The navel and clothes that cut into the stomach
Short answer: When a waistband or elastic cuts in around the navel, it can feel like a tight belt in the middle of the body. Here is how to choose clothes that leave your stomach in peace, whether you are sitting, walking or tired after a meal.
Why it cuts in right at the navel
The stomach changes shape during the day. After a meal, during your period or when you sit, it expands slightly, and a tight waistband can feel like a clamp. Many trousers and skirts are cut so that the waistband sits right at or a little below the navel, and there is often a seam knot or a button that presses. It is seldom the body's fault, but the cut of the clothes, which does not allow for the stomach moving.
Wide, soft waistbands
A wide waistband spreads the pressure over a larger area than a narrow elastic, and it does not roll up easily. Choose a waistband with a soft fabric and an elastic that lies flat without cutting in. See bamboo jogging suit for women for clothes with a soft fit that are comfortable to sit in. A waistband cut slightly higher or lower than the navel can also make a difference if you are especially sensitive right there.
Base layers that do not roll
The innermost layer must lie smooth. An undershirt that is long enough to cover the stomach and does not roll up stops the outer clothing from chafing. See bamboo undershirt for women. Choose a fabric that gives a little but does not squeeze. Make sure the edge at the hip lies flat so it does not form a thick line under the trousers.
Dresses and slips
Under a dress or skirt, a slip can stop the fabric from clinging to the stomach, and it gives a smooth base. The advantage is that there is no waistband cutting in at the navel. A slip with narrow straps and a soft edge at the top is an easy way to make the day more comfortable. See bamboo slip. Choose a length that sits under the dress so it does not peek out.
When you sit a lot
Sitting bent forward squeezes the stomach, and a tight waistband makes it worse. Choose clothes with a little extra room at the waist, and avoid tight belts while you sit. Stand up and walk a little every couple of hours so the stomach has room. If you have persistent discomfort or pain in the stomach, talk to your doctor, since it is not always the clothes that are the cause.
Care to keep the elastic working
Elastic loses its shape if it is washed too hot or tumble dried. Wash at 30 to 40 degrees and let the clothes dry flat. Avoid fabric softener, which makes elastic less stretchy. Replace clothes with a waistband when the elastic has gone slack or starts to roll, so you avoid it chafing and cutting in again. A few extra pairs of trousers in the wardrobe give them time to rest between wears.
Frequently asked questions
Why do trousers cut into my stomach when I sit
Because the stomach expands and bends when you sit, and a narrow or tight waistband cannot keep up. Choose a wide, soft waistband.
Can I go up a size to avoid the cutting
Yes, often. But check that the rest of the trousers fit and that the waistband does not become too loose and slip.
Should I talk to my doctor about stomach pain
Yes, if the pain is persistent or you have other symptoms. It is not always the clothes that are the cause.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
