Men’s clothing is more comfortable. Why?

His shirt: Soft. Breathable. Room to move.

Mine: Tight around my shoulders. I’m sweating in here. What type of bra can I wear with this? 

His pants: All the way to his ankles. Loose enough to see his underwear when he stretches. Pockets big enough to keep his entire life inside.

Mine: Waistband up to my ribs. I have to unbutton them if I plan on sitting. What purse am I lugging?

For far too long, women’s clothing has prioritized sex appeal and silhouette over comfort. I may not be wearing a straitjacket, but it sure feels like I am. 

Meanwhile, men float around in loose pants and shirts. Their greatest concern is finding a belt that matches their shoes — and that’s if they’re even into the belt thing. Most aren’t. 

This has been the standard for generations. Women were once gussied up in stiff corsets and bustling skirts to be paraded around as spectacles, and the imprints of that culture still live on. The clothes women wear are meant to be looked at. They’re designed so we stand upright, restrained by a pencil skirt and heels, so we can be ogled. 

Men’s clothing allows functionality. They can perform tasks in it. They can hold more than two pennies in their gaping pockets. Women get decorative flaps that give the illusion of pockets to curious onlookers. I sacrifice my freedom in order to shoulder a pretty bag. 

Too much of women’s fashion is designed to enforce dependence. I’ve lost count of how many times I have asked a man to carry my entire identity in his pocket because I didn’t have a purse. 

Why do I have to ask my male friends and partners for their permission to have autonomy? 

Of course, many brands are starting to get the memo, but comfort still isn’t normalized. If a dress has pockets, the whole room hears about it. If a girl wears pants to prom, she’s “such a girlboss.” If my jeans are loose enough to see my underwear when I stretch, I’m a skank. 

The only comfortable option is athleisure, which isn’t a practical option for the average female professional. Women can’t walk into the office in yoga pants and a sweatshirt without being seen as lazy or unfeminine. Men can wear a polo or loose chinos with their Hey Dude slippers and still be seen as professional. 

Clothes should serve the people wearing them in functionality, comfort and style, regardless of gender. Men’s clothes do serve them. Ours only shape us for their gaze. 

Comfort should be able to coexist with the average woman’s everyday clothing. It shouldn’t disqualify us from looking polished or from being taken seriously. 

Today, comfort is a privilege. Tomorrow, it needs to be a right.