Sartorial stuff-ups that could seriously hurt your health.

Ultra cinched waists. Teetering high heels. Super-sized handbags. Keeping up with high fashion isn't easy. But did you know that some trends could have long-lasting negative affects on your health? Below are five clothing calamities you might want to leave on the catwalk.



Excess baggage
The cost: "Carrying a bag on one shoulder that weighs more than 10 per cent of your body weight can cause improper balance and affect the alignment of your spine," says chiropractor Dr Brett Hill. This can lead to damage to your spine, back, shoulders, neck and more.

Save yourself: A backpack is best, but failing that (as most of us do), reduce what you carry in your handbag to the essentials, suggests Hill. So no Tolstoy novels or jumbo pots of hand cream. "And regularly swap between your shoulders," he adds.


Below-par bras
The cost: Unsupported breasts can cause neck, back and shoulder pain, warns Deirdre McGhee, sports physiotherapist from the University of Wollongong's Biomechanics Research Laboratory.

Save yourself: A UK study found that 100 per cent of women requesting breast reductions wore the wrong size bra. McGhee advises getting professionally fitted, and says, "Never dry bras on the line by the band - this stretches the elastic."


Teetering heels
The cost: We know heels can cause postural changes, back pain, calluses and bunions. But The Lancet has revealed they may also up your risk of knee osteoarthritis.

Save yourself: "Obviously, it's best to wear practical shoes that support your feet and hence your whole body," says chiropractor Dr Brett Hill. "But if you're going to wear heels out, or to work, take our flats along with you; perhaps wear
them on the way there and change into heels when you arrive."


Off corset

The cost: Corsets have come out of the fancy-dress closet and onto lingerie racks. But the Australian Medical Association (AMA) warns that body-shaping underwear could cause gastric reflux, fluid retention and deep vein thrombosis.

Save yourself: Opt for a good diet and an abs routine instead, urges the AMA. If you must channel your Victorian ancestors, be realistic - don't squeeze into a size 10 bodysuit if you're a 14.


Undie-wary
The cost: Itsy-bitsy G-strings are hot… though in a thrush-causing kind of way. "Candida, or thrush, just loves a warm, moist environment so anything that makes your vulva warmer and more sweaty will increase your risk of thrush," says WH expert Dr Ginni Mansberg.

Save yourself: We're not suggesting you ditch the Gs. Just make sure they fit. "If you get recurrent thrush, switch to loose-fitting clothes, and stick to breathable cotton undies," says Dr Mansberg.

Day-glo Crocs? Scarily short shorts? Frilly dresses? Which current trend irks you the most? Vent your apparel angst by leaving a comment below...