Why You Should Get Rid of Your Spandex Undergarments

Spandex is a synthetic fabric that is prized for its elasticity, and is commonly used in form-fitting consumer apparel. However, spandex has some disadvantages that you should be aware of, because it affects your health.

Spandex came to be as an anagram of the word “expands,” which refers to the fibers’ ability to stretch extensively and then return to its original shape. It is comprised of a minimum of 85% polyurethane polymer.

Spandex triggers allergies

Wearing spandex regularly can make you more prone to allergens. Moisture gets trapped, since spandex does not have the ability to absorb sweat, which helps bacteria and other allergens to enter the skin. This is because spandex is a polymer fabric that is similar to plastic, and the process of manufacturing this material requires raw materials along with toxic chemicals. The sweat beneath your spandex clothing may trigger the release of chemicals from the dyes and formaldehyde used on the fabric, which could then lead to allergies. 

It can cause fungal and bacterial skin disorders

Since spandex does not absorb sweat, it can become a fertile ground for fungal or bacterial infections. One of the most common skin disorder caused by wearing spandex regularly is ringworm, which causes skin inflammation in the form of red rings with a central pigmentation. Other than that, it can also cause severe itching. Bacterial infections that can possibly be caused  by spandex include folliculitis or inflammation of the hair follicules, and impetigo, a contagious disease that produces blisters or sores on different parts of the body. These infections can keep recurring and may require the use of anti-fungal or antibacterial creams, ointments, and in severe cases, even steroids. 

Wearing spandex regularly can cause yeast infection

Wearing spandex underwear regularly can make you more prone to yeast infections as this material does not allow the skin to breathe. Because of this, Candida albicans fungus starts breeding, which is responsible for vaginal yeast infections. Switch to organic cotton underwear and check out our collection here.

Short shelf life

One major disadvantage of wearing spandex, is that these clothes have a very short lifespan or shelf life. With washing, the fabric tends to become loose and shapeless. Since it cannot be washed in hot water, the basic care and maintenance makes it more time consuming than cotton garments.

Note: This article was originally published on Cottonique's Living Free blog.