As a medical professional currently between positions due to recent layoffs, I find myself with ample time at home. With my children back in school, I’ve adjusted to a new routine that includes writing, organizing my space, and preparing nutritious snacks. (For example, I cleverly add raisins to chocolate chip cookies—after all, fruit is healthy! This way, I can enjoy them without competition from my family.)
Much of my time is also spent on the couch, where I engage in “resting, rejuvenating, and reviving,” which translates to watching television. I prefer the traditional approach of channel surfing over on-demand programming. This method often leads to encountering a wide range of commercials. While I’m accustomed to the interruptions, they provide a brief chance to step away for personal needs, enjoy a healthy snack, or manage household chores.
Recently, I was captivated by a particular commercial that took me by surprise. I felt as though I had time-traveled back to the 1980s, but a notification from my iPad reminded me I was firmly in 2015. The source of my confusion? An advertisement showcasing the “must-have” fall fashion: stirrup pants.
I recall stirrup pants from their original heyday during my junior high years, when they were a staple in every girl’s wardrobe. The burning question back then was whether to wear socks inside or outside the pants. Most opted for the outside, achieving a tucked-in appearance that concealed the stirrup design. While those who wore socks inside were slightly less fashionable, the mere act of wearing stirrup pants guaranteed recognition.
Despite possible modern updates, stirrup pants remain largely unchanged. They are fundamentally similar to a bra—no matter how you embellish them, they’re still just stirrup pants. Furthermore, they are notoriously uncomfortable. The model in the commercial struts confidently, but I know from experience that the stirrup strap digs into the arch of the foot. With each step, the pants descend slightly, resulting in an awkward hike-up that is anything but graceful.
The soles of our feet contain numerous nerve endings, which makes stirrup straps intolerable for long durations. The persistent tugging sensation is akin to an irritating sock seam that refuses to settle.
At this stage in my life, I prefer my elastic waistbands to remain strictly at the waist. Back in junior high, we eventually learned to wear stirrup pants with the straps hanging loosely, sacrificing aesthetics for comfort—a trend that quickly became the norm. Yet, after that brief period, stirrup pants fell out of favor. I suspect this latest revival will follow a similar trajectory, not just due to discomfort but also because the term “stirrup” now resonates more with medical visits than with fashion.
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In summary, while stirrup pants may be making a comeback, it is essential to consider comfort and practicality over fleeting trends. As we navigate fashion, let us remember the lessons of our past and choose wisely.