On The Pantriarchy and Yoga Pants

Pantriarchy: The social construct that states or implies that pants with a rigid waistband are morally, socially, professionally, and fashionably better than pants with a soft, comfortable waistband.

When stated like that, it sounds obviously fucking ridiculous. But it is the default in our society.

Why? Why is discomfort commendable? Why is "effort" commendable? Why is something that is ill-fitting to curvy bodies commendable?

Why is this writer obsessed with "real pants?"

"Another excuse for wearing yoga pants is self-proclaimed laziness. In reality, it takes the same amount of energy to put on jeans and a top and you look infinitely better and you feel better too, because nobody feels pretty in yoga pants. If you look good, then you feel good, and if you feel good, you perform well, and if you perform well, you succeed.

Don’t let yoga pants get in the way of your success."

It takes the same amount of effort? Tell that to people WHO LITERALLY CAN'T FIND PANTS THAT FIT!  Also, I do feel good in yoga pants.


Or this writer:

"The women here dress like shit. I'm all for women working out and staying fit but when they're finished exercising, why can't they shower and change into something dressier, like jeans?"

JEANS ARE DRESSY???

"But I do care, and here's why. When I go out in public, I make an effort. I see it as a sign of respect to myself, to the people whose businesses I patronize and upon whose company I choose to inflict my charming self....Yoga pants or any piece of overly-casual wear, is a metaphor. It says, "MY personal comfort trumps any regard I have for anyone else."

The idea that it shows respect for people when you outfit your body in uncomfortable clothes that bind your belly is the MOST ABSURD thing I've ever heard in my life!

Or Tim Fucking Gunn:

"Comfort isn't an valid excuse, either, says Gunn. There are plenty of clothes you could wear that are cozy— say, a Diane von Furstenburg wrap dress, which has the stretch but remains sleek and chic."

Yes, let me put on my Dianne von Furstenburg wrap dress to go to the Walmart!

" "That's the thing about overly casual dressing," says Gunn. "It says: 'I don't give a rat's ass about anything.'"

MAYBE I DON'T GIVE A RAT'S ASS ABOUT WHAT YOU THINK.

And none of this even touches on the banning of yoga pants and leggings in schools, which is utterly discriminatory and sexist.

FUCK THE PANTRIARCHY

"Professional" Clothing

Anyone who knows me knows I love fashion and fun clothing. I take pride in my appearance. But my body type and style often cause issues with finding socially "appropriate" clothing.

Because I can't find commercially produced pants that fit me, I don't have a "casual" or "moderate" setting. I don't have anything in between ultra-casual yoga pants and dresses. I often appear "overdressed" to people who accept that as a concept. While I don't care mist of the time, there are events where I'd at least like the option to blend in.

Recently, I allowed myself to be talked into attending an event for people in my professional industry. The event has features such as presentations, but also has cocktails. So what does one wear??? I had some ideas about what appropriate dress would be.

-Suits
-Dress Pants
-Collared Shirts
-Pencil skirts/Dress skirts
-Neutral, modest dresses
-Dress pumps or flats
-Blazers

NONE OF WHICH I OWN, and all of which is uncomfortable and difficult to fit.

And why are these the arbitrary rules? Why are cleavage and shoulders considered unprofessional? Why are bright colors and fun prints frowned upon? Why are hard heels considered more professional than fancy flip-flops?

It doesn't make sense.

As it is, I think I'll be wearing a knee-length brown polka dot dress with cap sleeves. It perhaps shows more cleavage than it should, and my bare legs and platform flip-flops are supposed to be verboten, but it's what I can do.