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A few weeks ago I addressed Fibromyalgia sensory overload and the problems that it can create. One of those problems is a high touch sensitivity. Touch sensitivity (called allodynia) makes anything touching the skin painful. This is why scratchy sheets and the wrong kind of clothing cause pain. This is such an issue for me that I wrote a post with Fibromyalgia clothing suggestions several years ago, but looking back at the post most of my ideas were summer related. Now that fall is upon us and winter is on its way in some places, I thought it was time to talk about less painful winterwear.
Leggings and yoga pants for Fibromyalgia and chronic pain
Leggings are my #1 tool for surviving winter. I have a few pairs of jeans I might wear for a nicer occasion, but day to day, it’s leggings. Jeans are just way too painful for me, and I’m not alone. When I polled my readers for their favorite non painful clothing, leggings were #1 by far.
I prefer seamless leggings if I can get them, because seams cause me so much irritation. These are my favorite seamless leggings for when it’s not too cold, a lot of people compare them to Lululemon (which I could never pay for).
I also love the fleece lined leggings when it gets really cold. That doesn’t happen often where I live, but often enough that I need a pair.
These leggings are for when you’re on a budget. They aren’t seamless, but they are soft.
Other suggestions for leggings from my readers:
Walgreens leggings
Related posts: How to cope with Fibromyalgia sensory overload
Clothing
Finding the right kind of shirts to go with leggings that are comfortable can be tough. I’ve definitely had to go through some trial and error to find things that I like. I’ve found that I love to wear loose tunics with my leggings such as this one below, but they aren’t perfect because they still have seams.
If I’m hanging around the house in cold weather, I usually just wear a giant sweatshirt, but when I need to look socially acceptable, I do like to buy my clothes from Maurices. They actually have a decent range of sizes and can make comfortable clothes look pretty cute.
*Pro tip- Maternity clothes are really comfortable if you are looking for something that is a looser fit.
Some other suggestions from my readers:
Lands End’s Sport Knit Collection– Lands End can be pricier, but their stuff lasts forever.
Bras for Fibromyalgia and chronic pain
Bras are a nightmare for anyone with chronic pain or Fibromyalgia. They are basically torture devices, and while some people can appear in public without one, there are many of us who can’t. Personally, the best thing about Covid 19 quarantine is that I don’t have to wear bras as often. If anyone stops by my house unexpectedly, well, they see what they see.
I’ve tried all different kinds of bras, and I can’t say I’ve found anything I love, but I have found a few things that work.
This wire free bra has worked pretty well and is fairly inexpensive. I also like wearing sports bras because they offer some basic support without getting too clingy.
Pro tip- Many people turn their underwear and bra inside out to make it more comfortable.
Some other bra suggestions from my readers:
Hanes Women’s seamless wire free bra
Jockey bras at Target– no underwire
Shapermint Truekind daily comfort bra
Breezies Comfort wire free bra
If you’re on the lookout for some comfortable shoes I’ve addressed that in this post. If you’ve found any clothing, bras, or shoes that work for you, I would love to hear your suggestions in the comments.
I’ve been recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia and I didn’t realize that my aversion to some clothes may be related to it! Meanwhile, I need new leggings and this is a better time than ever!
It’s so strange that I have never thought of sports bras! Now it all seems so obvious. Great list and very helpful. I’ll check out the sports bra options right away – feels like such a “doh!” and an “Aha!” moment altogether!! 😀
They’re so much better!
Hi. I can’t wear bras because of the underband causing so much pain for me. It feels as if a huge hand is squeezing my ribs I’ve not found a solution so I don’t wear one. I buy clothes a size bigger than I am. I can’t wear leggings as I can’t bear to feel anything tight on my feet or legs so I look for loose trousers.
Oh for the joys of clothes shopping and just buying something because you like it not because it causes you the least discomfort!!
So true! I generally wear very loose dresses because I live in in a hot climate. But for the few times it gets cold it can be really difficult to find the right kind of pants.
I love leggings and tunics. I started wearing them because I’m overweight. They are perfect for us fibro warriors – so easy to get on and off. They are great for home because they’re so comfy, and I can dress them up for going out.
Thank goodness for leggings and tunics! I never want to wear jeans again.
Great clothing tips. Fortunately and unfortunately we only have hot, humid sticky summer in Singapore :/ but i’ll be remembering these for when i Move…sometime :p
It’s often the same here, overall I tend to wear a lot of skirts and dressed for air flow. Today though is the first day I’ve worn long pants since March, am I excited about it!
I realize this post is 2 years old, but I just found it on Pinterest. I’ve been dealing with Fibromyalgia for over a year. I just saw a rheumatologist who also found I have rheumatoid arthritis. And I had 1 out of 3 MRI’s done, which showed my back has missing cushion in the vertebrae and nerves that poke out of the left side (which is why I often have no movement on my left side). This isn’t fun, between physical therapy, finding work at home between doctor appointments, and yes, clothes!
You’re right about leggings, I’ve got a ton. I also found very lose, but thick yoga pants that I had to order more because I’d wash them just to wear them the next day. They do have jeans now, and not the jeggings things, but jeans that have an elastic waste so you’ll look like you are wearing the real thing. Just be sure to get a way bigger size. As for bras, it’s always sports bras for me. I did find strapless bras that stretch, and of course ordered a bigger pair. They are a big help because my shoulder hurts. Long shirts and tunics are my best friends and tunic sweaters are in for everyone else which is great.
I’m told I have to wear flat shoes. I will say, my saving grace is the one that Ugg originally had out, looks like a slipper, but they aren’t! They have the fur in them and you can get them very cheap now in every color.
I highly recommend the yoga like dress pants, they look like dress pants, but they have the elastic, no one will every know!
That’s all I can think of right now. All of this is available on Amazon. I’m looking for good sports stuff that’s not right, all the sport capris are tight. I can’t have that.
But thank you for this. I realize it’s old, but I feel so very alone in this.