I always remember the philosophical design question that my college roommate, an architecture major, was frequently mulling over: “form before function or function before form?” This question can be very appropriately applied to clothing as well. It seems that we are all too frequently attracted to form (style and appearance) versus function (usefulness and comfort). When clothing fails to offer form and function in the same package, I strongly advise opting for function over form.

Remember the absurdly tight-drawn corsets that women have worn at various times throughout European, Asian and American history? These literally constricted women’s torsos to the point that they decreased the function of blood vessels, nerves, lymphatic vessels and organs. This resulted in decreased life expectancy for these women. Overly tight pants, shirts/blouses and footwear can have the same effects.

One of the worst, most constrictive clothing devices ever conceived for women is the bra, particularly the underwire bra. This area is filled with ducts and vessels and constricting the flow of lymph, blood, milk and other fluids can result in a number of problems with breast function. This may be a cause of breast cancer. If a bra is tight and restrictive enough to dramatically alter form and appearance, it is likely that it is applying some unnatural pressures. Sports bras do not provide that lift and shape that woman hope for, but these more evenly distribute pressure and tend to allow normal function.

Shoes, when too narrow or too short or, if their volume is inadequate, apply unnatural pressures on the foot and can result in blisters, corns, neuromas and changes in the shape and function of the foot. When I was growing up, shoe salesmen always had the same statement: ” it will take awhile for these new shoes to break in” (meaning that both the shoes and your feet took awhile to adapt to one another). These days, we tend to be quite careful about fitting our shoes carefully and correctly.

Modern shoes have improved dramatically and have managed to successfully blend form and function.

The biggest clothing problem for people these days tends to be tight pants, most notably tight jeans. These are the fashion rage right now. You probably saw on the national news this past month the story about one young lady that ended up in the hospital due to the constriction of her tight jeans and nearly lost her leg and her life. This case has advanced to the courts and sets a precedent for other people choosing tight pants for the sake of fashion.

Loose, comfortable clothing is always the best for your body. Avoid clothing that is too tight, cinching your belt or tie too tightly, or wearing corsets, underwire bras, tight pants or shirts, restrictive helmets or hats, and/or shoes, boots, skates and socks that are too tight. The other interesting thing is that, when you are comfortable, you move well and look good. Maybe that is your best bet for fashion.