a heavy knit of a cotton/polyester blend. As comfy as these clothes are for lounging, they’re not going to do you any favours when you leave your house. A beautiful coat made in tweed will simply not look the same if made from the same material you speed-walk around the block in, nor have the same connotations as the original.

To remain comfortable — but not dowdy — try to pick fabrics you would avoid at the gym, but still allow for breathability and comfort. For a hot day, linen often provides a clean look while still allowing for maximum ventilation (there is a reason it is such a popular choice in Miami). Cotton is also a popular choice but watch for any “blends” with spandex if you are going for a dressier look.

In addition, keep your eyes out for flowing dresses that nip you in at the waist, but then cascade out. These “princess” silhouettes allow for an easy, breezy outfit that keeps you comfortable without making you look too relaxed. “Tent” dresses are also a popular option but be sure to pair them with a belt at your waistline to avoid getting swallowed up by the excess fabric.

Comfy clothing will always be in style – and with the proper fit and fabric choice – you will be too.

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