It’s a little wild to think, but fashion has been gaslighting people for centuries. No, this isn’t just about the corset either. Every time someone squeezes into a stiff blazer, wobbles in painful shoes, or realizes their brand-new jeans have no stretch, the industry is basically saying, “Beauty is pain. Just deal with it.” That’s the point of dressing like a fashionista, right?

But why? Why do people have to choose between looking good, feeling good, and actually being able to function in their clothes? It should not be normal to sigh in relief the moment you get home just because you can finally take off your outfit.

Clothing should work with your body, not against it. Thankfully, it’s slowly starting to happen (outside of athleisure which can still be a bit debatable). So, yeah, looking good and feeling good in your clothes is definitely possible.

Fashion Should Work for You, Not Against You

For starters, it’s best to just state the obvious: getting dressed should not feel like an endurance challenge, but somehow, fashion has turned it into one. Ever bought a stunning outfit only to realize it is impossible to sit, breathe, or exist like a normal person? Or put on a pair of shoes that look incredible in the mirror but turn into medieval torture devices the second you take a few steps?

Clothes are supposed to help people move through the day, not make them count down the hours until they can finally peel them off. Sometimes, it just feels like clothes can be a fabric prison, right? Not everyone can afford organic fibers because almost everything that’s being pushed out is cheap polyester, which is super uncomfortable.

Again, like what was mentioned above, there is athleisure, and that trend has been around since the start of COVID-19. But, thankfully, there are more advancements in fashion now (and technically technology), so here are some great examples.

EMF Protection Clothing

Most people are surrounded by technology from the moment they wake up until they go to sleep. You know this, everyone knows this, even those who live out in the middle of nowhere also experience this. You have phones, WiFi, Bluetooth, and smart gadgets. While some people don’t think twice about it, others are more aware of how much electromagnetic exposure they are dealing with every single day.

So, this is what EMF protection clothing is for, and brands like HAVN Wear by LAMBS have figured out how to make clothing that blocks electromagnetic exposure without making people look like they are wearing a tinfoil suit. But how? Well, it feels like regular clothing, it looks like regular clothing, but it also provides an extra layer of protection for people who want it.

This pretty much means that there aren’t any stiff fabrics, there are no bulky layers, but instead, there is just wearable protection that fits into everyday life. So, there’s no risk in comfort, style, and peace of mind too.

UV Protection Clothing

This one is known, but it’s basically only known for a niche set of people who are really into anti-aging. So, as you know, the sun is sneaky. One minute, it is providing good vibes and vitamin D, and the next, it is leaving people with a sunburn that has them questioning all their life choices.

Sunscreen is great in theory, but reapplying it every two hours is a hassle, and let’s be honest, most people forget. But UV protection clothing makes life easier by building sun-blocking properties straight into the fabric. There are no extra steps, no greasy sunscreen hands, just clothes that actually help prevent sun damage without making people feel like they are wrapped in plastic.

Clothing That Helps Regulate Temperature

Dressing for extreme weather should not feel like a survival test. No one enjoys stepping outside in summer and instantly feeling like they are being slow-roasted, just like no one enjoys layering up so much in winter that they can barely move their arms. Sure, you can strip some clothes or add more layers. But sometimes, it just doesn’t cut it.

Actually, Japan has already mastered the art of temperature-friendly clothing. You can find some of these online, and maybe even in stores selling outdoor supplies (but there is some digging). For example, jackets with built-in fans have become a go-to for surviving brutal summers, keeping people from sweating through their outfits before they even get to where they are going. So, they offer these with fans, but even some with heaters too. That’s pretty unique, right?

Style Should Never Come at the Cost of Comfort

A lot of people love going pantless or, at least, putting on sweatpants when they get home, but why not have that comfort all day (while looking good too)?

In a way, clothes should not feel like a temporary situation, it shouldn’t be just something people tolerate until they can finally take them off. But for some reason, fashion has convinced everyone that looking good means putting up with discomfort like it is just part of the deal.

It’s 2025. People should not still be suffering in clothes that pinch, itch, squeeze, or stab. Looking good and feeling good should not be at odds. Finally, brands are catching on.

Breathable Fabrics That Actually Move with the Body

Some fabrics feel like they were designed by people who have never actually worn clothes. They trap heat (like polyester), scratch the skin, and look amazing right up until the moment someone tries to, you know, move. If leggings can be comfortable, why are regular pants still acting like movement is optional?

Overall, fashion should not make bending, sitting, or breathing an issue. At this point, stretch, breathability, and softness should not just exist in pajamas. They should be in everything.

Footwear That Feels Good All Day

Now, this might be a hot take, but shoes are among the biggest scams in fashion. They feel fine at first, until two hours later, when people are hobbling like they just finished a marathon. Sure, you need to break them in, but sometimes, that’s not enough, and they’re still painful.

Plus, some heels feel like they need a safety warning, and even sneakers somehow manage to destroy feet out of nowhere. No one should need an emergency stash of Band-Aids just because they dared to leave the house in new shoes, right?