By: Jessica Monroe
Updated: Feb. 12, 2017
Originally Published: Dec. 19, 2016
Let’s get one thing straight: you can achieve success while rocking yoga pants. Seriously, trust us on this one.
A common argument against yoga pants is that they make women so comfortable that we lose our drive and become content with lounging around the house. To that, we say… incorrect. The rise in popularity of yoga pants among women is due to their simplicity, and goodness knows we could all use a little simplicity in our hectic lives. In a recent article, “Yoga Pants Are Comfy, But They’re Also An Assault On Manners And A Nihilistic Threat,” author Lisa Thompson romanticizes the past—specifically the 1940s—when women supposedly took pride in their attire and dressed their children with great care due to societal expectations. But let’s be real: women in the 1940s were often preoccupied with conforming to certain standards, juggling household responsibilities, and suppressing their aspirations in the name of propriety.
Today’s women are multifaceted individuals, balancing families, careers, and various commitments every single day. Our priorities extend far beyond how we present ourselves to others. Thompson argues that “when we board a flight or make a quick grocery run wrapped in cotton-lycra, we are signaling that our own comfort comes first.” To that, we say: absolutely! Women have historically prioritized the needs of others over their own comfort. The fact that we can now place our comfort at the forefront is something to celebrate, not criticize.
The belief that wearing yoga pants signifies a lack of ambition suggests that comfort equates to complacency. In reality, comfort indicates that we have our priorities straight, and looking a certain way for the sake of others is no longer a requirement. You don’t need to endure discomfort as a badge of honor to prove your worth. There’s no need to spend time curling your hair, applying makeup, and slipping into heels to signify that you’re a diligent worker. Instead, throw on your yoga pants and sneakers and tackle your to-do list, because you’ve got a lot to accomplish. Choosing comfort doesn’t mean you’ve given up; rather, it means you’ve prioritized self-care while still getting things done that matter to you.
Of course, we’re not advocating for yoga pants in every setting. If you have a corporate meeting to attend, showing up in leggings and a graphic tee might not be appropriate. But suggesting that women must dress up in every scenario to demonstrate self-respect and work ethic is absurd. Take, for example, Thompson’s acquaintance who worked at a gym. She would get completely dressed each morning, complete with hair, makeup, and heels, only to walk ten blocks to work where she would change into gym attire. Some may find this admirable, but others might view it as a frustrating waste of time.
Women should wear whatever they like because it’s our prerogative. We don’t need to prove to anyone that we are powerful, intelligent, and driven, regardless of our clothing choices. We already know our worth; we don’t need our outfits to convey that to everyone we encounter. If spending time on your appearance before heading to the grocery store makes you feel good, go for it. Meanwhile, the rest of us will be in and out, looking a bit disheveled, before you’ve even finished your makeup routine.
In summary, wearing yoga pants doesn’t diminish your ambition; it’s a statement of prioritizing comfort and self-care in a busy world. Women should embrace their choices and feel empowered by them, regardless of societal expectations about appearance.
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