Six dangerous items of clothing

High heels, skinny jeans and Ugg boots - all dangerous.

Fashion is a fickle beast, and it is definitely trying to kill you. Here are six of the most dangerous items of clothing.

1. Skinny jeans

Skinny jeans have been blamed for an Adelaide woman's collapse after the restrictive denim caused her legs to swell and nerves to compress. "As she was walking, she was having trouble lifting her feet and it got so bad she eventually fell and was unable to get up again," said the doctor who treated her during her subsequent four day stint in hospital.

An equal opportunities health hazard, skinny jeans have also prompted grave warnings for men. British researched have linked the dangerous denim to cases of twisted testicles, bladder weakness, urinary tract infections, low sperm counts, and fungal irritations.

2. Ugg boots

They may be warm and comfortable but podiatrists have slammed the Ugg boot as a catalyst for flat feet. The "evil" boot also leaves older people at risk of tripping over according to podiatrist Bruce Baxter, who prefers a slip-on moccasin-style shoe. Podiatry NZ spokeswoman Caron Orelowitz said not only are Ugg boots "hideous and ugly," they offer no support and shouldn't be worn as a shoe.

3. Spanx

Researchers say the popular shapewear are so tight that they can compress the wearer's organs, leading to all manner of health problems from acid reflux and heartburn to incontinence and infections. In extreme cases they can even lead to poor circulation and blood clots as well as varicose veins and swollen ankles. It's still okay to wear them on special occasions, though, so hold on to them for that date with Hugh Grant.

Kendall Jenner flirts with serious injury by wearing skinny jeans and high heels while carrying a heavy handbag. Photo / Getty Images

4. Handbags

A heavy handbag can be a literal pain in the neck, pulling down the shoulder and putting pressure on the nerves that go from your neck to your arm. Pins and needles in the hand and lower arm are a sign that you might need to replace your handbag with a wheelbarrow.

5. G-strings

German gynecologists have advised women to "wear bigger knickers" or risk skin damage and infections caused by G-strings. Friction from the tight underwear can cause abrasions and spread bacteria leading to fungal infections such as thrush.

6. High heels

In the glaringly obvious category: high heels are bad for you. Not only do they result in mountains of ACC paperwork for sprained ankles and assorted other injuries, they could also lead to a painful lifetime of flat feet. British researchers say high heels don't properly support the feet, causing the tendons to weaken. They also strain the hips, knees and thighs, as well as increasing the risk of conditions like osteoarthritis, hammer toe, back problems, bunions and corns.

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- nzherald.co.nz