Compare and Contrast; Why Womens Clothing is not Created Equal

Form vs. function. Appearance vs. purpose. Quantity vs. quality.

Why does the design of women’s clothing seem to always prioritize the second category? I take offense every time I put on a pair of pants with pockets in which I cannot fit four fingers, with belt loops too small to hold that rectangular strip of material that is intended to hold my pants in place. It is far more difficult than it should be to find a warm jacket with pockets or who’s buttons continue all the way up to keep the neck warm. Do women not need to carry items larger than a breath mint? Do we not need to keep our hands and necks warm? It must be assumed by designers that appearance is the top priority, and functionality can be stunted as a result.

I suppose shopping for women’s clothing does have its benefits if one desires a varied and vibrant shopping experience. Clothes are made more cheaply so that consumers can afford a taste of every style, every color. There are usually so many options. It is easier to find underwear plastered with images of lifesaver candies and configured in all these goofy shapes than it is to find a plain and durable set. Men have it simple. White, grey, or plaid. Large, medium, or small.

These marketing attempts to sell cheaper clothes of questionable and fleeting styles creates a culture of consumption in abundance, because no one item has all of the essential characteristics. One pair of pants has holes strategically placed all over the knees, and so a pair of leggings is needed to protect from cold.

Our shirts are thin and flimsy, displaying icons, pictures or phrases that seem exciting for a moment but soon become trite or embarrassing when tastes and opinions change. Look in any outdoor magazine and you will find quality, simple, durable, and functional boots for men.  Turn the page to see attractive sandals for women, too flimsy to be worn rock climbing but expensive and desirable nonetheless because they carry a brand name that advertises the functional qualities that are seen in only the men’s section.

 

Someone who is doing it right: http://www.redantspants.com/index.php