Fashion

[Carmie]

I don't think spandex had anything to do with weight gain of Americans.

Our food has changed.  We want everything fast....way too much processed food and people eat out more. Too many chemicals n our food. Our food portions have gotten bigger too.

In addition, we drink too many soft drinks and have money to buy sugary snacks.  We also sit more.  

Modern appliances make life easier.  We no longer hang clothes out to dry, or use a push mower.  We walk less and drive cars more.

We also take more drugs for more illnesses which can add pounds..

My weight yo-yos and I hate spandex.  Well maybe a little in my socks and bras and waistbands.  I refuse to buy clothing with spandex in the fabric. 

I think clothing with spandex makes people look larger.  Even very thin people might have a tummy or back fat...who wants to show that?  And overweight people who wear spandex pants and tops are contributing to visual pollution.

[Lucky Charm]

Honestly, even when I was underweight as a kid, I couldn't stand the feel of jeans.  And as a teen, I can remember hating the feeling of the cold metal zipper against my skin (wearing bikini undies).  I wore jeans, but hated them.

I love them now because they aren't so stiff and they don't get baggy.  And that's because of the spandex.

When I'm home, I do wear stretchy comfortable clothes.  I like to be comfy and cozy.  And I can head straight out and go for a walk.  Jeans don't keep me warm like many other materials.  My legs get cold even in the fall.  

So I love spandex.

But it's true that there was only one girl I remember being overweight in my class in all of grade school.  And I can't really think of anyone else besides her.

What is really crazy is, I don't remember seeing cellulite like I do now.  Fit, thin girls can have it even.  I don't remember seeing heavy older women with it on the beach when I was a kid.  

I think it has a lot to do with not only processed food, but the chemicals in or on our produce.

[kindred cats]

I like 1% - 2% span in clothing just to make it "move" with my body...simply a comfort thing for me.

I can still tell if clothing gets too snug on me and do something about it.

Too much junk food will add weight very quickly and we all should know we can control the input, at least I hope so. 

[chrystaltree]

So, you are blaming rising rates of obesity on spandex?  Lol. You are just the garden variety size bigot that we see too often on this board.  Perhaps you should let the Healthcare community know that the cure to obesity is just eliminating spandex from clothes!  Lol

[NYCLatinaMe]

I don't think Spandex makes anyone become BIGGER in size.  People are now larger because food is more readily available, cheaper, and overprocessed than it was in the 1950s, and 1960s.  

Food packagers specialize in making flavors that appeal to people.  That did not exist as much in the 1950s, and 1960s.  Then they were just trying to make sure packaged food did not go bad.

It is processed food and fast food that makes people overweight.

[Fressa]

Spandex is like chocolate to me---a little bit is good but too much is not . It's all in knowing what percentage works in combination of the other materials used in the garment and the care required. 

[Kachina624]

I love Spandex in pants as they fit better and are so much more comfortable.  I remember the days of stiff, inflexible jeans.  I don't find it so practical in tops, many of which are knits, naturally stretchy and really don't need Spandex, which makes them hot.

I really hate it in bra straps which "give" allowing droop or riding up.

[SeaMaiden]

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@chrystaltree wrote:

So, you are blaming rising rates of obesity on spandex?  Lol. You are just the garden variety size bigot that we see too often on this board.  Perhaps you should let the Healthcare community know that the cure to obesity is just eliminating spandex from clothes!  Lol

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@chrystaltree  Nasty comment...., but< to be expected from some "garden variety" posters

[mspatmac]

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@chrystaltree wrote:

So, you are blaming rising rates of obesity on spandex?  Lol. You are just the garden variety size bigot that we see too often on this board.  Perhaps you should let the Healthcare community know that the cure to obesity is just eliminating spandex from clothes!  Lol

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@chrystaltree 

I think she posed an interesting topic and I have enjoyed reading all the responses.  She wasn't being a size bigot IMO. I found your comments unnecessary.

@SeaMaiden 

[wilma]

I like spandex in my jeans, but not in my tops, tailored trousers, and other items. While spandex may encourage some people to squeeze into a smaller size, I don't think it's the reason for obesity. As others posted, I think it has more to do with changes in diet and lifestyle over the years. There also can be genetic, medical, emotional, & psychological reasons for obesity. I know 2 people (one deceased) who live with emotional trauma & mental illness that contribute to their overeating. Obesity can be a complicated issue.