6 Ways Clothes Can Help Protect Your Health in the Long Run

People have always looked to dress in different garments depending on the occasion, from ancient times to the present. Over the centuries, styles have changed. Clothing has evolved to fit the region and climatic conditions, as well as the availability of materials in the area, yet humans are just as passionate about clothing as they are about food and drink.

6 Ways Clothes Can Help Protect Your Health in the Long Run
[image: pexels by kai pilger]

Although there have been proponents of nudism who have fought the socially accepted notion that wearing clothing is mandatory, clothing, in general, has little to do with social conventions and more to do with protecting yourself, as numerous studies have proven the numerous health benefits of wearing clothing, some of which we'll discuss in the text below.

1. Reducing the effects of skin diseases 

Depending on the type of clothing, it can help you reduce the itching caused by skin diseases such as eczema. Cotton, linen, hemp, and cashmere have all been connected to reducing the effects of skin disorders, and historically, have been the first choice of aristocrats suffering from leprosy and other skin-related illnesses. In the case of skin problems, we strongly advise choosing natural or organic materials over recycled plastic and synthetic materials, which can only exacerbate the problem while remaining popular owing to their low cost and accessibility.

2. Keeps your feet warm and dry 

The most essential garment when traveling, hiking, and going on a ski trip is socks for sure.  It is important to know what are the best socks for sensitive feet, sweaty feet or some with skin diseases. Our feet, when cold, can cause a series of different health issues, such as neuropathy. As they sweat a lot, we must make sure to absorb the moisture by wearing the proper socks made from natural materials, which allow our feet to breathe rather than keep them wet and sweating. 

Polyester, a synthetic material often used, only causes further damage and excessive sweating and has been connected with athletes' feet and other fungal skin diseases. The folks at therawear.com.au stress the fact that most nurses, travelers, and athletes are becoming aware of the importance of wearing proper socks as they spend long hours on their feet, walking, running, or simply standing in one spot. 

The feet, while trapped in our shoes, due to the humidity and moisture, are the perfect playground for fungal bacteria, which causes much distress, such as itching, redness, and a certain odor. Therefore, making sure to reduce these effects by wearing the right socks can save you from a trip to the dermatologist and unnecessary treatments you could have avoided in the first place. 

3. Keeping your body temperature, and preventing colds 

The ones among you who love hiking and going on adventures are aware of the importance of clothing to protect them from harsh weather conditions and keep them warm during cold days. People are extremely adaptable creatures, yet the only reason they survive in the parts of the Earth where the temperature can be as low as minus 30 degrees is due to wearing the right clothes. The Eskimos of the North and even people inhabiting the parts of Sibiria are protecting their skin from frostbites and exposure to extreme cold with fur, wool, and cotton which functions as a natural absorber of moisture. Exposure to cold temperatures is not only putting you at risk of frostbites, rather it protects you from an extreme case of hypothermia which is related to cardiac arrest. The body's optimal temperature allows its vital organs to function properly. If this is out of order, so is the body's natural balance. Therefore, make sure to always clothe up before leaving the house during winter. 

[image: pexels by lum3n]

4. It helps your self-confidence 

Your mental health is as important as your physical health. Wearing clothing in a particular style, certain patterns, and fashion garments has been linked to an increase in dopamine and other hormones, boosting your self-confidence drastically. People have reported feeling more energetic, having a better self-image, and generally being more productive when they wear their favorite clothes, so if anything, the right clothes can make your day. 

5. It is more hygienic 

Of course, this only goes if you wash your clothes often and regularly when there is a need, but generally, clothes keep you clean as they protect you from exposure to dirt, dust, and other pollutants. Clothes also absorb most of the moisture your body produces, including dead skin cells and natural oils. However, once again, it is important to wear clothes made from natural, organic, and neutral materials rather than synthetic or plastic. 

6. Reducing the exposure to the Sun

The sun’s UV rays have been connected to skin cancer in the past four decades, and scientists are still looking for ways to protect ourselves effectively. A recent development has been the use of creams with a high protective factor, over 50, and other ointments you can apply with the purpose of keeping your skin healthy and protected. Unfortunately, a major factor is genetics, which explains why some people are not at risk of skin cancer no matter the amount of sun exposure. However, they might appear older and their skin more freckled and loose. Also, the right clothing can do wonders in protecting your skin from harmful rays, thereby making sure your skin stays safe for a long time. 

These are only the health benefits of wearing clothes, not to mention the social factors, such as status and fashion. Since the earliest times, people have always tended to cover themselves, and the primal and first reason has been as a form of protection. In the tradition of our ancestors, it is only natural that we keep on wearing them as we now know of all the benefits that exist.