Loℓιтα Fashion and Chronic Illness.

While it isn't a particularly fun topic of discussion, it is an important topic that needs to be addressed. Many participants of Lolita fashion struggle with important, often life impacting, illnesses. I myself am absolutely no exception to this fact. To live each day with chronic pain or quality of life difficulties make the enjoyment of such an extravagant and beautiful fashion a challenge at times. 

Nevertheless, there are tips and suggestions I will address to help you understand what a friend may experiment or to help you wear the fashion you love despite your illness!

As a Lolita myself, I completely understand the desire to wear Lolita as often as possible. Many Lolitas I follow wear Lolita daily, or change into Lolita after work and on their days off. Lolita fashion is extravagant to be certain, especially when compared to mainstream everyday fashion. The sheer amount of fabric one needs to wear for the outfit to be considered a true Lolita coordinate is quite intimidating. The energy alone to physically dress in Lolita is a grand one. By the time you have finished getting dressed in a dress or skirt, a blouse, a pair of bloomers, a petticoat, socks, shoes, you are only half done! You still need, more often than not, a wig, makeup, a bag, a head accessory and additional jewelry and accessories to complete the lovely look. While it is one of the greatest aspects of Lolita, it is important to know your limitations. I for one am never able to wear Lolita after a day of work. I am far too tired mentally and physically to take on such a task. Additionally, I am usually unable to wear Lolita fashion every weekend or on my days off, in order to recover from my work week. I am fortunate to know what my limits are for the most part. When I have a good day, I completely take advantage of it in order to adorn my lovely frilly Lolita clothes! If I want to wear Lolita, but I know it will conflict with my other important responsibilities, I know that it is not worth pushing myself beyond what I can handle. As much as you love Lolita fashion, you will not be happy after you push your body beyond its limits.

The only time this is a truly difficult challenge is when my local Lolita community has a meet up. I want to always RSVP at the opportunity to meet with other Lolitas in a public space. It is always fun to connect and be part of a face to face community! As always, it is important to know your limitations. The decision on the Lolita meet-ups I do participate in, verses the ones I do not, depend on a number of factors:

Where will we be going? Where is the event taking place? Will there be a lot of walking or driving?
The difference between a simple art exhibit in your hometown and extensive commute to a special tea house can be quite extensive. To know what the meetup requires for the event to be successful will help you plan adequate accommodations and the rest you will require after the event takes place.

How long will the event physically last perhaps? How long will it take to get to the meet-up and to drive back?
Is the plan to take an extended drive to an out of town location? How about a meet up that involves dinner and karaoke? It is always important to have an idea of how long the fun filled evening will bring so you can assess whether it may be a good meet-up to attend and leave when needed or to skip it for the next one.

Is the event going to be inside or outside?
Do you need access to a power source? Do you have to be shaded from the sun? Do you get cold or hot easily? Do you need to wear extra layers or fewer in order to stay cozy? All of these questions are viable if your illness affects your body's ability to stay comfortable in certain climates or temperatures.​

​Do I need to RSPV for this event? Do I have to pay ahead of time for a ticket or spot?
If this is a meet up where you are required to pay ahead of time or one that you cannot easily cancel at the last minute due to illness, be sure you will be able to take time before hand to rest or recover from afterward. Nothing is worse than paying for a spot, only to have to cancel your RSVP due to being under the weather.​

Lolita requires multiple layers and style cuts, so you are able to use this requirement to your advantage!

If you suffer from digestion issues like myself, I find that a Jumperskirt, particularly a high waist style dress, gives you versatility. If you have bloat or discomfort from the digestion issues, a Jumperskirt allows you to minimize the extent of the volume your body experiences and stay rather comfortable.

If you require tubing or other small machines that are attached to your body at times, a One-piece dress or a Jumperskirt are a great way to counsel these items. While you are able to cover such things with a skirt and a blouse, I find the overall dress allows for more privacy and security to conceal an undesired discovery.

I find that a sensitivity to the sun, or undesired skin condition, can be easily be hidden with layers. A long blouse, a sweater, and tights are an easy way to keep your skin covered. Additional items, such as gloves, hats, parasols, and socks, can be added as a way to cover your skin and protect you from the sun.​

Balance is always important. If you are prone to off-balance tendencies, it may be beneficial to wear flat boots or shoes. Tea party styled shoes are my favorite for times I need to feel a bit more grounded than usual. If you require additional support to walk, such as the need to use a cane, try to find a style that fits into the Victorian aspect of Lolita fashion. Not only will you walk with confidence, you will have a bonus prop for you coordinate!

The major reason you wear Lolita fashion is because you enjoy it. You love the limitless combination of clothes, the thrill of a new print or a thrift shop or antique treasure find you can now incorporate into a new Lolita coordinate. It makes you feel creative and beautiful. Lolita fashion should never be a chore or an undesired undertaking.

I truly believe that anyone is able to wear and enjoy Lolita fashion. This means that a disability or illness should not stop you or someone you care about from wearing Lolita fashion, even if you only wear it for the safety of your own home. You deserve to enjoy Lolita fashion, after all, the overall time and energy you invest into this beautiful jaw-dropping fashion warrants some cooperation from your body.

Have fun and wear your frills proudly! There is no shame in the creation of a balance between fashion and your illness. Trust your instincts and your body. Rest when you need to and dress up when you can.

And there you have it! Those are my tips, tricks, and considerations when it comes to Lolita fashion and illness. I hope this post was helpful for you. I would love to hear your suggestions on this topic as well!

Stay frilly,