For the love of . . . gear? - YouLookFab Forum

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For the love of . . . gear?

Greenjeans

Veteran

One of the things I've been enjoying on this forum is getting to know your shorthand . . . the WIWs, the HEWIs, the K/Rs and, of course, the "butt vest." But this one term puzzles me a little. Gear. When I think of gear I think of technical equipment like camping gear, climbing gear, scuba gear, and clothing with a specific technical function like ski boots or rain gear. But here it seems to mean something different, like what I tend to think of as functional clothing? Can anyone clue me in?

Dressing

18 replies

Latest reply was from Greenjeans

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Gear refers to sports gear. Items you would work out in - anything yoga. Items from brands like Patagonia, The North Face, Columbia, Kuhl, Teva, Merrel - I'm sure it's painting a picture.

Greenjeans

Veteran

That clears it up. Thank you, Angie.
I live in a place wear most people seem to wear some form of gear (outerwear, at the very least) all the time so the line for me is blurred, I think, between what is gear and what is just regular clothes.

Gaylene

Veteran

The line gets blurry for many of us, Laura, because "gear" isn't a hard and fast term. For example, many of us who live in colder climates NEED functional outerwear to keep warm and dry so we buy outerwear from Patagonia, North Face, and LL Bean. It helps that the fashion world has put its stamp of approval on certain "gear" brands and endorses the "Sporty Luxe" style--and Angie even has offered up some stylish capsules based on "gear"-type clothing.

The negative use of "gear" is usually in the context of a someone defaulting to yoga-style outfits (or similar sports/exercise clothing) as everyday, street clothing. I'd venture to say almost every YLFer owns and wears gear-style clothing, but it's rare to see it as the basis for a personal style. Most of us on this site love fashion too much to spend our lives in sweatpants!

Greenjeans

Veteran

I'd say about half of my tiny wardrobe is gear right now? Maybe even two thirds?

I've got a friend who wears secondhand Patagonia like nobody's business. Lots of layering, bright colors (fuchsia, orange, yellow) all at one time. The look reads kind of Euro/raver to me and I definitely see her as expressive and fashionable. It is also 100% functional for her lifestyle.

always trying

Veteran

Since there are such things as track pants (elastic waist and ankles) worn with heels, and such, I consider anytime someone doesn't look like they just came from the gym, or running a marathon, it looks ok to me. My new white leather sneakers are called court shoes with soles for traction on tennis courts etc. BUT are worn street style as fashion sneakers. Also some cross trainers are worn as fashion sneakers. I still think it looks dumb to wear those multi colored or bright colored sneakers that are definately sport shoes, worn with dresses. But that is just me! Mostly if one is not dressed in all that spandex or ski clothes it seems suitable to wear anywhere.

approprio

(website)

Veteran

Ah yes, the Euro Raver look. I remember that, but I don't think I have any photos

That's probably why I have quite a fondness for gear myself. It's worth noting that some of the most innovative fashion right now is streetwear/gear inspired (Vetements etc) and performance brands like Arc'teryx are creating some pretty fabulous stuff. Conditions are ripe for a massive crossover, I dare say.

catgirl

Veteran

Lots of gear fashion where I live - down skirts, Sorels, and colorful Scandanavian knee socks etc. It can be attractive and adorable as a look.

Anonymous

Fellow gear lover reporting in for duty. Probably half of my wardrobe is athletic wear (yes, I know, you'd never know it to look at me now) and outdoor gear of all sorts. Also hiking, skiing, running, tennis, golf and cycling shoes . Put me in a Dick's or Scheel's , a Sport Chek or any golf course pro shop and I'm secretly in heaven.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Same as Lisa. Gear is like a shadow style for me!

Sal

Veteran

Another gear lover. I mostly wear for the gym and walking, but sometimes there is crossover for working at home or weekend casual days.

There is some super cool stuff around, and it wears and wears and wears!!

Sally

Veteran

I used to wear bootleg yoga pants with a blazer as a suit for work. I wore them with high loafers. No one said anything. ..perhaps they were too polite.
If I suited this style of pant, I would so do it. http://www.brit.co/how-to-wear-joggers-at-work/

Summer

Veteran

For me, gear means any clothing worn for sports, the gym, walking/hiking, and other outdoor activities that demand practical clothes.
My own wardrobe is split down the middle between gear - essential for my country lifestyle - and my smarter clothes. I am happy dressed either way, depending on what I am doing, but there is no overlap between the two.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks, Gaylene. I appreciate your detailed response, and agree with everything you said.

I couldn't be more different to Lisa, Sally and UmmLila in this respect. If it weren't for yoga - I would not own gear, or set foot in a sports or athletic store. I cannot stand wearing gear type of clothing. I find it uncomfortable unless I'm actually doing yoga. I don't even find athletic sneakers all that comfortable either. I don't hike, camp, river raft or do Winter sports any more. Don't like snow, the cold, or being outdoors like that. I've done it all though - and roughed it in raw Africa with the best of them. It is not for me.

This city gal does love being with dogs and horses though, and equestrian gear is close to my heart (and of course I have a good selection of puffers because I hate to feel cold). I love the countryside and the woods, and when we lived in the French countryside for a while, it was blissful. It's very different to being in the great outdoors though - and I did not wear gear. Hope that makes sense.

cheryl

Veteran

I'm another fan of gear. I love the casual comfortable vibe and all of the bright pretty colors make me happy.

Aquamarine

Veteran

So much gear here. As the mother of three athletes, plus the wife of another, a LOT of my leisure activities revolve around sporting events <sigh>. I have not an athletic bone in my body but must dress the part when at these events. Partly to fit in and partly for comfort.

Greenjeans

Veteran

I hope you're right, approprio! My fingers are crossed in hopes of a massive gear crossover event in the near future.

Thanks for the details, Angie. Hearing more about the role gear plays in your life is helping me with perspective. I live a comparatively gear-y lifestyle with snow/hiking/yoga/studio/tromping/dirty work often happening in a single day. While I draw the line at wearing yoga gear outside the house (except for hiking), I do dream of a casual, colorful, gear-based wardrobe that can accommodate the messy variety of things I do without having to change a bunch of times a day. And FWIW, I love dressing up! Just not when I'm doing active, messy things.

Thank you, all, who shared in my appreciation of gear! I love quality fabrics and construction, natural performance fabrics (wool, down, cashmere, silk), functional pockets, stuff that fits, and wish more women's clothing carried these attributes. Really struggling after years of not shopping to find regular clothes I like that fit and that don't make me feel tarted up or like they're going to fall apart.

catgirl

Veteran

The challenge and joy of gear for me (and I am a VERY outdoorsy person when healthy!) is being able to put it on and go without having to think about it ever again. It needs to fit, be comfortable and do its job without distracting me from what I'm doing, and that's all I care about. If it rides up, bunches, pinches, restricts or doesn't keep me cool/warm/dry as needed, it's no good. It's actually a pretty high standard that I should apply to ALL my clothing purchases!

Greenjeans

Veteran

You nailed it, alaskagirl. Not too high. Not too high at all.