Monday, December 8, 2008

The "Muffin Top" Epidemic!


In the last 5 years, jeans and other pants and skirts have been worn lower and lower. They call them 'hipsters' and they seem like they're here to stay. Something that seems to come hand in hand with hipsters is a muffin top. You know, when you have a bit of stomach or your sides 'muffin' over the top of tight jeans? Over time, you may have noticed your little 'muffin' has stuck. Even when the jeans aren't on!

What it is: Poke your hip, if there is even a little bit of squish (and there will be) that will be fat. Not calling you fat or anything, but it will be there. The fat on our hips is there to keep our ovaries warm and is part of what gives us our 'womanly' shape. Your lifestyle will determine how much or how little you have. When you wear pants, underpants or skirts that are too tight for a long time, this fat will mould and a 'dent' in your hip will form. Leaving you with a more permanent 'muffin top'. Which will leave you looking a little silly in clingy dresses and make your bum look flat in other clothes.

How to avoid it: When picking pants, find out a little more about the fabric. Try reading Its Vintage Darling for more information on different types of fabrics available (and other tips too!). If its denim, chances are you should buy it a little tighter as denim does 'give' and loosen up. But there are some fabrics that will only slightly loosen up, and you should make sure to buy these the right size. Same goes for underpants. There is no reason your size 12 bottom needs to be in size 10 undies. Not only are there other health risks (depending on fabric) with wearing underpants too small, like bladder infections or even, yes, thrush. They are also causes of the permanent muffin. So you should try to wear fitted cotton undies as much as possible and keep the other, Lycra/plastic/leather bottoms for special occasions.
You could also opt for wearing the high rise style of jeans that is out now, so when you sit down, you bottom wont be hanging out (others will thank you) and you wont have that extra pressure cutting into your hips!
If you already have one of these muffins, don't stress. They are fixable. Try wearing waist high skirts, with stockings pulled up to the waist. (Its actually how they're meant to be worn) Wearing things up under your ribs will shift the pressure and give you a nice curve and let your bottom and hips relax and get back to their natural shape. This wont happen over night, but give it time. You'll be back to normal within 2 or 3 weeks. And its worth it.

You as a woman have the right to dress however you like, but do make sure your clothes fit right. There are no rules saying that you cant wear that hot pink Elmo t shirt with those black leather chaps (though I'm sure many would disagree, it is your right), as long as your clothes fit well, they'll look great on you!

Stay amazing girls!

xoxo

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