The chest and clothing that needs to give
Short answer: The chest expands every time you breathe, and clothing that does not give soon feels tight. Choose fabrics with stretch, and check that the fit follows when you breathe deeply or raise your arms.
Why the chest needs room
The chest moves constantly and expands noticeably when you breathe deeply. Clothing that sits close around the upper body and does not give can feel like a band that tightens. This is especially clear during activity, when you breathe faster. That is why it is important to try clothes on while breathing deeply in the fitting room. If you can feel the clothing tighten, it will become even clearer later in the day.
Stretch and cut around the chest
Knitted fabrics and jersey give in all directions, while woven fabrics give only a little. Choose a cut with a little air around the chest. See Zent. A fabric with a little elastane follows the movement when you raise your arms and turn the upper body. Check that the armhole does not constrict and that the shoulder seam sits properly, so the whole top is not pulled back when you reach forward.
Underwear and layers close to the body
The innermost layers lie closest to the chest and need to be soft and flexible. Make sure the ribbed edge of an undershirt does not press and that the fabric gives when you breathe. See bamboo footies for men if you want soft details all the way down, so the rest of your clothing does not pull at the upper body. When all layers give a little, the whole feels calmer.
Fit at shoulders and back
Clothing that is too narrow across the back pulls the chest in towards the body and restricts breathing slightly. Try crossing your arms or reaching forward, and feel whether the fabric tightens over the shoulder blades. A slightly wider cut in the back is often more comfortable. If you have a broad chest and narrow hips, one size up can be a solution, as long as the top does not become too long or too wide at the shoulders.
Compression stockings and the rest of the body
Stockings with compression sit close to the leg and call for caution, especially if you already tend to feel tight. See bamboo compression stockings. If you are considering compression stockings because of swollen legs, or you have trouble breathing, talk to your doctor before choosing compression clothing. Clothing must not restrict your breathing or circulation.
Care so the fabric keeps its stretch
Stretchy fabrics lose their shape if washed too hot. Wash at 30 to 40 degrees and avoid fabric softener, which can make the fabric less breathable and less elastic. Tumble drying at high heat can make the fibres brittle, so hang the garments up or let them dry flat. If clothing has lost its stretch and feels too tight, it may be time to replace it. If you often feel pressure on your chest, talk to your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check whether a top is too tight across the chest
Breathe deeply, raise your arms and cross them in front of your body. If the fabric tightens or the seams pull, it is too tight.
Should I go up a size to get room
Often yes, if the top tightens across the chest, but check that it does not become too big in length and at the shoulders.
What should I do if I feel pressure on my chest
Talk to your doctor. Clothing can be too tight, but pressure on the chest can also have other causes that a doctor should assess.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
