I blogged in October about the Nutribeauty launch event I attended, and mentioned that I bought a couple of the Genki Haramakis I saw there.
Haramakis are traditional Japanese garments worn around the abdomen to maintain warmth. I've been wearing them almost constantly since I've bought them (I have washed them a few times, honest, and resented the time waiting for them to dry). These bands of doubled over ribbed stretchy cotton may not look like much, but I wouldn't be without them and I'm about to order a few more.
I can't bear the cold. I'm also quite tall (5ft 7) and I don't like high waisted trousers or any kind of fasteners near my tummy button. Consequently, I have to look for longer tops or risk a gap whenever I bend over. These haramakis have solved that problem completely. They fit closely enough to wear underneath clothes comfortably but they aren't too tight (I could wear them over Christmas with no problem) and they reach from my low hip to tummy button. They keep my core warm and comfortable, and the gentle support is extremely helpful for good posture.
They may also help to support the tummy during and after pregnancy and the gentle constant pressure may be helpful for period pains. I've certainly found it comforting during that slightly bloaty time of the month and during my actual period; I don't have particularly painful ones, but I generally am uncomfortably aware during the first couple of days that it is that time of the month - it might be psychosomatic, but I haven't had uncomfy days wearing these. Obviously, I'm not a doctor and I wouldn't suggest just bunging one of these on if you have strong pains during pregnancy or periods (go to your doctor!) but I've found them helpful for period ache and I'd recommend them as a nice gift for a pregnant friend. If you hate having a cold back, I'd definitely recommend them.
These are £20 each so they aren't cheap, but I wouldn't be without mine and I'm glad I spent the £40 on them - they allow me a much wider range of tops to wear in the winter and are almost worth the price just for that. Available from www.nutribeautyproducts.com.
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This is interesting. Im 5'10 so pulling down my tops whenever I bend down or stretch is common for me. I cant STAND the cold so I shall check this out.
ReplyDeleteta lady
I am curious to try these to see how they compare to the body warmers I bought from Uniqlo which look to be similar. I wonder if the material or structure is different to the Haramaki?
ReplyDeleteWell, I can't believe this has become some type of "beauty product" because my grandmother used to make these out of old clothes.
ReplyDeleteI knew I should have marketed these long ago! I wouldn't call them Genki (happy or healthy) Haramaki. I think I would call them more of the Butsu Butsu Haramaki(aka PMS Haramaki). ;-)
Hi Meeta - oh, me too. I might have a look in Uniqlo. Very similar (if not identical) sort of item, would be interesting to see if the fabric or structure is different.
ReplyDeleteHi Imo - it's lovely to be that tall, but it does make shopping for tops very difficult! A lot of places have a longer length for trousers but not tops!
Hey Olivia - oh, I like your name! You should totally market them :D Seriously, I am sure this kind of item would be quite straightforward to make for someone with basic sewing skills. I like the seam-free finish of these though - a seam would annoy me.
I really like the look of these, and have actually been known to tie a scarf around my middle in winter to warm my up. I never new that these actually existed!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I'm the same height as you! :D
I've read about these - sounds like they'd be verrry useful in my pathetically-heated Uni house! I also have really bad circulation so I'd be interested to see if it helped with that - do you have any similar issues?
ReplyDeletePlease take a look at my new beauty blog; thought it was about time I shared my tips with the blogosphere:
http://freshlookbeauty.blogspot.com/
Wow great idea I need these in my life - I am nearly 6ft and am constantly pulling my top down and right at this moment have a cold back!
ReplyDeleteBought one!!! I wonder if I can get them for the shop ....
ReplyDeleteHi Sam - I couldn't be without mine. I'm miserable when I'm cold and I find these make a big difference!
ReplyDeleteHi Hannah - I do suffer from cold hands and feet, and there is a theory that if your core is kept warm it does help to improve circulation elsewhere. I would've loved these when I was at university! I'll have a look at your blog, thank you.
Hi Dempss - well then you need one of these! ;)
ReplyDeleteHi Grace, I can't wait for it to come, I suffer with raynauds so my hands and feet are always cold. Thank you for the blog x
ReplyDeleteI LOVE my Genki. Same for me - tall, clothes are too short around the middle, always pulling tops down and jeans up...
ReplyDeleteIt keeps me SOOOO warm!
Mine came today and I love it. I feel really warm. I have contacted them to ask if I can sell them on the shop and they said yes!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Samantha - oh, that's great news!
ReplyDeleteHey Mrs Hirons - aren't they good? I can't stand having cold kidneys.
That sounds like a really great idea! I always try to keep that area a bit extra warm with warming body oils as well (Weleda Arnica massage oil or Wala Solum oil). I also bought some silk chemises to give me an extra protective layer. So I am definitely going to look voor one of these!
ReplyDeleteHello DalaLuz - I like those kinds of oils for after exercise too, as well as cold mornings! I use Dr Hauschka Birch Arnica, will have to have a look at the Weleda too.
ReplyDelete