That's interesting; care to elaborate, out of genuine curiosity?
I don't care about fashion, even a little bit. I don't agree with grand-parent post that you need fancy clothes to attract a mate. I'm happy to buy 5 copies of exact same thing that fits me. But in terms of sheer physical comfort, I'm endlessly perplexed by casual fridays and even more so by e.g. people who change out of business casual clothes and into jeans the millisecond they're home (which is basically everyone I know, so I admit I'm clearly the exception:)
A tall lanky male, I find basic business-casual pants the most light weight, practical, not-in-my-way comfortable, well breathing, perfect temperature pants. Jeans are way too constraining and hard and inflexible! In 90% of the weather they put too much heat and pressure on my nether regions. In both cut and material, they were designed to be hard-wearing, not comfortable, so I assume it's psychology that has people prefer them. And most sweat pants don't breathe as well as my lightweight casual business dress pants either, and don't fit me around hips/waist - they either fall off, or are too tight.
The business-casual pants are "inappropriate" to wear at home, so I don't, but I put them on anytime we really go anywhere. People make fun that I'm "way over dressed", and fair enough, but for the life of me I don't understand what is "uncomfortable" about lightweight business casual pants and loose, not-tucked-in polo shirt.
(not to mention that "looking good" is not necessarily a button down shirt and dress pants to begin with, but that's another relevant conversation:)
I used scare quotes around good looking to refer to stereotypically good looking clothes: business suit. I have the impression from media that “real men” wear suits, which is a comfort hell. Dress shoes have heels which stresses my knees and lower back. I cannot raise my arms freely without my tucked-in shirt getting out. Not to mention wearing a jacket (or long-sleeve shirts) in hot weather is absurdity.
I agree with your points. Business-casual pants are really comfortable. And you mentioned not-tucked-in polo shirt. Although I prefer basic t-shirts, the difference doesn’t matter in practice.
To be sure, I didn´t mean one needs a suit or dress pants. I don´t like them even, but I can imagine you like the weight if that is important for you. The downside is that they are more prone to wear then denim.
Personally I prefer some good premium jeans. Nudie and g-star are excellent choices. If you are in your twenties, definitely combine it with a button down shirt or a good hoodie. I didn´t mean people should show up in a suit, on the contrary. But, as a general comment to the other commentators, if you buy your jeans for 20 euro and your t-shirt for 5 euro at your convenience store, I bet you are not going to look well like you could. At least in The Netherlands, in my experience, it is hard to get a sweater for 50 euro with a premium look, at least outside of the sale cycle. Shopping during sale might help to get the better stuff.
What exactly do you find uncomfortable about them? Genuinely asking. Good looking clothes isn’t necessarily a button up and slacks. You can look great in sweatpants and a t shirt. It’s more about fit, color and general aesthetic.
I agree. That’s why I put scare quotes around good looking. Sweatpants and a t-shirt are not stereotypically considered good looking. Button up and slacks do.
To whom? Fashion icons wear joggers and t-shirts all the time. What source is claiming that people need to wear button ups and slacks to look stylish? Sure, there are some workplaces where a degree of formality is required, but formality is *not* fashionability. That's a classic point of confusion around fashion.
Valid point. I think society applies a double-standard to fashion icons. Somehow they are able to wear the most absurd and inappropriate things and still get praised, whereas mere mortals have to wear whatever the fashion industry pumps up.
I hope I’m confused by fashion vs formality. I’m referring to “real men” wear business suits idea that is prominent in media. One example [0]:
> Once you're past 30 or so, there's really no room for T-shirts outside of exercise and physical labor. It's time to show some maturity. The majority of your casual shirts should have collars. Your stepping-outside outfits should almost always be something that would look good if you threw a sports jacket on over them.
In my experience, highest quality and best fitting button down shirt is a comfort nightmare compared to a good fitting t-shirt. Same for dress shoes vs casual wear shoes.
For your mood perhaps. I find “good looking” clothing uncomfortable, which makes me feel like shit.