Stretch Pants are a blessing for older women

Get your stretchy pants on

On her 2021 holiday album, The Gift, Carrie Underwood sings about wearing Stretchy Pants. Now in her 40s, the American Idol winner probably knows firsthand the benefits of these comfortable trousers to endure body changes. The song teases about eating so much during the holidays that you cannot wear button-up pants, a reality for many older women.

When I was younger, I noticed some females over 40 wearing elastic waist cotton pants and said I would never be one of them. I now understand this is not necessarily a fashion statement or being stuck in the past. It's a necessity.

As we age, our bodies change, and anything tight, like a bra, girdle, belt, or button-up pants, can become uncomfortable. Tight clothing is also a trigger for indigestion or acid reflux for many. Pants that bend and stretch with you are heaven-sent.

Stretch pants are comfortable

I recently attended a Memorial Day festival and noticed several women over age 60 wearing their Stretchy Pants, and for the first time, I understood why. I used to notice plus-size females who wore these elastic-waist pants, and I assumed it was because of the extra weight.

The women I saw during the holiday were petite. I realized then the issue was comfort at any size. I dropped twenty pounds over the past six months, going from 168 to 148, but I still deal with acid reflux. I have also begun to wear these comfortable garments, which are a blessing.

I can bend and stretch without feeling like I need to cough or have acid in my throat. I also will not have a belt cutting into my stomach. I share this for young people who might sneer at older ladies wearing Stretchy Pants.

Comfort over style

Before you snicker at an older woman wearing stretchy pants, let me assure you, we are not trying to be sexy or act younger than our age, but even if some are, it's their prerogative. Acid indigestion and heartburn can be painful, wake you from sleeping, and annoying. When you make the connection to tight clothing and loosen up, it's liberating.

Women of older generations were raised to wear slips and be underdressed, especially at church. Nowadays, it's challenging to find slips, as many younger women wear sheer dresses without stockings, slips, or underwear.

For the past few years, I have worn stretch pants underneath long dresses and skirts instead of a slip. This works for me. There are nights I sleep in my stretchy pants rather than pajamas, and I can wear them anywhere.

One size does not fit all

This fashion choice is not for all women, as styles are not one size fits all. Many females already are and others may enjoy the freedom to move and bend. I recall my grandmother wearing sweatpants a lot in older age and now I understand why. They were comfortable on her when other clothing items were not.

Wearing Stretchy Pants is a choice for those who desire comfort over fashion and don't care what others think. I was entering Kroger this morning, and another woman told me she liked my black stretch pants. I don't know if she was being truthful or facetious, but I thanked her.

Why should any female end up on unnecessary medication for indigestion, deal with acid reflux, and be uncomfortable in her attire to please others? If something as simple as stretch pants, as opposed to button-ups and a belt, can improve your health you might want to consider it. If you the reader don't get it now, just live long enough and you may find out.

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