Many lament the recent trend of yoga pants and leggings as common attire on college campuses and for daily life. I, however, would like to appreciate the comfort of yoga pants and exercise clothing and encourage the trend. Societal norms should not discourage or negatively stigmatize wearing athletic clothing when not working out for the people who would like to wear it.
First, let me state that my view is rooted in feminism, and I believe people should dress for themselves, not for the approval of others. This does not mean that people should never dress nicely or that I discourage people from wearing suits and formal wear. I actually encourage it, if it makes the wearer feel attractive and confident. But all people, women included, should wear what makes them feel confident, not restrict themselves to clothing that society says will get them the most attention from men or respect from women.
Many fashion trends that have emerged and stuck have been based on comfort for women. Most clashed with norms of the time -- for example, women wearing pants, the end of corsets, and Ugg boots. I hope that yoga pants are next on the list despite the snide comments many make that they are lazy or not classy.
Women who feel that yoga pants are like giving up on life should not wear them on a daily basis. But, for those women who enjoy the freedom of yoga pants, societal norms and fashion trends should not stop them or condemn them for wearing comfortable clothing.
Why exactly do women (or people in general) who want to wear yoga pants refrain from wearing them? I would agree they are not suited to the image most want to give off in professional situations, but they are certainly acceptable for the anonymity of lecture classes and the supermarket. There is no stigma against wearing sneakers to class or while shopping, yet I would say that they are not appropriate for an interview. There is a time and place for almost all clothing, so let women live free from scorn while wearing yoga pants or similar athletic wear.
Athletic wear can allow women to focus on their lives without having to worry about their dress riding up, heels that make them stumble, or pants that restrict motion. Tight clothing, which is the norm in women’s pants currently, can often be unflattering and uncomfortable in certain positions. Yoga pants relieve any restriction in range of motion, provide protection from flashing anyone when leaning over, and look much better than sweatpants.
Being seen as sexy and successful does not necessarily require uncomfortable and restricting clothing. A few of my friends feel sexier in yoga pants than in high-heeled shoes as it’s actually possible to walk and dance in yoga pants. Plus, everyone’s butt looks good in yoga pants. All the more reason to wear them. Who doesn’t love to know that they look great?
