https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 01:38:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/3#post-2079243 Fri, 22 Nov 2019 21:40:43 +0000 rachylou 2079243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lol, torontogirl! I’m gonna check out FAB </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/3#post-2079159 Fri, 22 Nov 2019 14:33:38 +0000 Helena 2079159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Last thing, there is a short but FAB episode of Netflix's Explained about Athleisure that addresses many of these issues in a smart and nuanced way (if you can stomach listening to Chip Wilson, who does get called out at the end). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/3#post-2079146 Fri, 22 Nov 2019 13:34:14 +0000 Helena 2079146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Waaay off topic now, but RL, one of my greatest joys as a parent is telling my kids in summer to go outside and come back when the streetlights come on! Granted it doesn't work in winter when the streetlights come on before 5 p.m. *sigh* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/3#post-2079136 Fri, 22 Nov 2019 12:47:08 +0000 rachylou 2079136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lol. Well *I* literally played in the street as a youth. And so did my mum. Softball, Red Rover, etc. I mean, when I was five, my mum gave me two nickels for the bus and a dime for the phone and I was outta there. That is a thing of the past. But anyways, seems to me kids wore basketball shorts for it all... but that can’t be true, not for football. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/3#post-2079115 Fri, 22 Nov 2019 11:05:31 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2079115@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>RL, that's what I'm talking about! Took us a few go-rounds, lol. So back to the clothing they wore for this.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/3#post-2079101 Fri, 22 Nov 2019 06:49:17 +0000 ophelia 2079101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"Privileged office life"? Hardly. As I fight massive traffic to sit in a back-killing ill-fitting chair hunched over a computer until I can barely stand or turn my neck for barely over my state's low min wage, I don't feel "privledged" in my polyester dress clothes. Privledge looks to me like the leggings brigade out for leisurely walks in the morning. Workout wear says clearly "I am not heading to work." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/3#post-2079003 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 23:17:40 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 2079003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m glad someone mentioned workwear because I think it’s funny that clothing worn for physical jobs is not the same as clothing worn for exercise. There are some practical reasons for that but some is just customs and class signaling. As someone whose last couple jobs have required me to able to move, lift, and get sweaty I have learned that there’s a real lack of appropriate choices for women especially. But that’s another post.</p> <p>‘Gear’ as used on the forum is an Angie-ism; I’d never heard it used that way before. In my head I replace the word with “workout clothes.” And I do wear workout clothes, but not usually all day long, and I don’t mix them with my other clothes categories that often. Not because I dislike them or feel unauthentic (I’m a horrible athlete and overweight but I hike, run, and do yoga and could care less what other people think about it) but mainly because they’re expensive and I don’t want to ‘waste’ them on couch potatoing. I’m much more likely to go for a walk in smart casual than I am to go out to eat in running shorts. After I work out I want to go home and take a shower!</p> <p>Then again I’m not much of a juxtaposition person for myself - blingy jewelry with ripped jeans, heels with joggers, summer dress worn with a heavy sweater - ick. All of it makes my teeth itch. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/3#post-2079000 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 22:49:54 +0000 rachylou 2079000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FI - kids sit around at home a lot. I will say that my building was of beneficial design: It was designed with a central courtyard and the very young played in it. It also yielded a sense of community, that courtyard. That’s how I got two of my god children, from that building. They and their building friends were in and out of my apartment all day long. Did Martha Stewart Kid Craft parties, lol. There were after school sports for kids, mainly b-ball and football. Football was a pretty serious thing, people really put out for it... football dreams. The local professional football and b-ball teams gave their support for programs like that. Luck of geography. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/3#post-2078999 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 22:34:45 +0000 Janet 2078999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it comes down to, once again, refraining from judging others for what they wear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/3#post-2078988 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 21:05:08 +0000 Sal 2078988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The thread certainly has broadened! But in an interesting way.</p> <p>There is an element of which tribe you identify with . There was a slightly satirical book about Tribes of Auckland.</p> <p>I am currently wearing gear after a yoga class and dropping my son and his billet off at an interschool tennis day. I bought some fruit and bread at the supermarket in my gear. I cleaned my bathroom In it and am about to do work and personal and volunteering errands after a shower and change of clothes. Definitely some privilege there. But that is whom I am- like most of us we have many facets, and as long as I don’t judge others too much for what they wear then I think that’s okay. As long as we are aware of it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/3#post-2078987 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 20:32:18 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2078987@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hm, as one who said I don’t want to give off a privileged vibe, I will say that yes, I try to avoid that in general. I want to be dressed appropriately, in clean, undamaged clothing without lookin gun ostentatious or drawing attention because of my attire. I’m not sure what other markers you are thinking of, but I don’t get the point of expensive cars, and my idea of pricey jewelry is a $100 necklace. My gear is also not the expensive kind, but sure, having it does say that I have the money and time for whatever activity. </p> <p>RL, that’s still hard to believe. What did the 15-25 year old guys do then? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/3#post-2078982 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 19:54:21 +0000 rachylou 2078982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good point, Janet. My goal is not to look like a putz and an easy mark... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/3#post-2078980 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 19:50:58 +0000 Janet 2078980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, there is a lot going on in this thread, and the piece on OV is interesting, and yeah I appreciate the privilege aspect of gear and athleisure, but... I’m going to play devils advocate and ask, what does that mean to you? Why is this important in a society where there are countless other signifiers of privilege? Do you actively avoid certain gear because it signifies privilege? If you do that, do you eschew other trappings of privileg? I see a lot of fretting about privilege but to what end? </p> <p>What if someone wears their Lululemon to work out and then goes to do some volunteer work to help others who are not so fortunate? Does that make them a hypocrite or a bad person? Why obsess on this particular aspect of gear? I see lots of people in underprivileged communities wearing leggings and tee shirts and sneakers in ensembles that look very much like workout outfits. They don’t have fancy logos and price tags but the functionality is the same. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/3#post-2078979 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 19:16:13 +0000 Sal 2078979@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tend to think of the way gear is used here to mean leisure gear - rather then work gear ( gardening clothes or farming, or gear you use for paid or unpaid work). Growing up on a farm meant we all had farm clothes which were a mix of purpose bought boots and old clothes. </p> <p>My wardrobe all melds together but broadly I have<br /> - my general wardrobe<br /> - gym and running gear<br /> - sports gear eg swimming togs, ski gear<br /> - gardening and hard work clothes (painting, shifting furniture and in the past helping Dad on the farm) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/3#post-2078978 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 19:11:07 +0000 rachylou 2078978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey, you know what? No. Kids didn’t play in the street like that. It was the traffic coming on and off the freeway - because of course the freeway was plunked smack dab in the middle of it! </p> <p>... well actually, there’s too much traffic everywhere nowadays... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/3#post-2078977 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 19:08:19 +0000 Ginger 2078977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's an excellent point, Gaylene. I don't have the time to get deeply involved in this discussion, but I have a small "gear" collection - and a much larger collection of clothes that I can get dirty and sweat through while working outside, in any temperature from 100F to 40F. (No colder than that if I can possibly help it.) Is that set of clothes gear as well? Especially if worn/cheap workout leggings, bras, tops, and skorts are part of it? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/3#post-2078971 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 18:07:45 +0000 Gaylene 2078971@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, LaP, I’d have to agree that while my downhill ski racing outfit was a perfect example of “privilege” gear— high tech, pricey, and definitely not used for any other activity, but applying that label to those poor old hiking pants made me smile. Outdoor “recreation” comes in a different form on a ranch in the foothills—mending miles of fencing, hauling in 35lbs of supplies into a winter cabin on one’s back, tree planting on a mountain side for hours, and other “fun” activities set out by the foreman certainly helped put some wear and tear on those poor hiking pants. But that’s kind of my point—generalizing about “gear” on a fashion forum makes it easy to assume we all have commonalities when, in fact, we can be quite different.</p> <p>I grew up in a rural environment where “gear” was essentially “workwear”— what you wore when you knew you’d get dirty and/or needed protection from the elements. I suspect that’s why I think of “gear” differently than some of members on this forum.&nbsp;</p> <div><div><br /></div></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/3#post-2078923 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 15:11:02 +0000 Jules 2078923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just as a tangent, it is interesting to me that some of the same outdoorsy people who consider themselves environmentalists will look down on someone re-purposing their existing stuff as "gear" - like the time as a student that I wore my docs for some light day hiking research activities. I knew they were sturdy, supported my ankles and had good tread - and they turned out more than fine for what we were doing. But they clearly weren't the "right" thing to be wearing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/3#post-2078918 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 14:45:49 +0000 Helena 2078918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm, wheels turning. Is it the outside leisure that signifies the privilege, or is it shopping for a specific set of gear to do this the signifies the privilege?&nbsp; If I think about "underprivileged" communities up North in Canada say, or my mom's upbringing, outside leisure was the only option - but they most certainly could not buy "leisure" clothes - they just have their clothes. I may be stereotyping, but I'm thinking of poorer families say in Florida that might be very outdoorsy, fishing, etc., but it's not a matter of privilege really (not economic privilege anyway) and they definitely don't buy Lululemon to do it!</p> <p>Also, I think with reference to the "whiteness" of outside activity, that is somewhat cultural also - meaning that, some of my friends who are people of colour have a similar socio-economic status to me (or better), but they don't camp, let's say, as a matter of family tradition, because that's not a thing in their community or family traditionally (as an immigrant family, we never did cottages or camping either as kids because it just wasn't a thing for us). Which is not to say that's it's not a barrier to be removed, but it's not the *same* barrier ... if that makes sense.</p> <p>Thinking this through as I write so I may be way off on all of above; please take it apart at leisure! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/3#post-2078913 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 13:48:57 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2078913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou, what? A Cali ghetto with no hoops or kids tossing footballs in the streets? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/3#post-2078903 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 13:03:30 +0000 rachylou 2078903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I’ve lost track of what I’m supposed to be thinking about... But I suppose outdoor recreation is privileged. My last two summers in the state and national parks has me wondering if I want to go anymore - I feel they’ve become ridiculous. The last place I camped, they were leaf-blowing the camp sites. That is too much privilege for me.</p> <p>But there are different ways to recreate outdoors and I’ve found there is a difference in where people go, what they do and where their gear comes from. There are cultural differences between the rich and poor, not just financial ones. The outdoorsy poor fish, sleep in the one guy’s truck, and go army surplus for gear. Or the hardware store. National Forest and the local pier v the National Parks. Etc.</p> <p>Of course, if you’re urban poor, getting out of the inner city is something else, just for groceries. Still, in my ghetto, people went camping, but it was a big group thing with the pooling of resources.</p> <p>I guess what’s in my mind is... a lot of the privilege is in the how, the specifics. REI rain gear or Ace Hardware rain gear. Skiing or, tbh, deer hunting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/3#post-2078890 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 12:22:47 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2078890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>La Ped, you aren't thread-jacking at all. The privilege aspect isn't one I expected, but is certainly part of the topic. That said, you can obviously start any thread you want. And correct me if I'm wrong, but I think I just figured out that when you say "outside", you don't mean anything done outside, like street ball, or even privileged sports like tennis. I think you are using it to refer to hiking, climbing, and CC skiing. Is that right? I agree with you that the well-worn gear can broadcast privilege and plenty of leisure time, just as ultra-distressed jeans do. But if we broaden beyond those activities to a pair of Champion shorts from Target worn for those BB games and for the rest of life, they can be about not having the privileged office life that requires "dress-up" clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/3#post-2078885 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 11:50:14 +0000 Astrid 2078885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just read the whole thread, very interesting. I’m personally not wearing gear or athleisure in a non gear context. My main reason in the past was that I’m just not a sporty person and that I felt uncomfortable in those kind of clothes (as others have said). Now it’s more the fact that I don’t want to produce any more garbage than necessary.</p> <p>I saw a very interesting documentary on the TV a while ago about man made fabrics, fast fashion and the German old clothes donation system, which has been established over decades and which is now drowning in clothes that are in the end nothing other than plastic garbage. They have to get rid of it at enormous costs and most of it just gets burned (contributing to climate change). I don’t want to be a part of that.</p> <p>That said, I would always pick gear when it’s truly necessary. When you’re out in the elements and life and limb depend on your clothing, then I’m all for the modern age. With the caveat that you treat it truly as gear and not as fashion. Which means picking practical styles which last as long as possible and then to truly wear them out. Of course I can’t influence other people’s decisions, but I can make choices for myself. So I do have my gear that I wear when I go hiking, but I’m not going to wear technical fabrics in everyday life if I can help it. Same goes for doing sports inside - if I’m not in danger of pneumonia because of unsuitable gear I see no reason why I shouldn’t exercise in an old ratty cotton tee that would only go into the garbage bin otherwise.&nbsp;</p> <p> <div><br /></div><div>If any of my gear truly wears out (or won’t fit anymore) then I will replace it with gear. Otherwise, no thank you.</p> <p>ETA Just realised that I didn’t answer the initial question - to me gear is gear because of the type of fabric, construction and treatment. It doesn’t matter what the end product looks like.</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/3#post-2078883 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 11:47:41 +0000 Jenni NZ 2078883@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wouldn’t mind if it got taken to Off Topic? Suspect FI would be likely happy to join in such a topic also?- but not speaking for you FI. Have been wondering about privilege a great deal this past almost 2 weeks of travelling around a poor country which is great for me to travel in with so much so cheap that you wonder how it can possibly provide a living for the person. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2078882 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 11:25:16 +0000 LaPed 2078882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, I do think our grubby old hiking pants are still an indicator of privilege. They mean that one has the disposable income to build a capsule of clothing specific to a leisure activity and (because they are old and well-worn) the time and resources to spend in the mountains and actually use that gear. Outdoor recreation is a privileged world, and still very predominantly white. And as Sal says, those with "real hiking gear" can look down on those wearing street clothes such as leggings and Nikes. I've worked in outdoor education for several years; for more than a few families whose children I teach it is a real struggle to make sure their child is outfitted appropriately: a fully waterproof rain-suit, non-cotton socks (and base-layers in the winter), sturdy shoes/boots, and on and on. Even if we aren't dressing to look IG-trendy, we're still wearing our privilege every time we go into the wilderness. (This is a subject near and dear to me, and I'm happy to take this discussion elsewhere if FI feels I'm threadjacking .) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2078833 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 01:42:14 +0000 Sal 2078833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes a lot of relevant points......and yes is my ratty polyprop the same as Lululemon skulpting tights.</p> <p>The article about Outdoor Voices was fascinating. I checked out their Instagram and did think they represent a range of body shapes positively.</p> <p>I do want to add that there is reverse snobbiness as well - that people take pride in their older well worn hiking gear and look down on those hiking in yoga pants. It is not a one way street! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2078799 Wed, 20 Nov 2019 20:22:57 +0000 Gaylene 2078799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting discussion, to be sure. because I suspect the term “gear” isn’t a very accurate term to describe the wide variety of items being talked about here. Talking about a $100 yoga top or a pair of cashmere sweatpants as if they were in the same category as a dollar store plastic rain poncho makes no sense to me. Throwing in the concepts of image management, the reality of economic class distinction, and designer “athleisure” muddies the question even more.</p> <p>To understand why I choose to not include “gear” in my street wardrobe, I feel I need to explain that I’m not talking about $$$&nbsp;designer jacket made of fleece or a cashmere hoodie worn with a pair of on-trend jeans. Far from it, as I’d happily wear both out and about in public.&nbsp;</p> <p>As for “privilege”, it seems almost funny to think of my “gear” in that way. As a product of an era which sneered at &nbsp;the “pinkification” of woman’s sports gear (the marketing of a technically inferior products at inflated prices to women), I’ve always been skeptical of companies like Lululemon whose mission, it seems, is to convince women that their appearance is always critical even when sweating and that spending enormous sums of money for “active” clothing is somehow an indicator of “serious” intent. If a woman wants to spend thousands of dollars on clothing to wear to the gym, that’s a choice, not a necessity. And, if said woman wants to maximize the use of those items by wearing them to a restaurant that’s also her right. But lumping my well-used, canvas MEC hiking pants with their reinforced seat, articulated knees, and myriad zippered pockets in the same category as designer “athleisure” &nbsp;and a $$$ crop top just seems very odd. Maybe, as women, we are both calling it “gear”, but that’s about the only similarity.&nbsp;</p> <p><div><div><br /></div></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2078727 Wed, 20 Nov 2019 13:12:37 +0000 unfrumped 2078727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I never even used the term “ gear” before YLF and also never though specifically about banning “ it” from “ non- exercise “ activities except just base on what seemed appropriate.<br /> So it was new to me that so many people made a big point that this separation was very important to their style.<br /> My biggest overlap would be shoes. I agree with fashiontern that “ fashion sneakers” often are not as comfortable as running or hiking shoes for long- day wear. Or that by the time I get that comfort, the appearance ( to my eye) is compromised so that I’d rather just wear athletic shoes that looked better to me. And I have, and anticipate more, days where I have multiple activities and would never be able to change outfits. So I think there just a lot of overlap for some people between “ active lifestyle “ and “ exercise “.<br /> I personally love juxtaposition of more technical or sportswear items with possibly tailored or luxe items and see that as a great non- workday style direction for me. What I look for unabashedly is something in the item that has BETTER fit and flattery plus comfort &amp; washable- think being with grandchildren here. If I find such items I care not whether are for “ exercise “. Jeans or ponte pants are not always “ the best” for all of that, so I’m willing to dress outside the box. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2078726 Wed, 20 Nov 2019 13:10:49 +0000 LaPed 2078726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FI -- for me, yes, the projection of privilege does play a factor. And I suspect it does for you too? It was your comment about not wanting to look privileged that brought the Tolentino essay to mind. I consciously choose not to wear leggings on the weekends, when I take my kid to birthday parties, etc. because I don't really want to align myself with that cohort.</p> <p>RL -- I agree, athleisure styles can feel like appropriation.&nbsp;</p> <p>Shevia -- I think that essay is in the book, and yes, the whole collection is great!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9ci-know-it-when-i-see-it%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2078719 Wed, 20 Nov 2019 10:18:54 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2078719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>RL, just like the Blues. </p>