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Shoes that rub, bras that pinch and jeans which squeeze – women have revealed the clothing pains they go through to look ‘good’ on a daily basis. Bras are the biggest culprit of discomfort in a woman’s wardrobe, with underwire digging into their skin at least five times a month and straps cutting into their shoulders at least four times a month.

When asked to think about the most uncomfortable item they own – but still wear –31 percent said they have a nightmare bra which causes them grief, and one in four claims a particular pair of shoes gives them the blues. Another 24 percent specifically experience bouts of ‘Bra-ngriness’ – a feeling of irritation and short-tempered because of a pinching, chafing bra – five times a month. Anna Stark, Head of Marketing for Sloggi Northern Europe, which commissioned the study, said: “Wearing an uncomfortable outfit can throw off our whole mood and rhythm for the day.

“Even the most even-tempered of women may be left feeling quick to anger in a pair of pinching heels and a bra which is working against them.” The study also found 45 percent of British women have been so desperate to end the irritation caused by their clothing they have taken off the offending item before the end of the workday. And three in five often find themselves looking forward to taking their bra off when they get home.

One in four of those surveyed compared the pleasure they experience removing an ill-fitting bra at the end of the day to the same pleasure they get from eating their favourite chocolate bar. And one in 10 think finally being free of a bra after a long day can feel better than sex. Fifty-two percent think fashionable clothing still trades in the comfort factor in order to use more stylish fits and fabrics.

Despite this, two-thirds admit to wearing an item of clothing because it looks good, even when it causes them discomfort to wear. Women are most likely to grin and bear it in an outfit they find uncomfortable in order to look their best at a formal social event like a wedding or dinner. And 21 percent think they would be most likely to don an outfit they find uncomfortable for a big night out.

Anna Stark added: “We have developed a product that we hope will empower women to embrace who they are in an unrestricted way and encourage them to feel happy and confident in their own skin. “Feeling comfortable is the latest trend in fashion driven by consumers who want to live their lives to the full.” Bodywear brand sloggi has released new research to tie in with the launch of the ZERO Feel bra, encouraging women to start to feel truly comfortable by ‘unfastening themselves’ from uncomfortable underwear.

Top 10 Most Common Women’s Clothing Discomforts

1. Pain from bra digging in
2. Chaffing from bra
3. Pinching from bra
4. Blister/Rubbing from shoes
5. Wedgie from underwear
6. Pinched toes from shoes
7. Pinched waist from jeans/trousers
8. Itchiness from clothing material
9. Discomfort from boobs being forced into an awkward position
10. Chaffing from underwear

Most Uncomfortable Items Of Women’s Clothing
1. Bra
2. Shoes
3. Jeans
4. Leggings/Tights
5. Socks
6. Dress
7. Shirt/T shirt
8. Coat
9. Jumper/Cardigan

Avery Parker

Recognising how important wearing comfortable underwear is in determining your mood, Sloggi commissioned this research to elevate the launch of ZERO feel, a game-changing range inspired by women with nothing to prove.