The outfit looks great — so why can't you breathe?

Yes, that sequinned black top looks so good on you — but if you’re absolutely miserable in it, maybe it’s best left stashed away in the cupboard.

This is purely self-referential. A similar episode happened to me last week. I was quite proud of my new purchase: A white turtleneck that seemed fairly loose. Or so I thought. By mid-day, I began to feel distinctly uncomfortable. Perhaps it was the fibres. Perhaps it was anxiety about an unresolved situation. Nevertheless, I started feeling breathless and couldn’t wait to change out of the top.

It left me wondering , how could something that wasn’t even tight cause such discomfort? Now what kind of wizardry is this?

It sounds strange, but it’s true: your clothes can make you feel breathless. Maybe it’s the fabric, maybe it’s something deeper — a psychological itch you just can’t reach.

Dubai-based Tanya Sondhi agrees: She recalls a puffy red dress she loves wearing, yet it doesn’t always agree with her. “On other days it’s fine; but if I’m going for a party after a long day at work, or there’s something on my mind, this normally snug fit suddenly feels a lot tighter, and I have to change immediately,” she says.

Well, yes and no. It does physically affect breathing, but to a limited extent, explains Dr. Maria Thomas, Specialist Pulmonologist at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital, Al Qusais. The tight clothes can restrict chest and abdominal movement, limiting how fully your lungs. “This is especially true for outfits that compress the ribcage, diaphragm, or abdomen.”

That restriction, she says, becomes even more noticeable in people with existing respiratory conditions. But there’s also a mental element. “Some people may experience psychological breathlessness — a sensation of not being able to breathe even if airflow isn’t truly restricted — often due to anxiety, claustrophobia, or body awareness triggered by tight clothing.”

According to Dr. Thomas, certain individuals are more susceptible to feeling restricted by what they wear:

Essentially, the tighter the fit and the more you’re already dealing with internal or emotional pressure, the quicker the discomfort sets in.

Tight-fitting clothes — bodycon dresses, corsets, and shapewear — may look so good, , but cause the most trouble. “Tight clothes can compress the diaphragm, limiting its ability to contract properly. They reduce lung expansion, especially when sitting or bending, and can impair circulation and lymphatic flow, which can cause dizziness or a ‘tight chest’ sensation,” says Dr. Thomas.

Corsets and strong shapewear are particularly notorious. “They increase intra-abdominal pressure and can push organs upward against the diaphragm,” she adds.

In short: the ‘snatched’ waist may come at the cost of your next deep breath.

However, the story doesn’t end at the lungs — sometimes, it’s the mind that reacts first.

Sometimes, it’s not the fit, but the fabric that suffocates you. “Non-stretch fabrics like stiff polyester or denim limit natural movement more than breathable, elastic materials,” Dr. Thomas notes. “Synthetic materials that trap heat and moisture can make you feel suffocated or claustrophobic. Compression fabrics used in shapewear or athletic wear can increase that restrictive sensation if worn too long.”

Layering tight pieces, shapewear under fitted dresses or blazers, only makes it worse. “Each layer adds compression, restricting breathing, movement, and circulation,” she warns.

Clothes can be triggering too. While they give you confidence and protection, they can also cause unease. “Tight or ill-fitting garments may cause discomfort or a feeling of compression, while certain fabrics, seams, zippers, or tags can provoke unpleasant sensory reactions,” explains Dr. Mufaza Rashid, Consultant Family Medicine, DHA/DHCC.

Sometimes, the clothes just feel tight, even if they’re not. It’s a curious game of the mind, as Abu Dhabi-based Nayanika shares from her own experience. “I suddenly get itches or hives from clothes that might never have caused a problem before. And I know that happens on days when I am particularly stressed or anxious,” she says.

Dr. Rashid notes that in some cases, these sensations can even lead to anxiety, panic, or feelings of claustrophobia. “Tactile sensitivity is more common in children and individuals with autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, or anxiety. However, because sensory sensitivity exists on a spectrum, anyone can experience it to varying degrees.”

Her advice: “To reduce discomfort and prevent anxiety, people should opt for loose-fitting clothing made from soft fabrics. This can be particularly challenging for children who are unable to effectively communicate their discomfort.”Style without the suffocation

So how can you stay stylish without feeling trapped? Dr. Thomas suggests a few practical tips:

Sometimes, the outfit that looks perfect in the mirror doesn’t feel perfect once you step out the door. Whether it’s your diaphragm rebelling or your mind signalling distress, your body’s cues are worth listening to.