Clothing RANT

I don't understand women's active clothing. WHY do they make "cute" but totally impractical clothing??? I want to get a pair of winter pants that I can wear hiking, running and cross country skiing. Everything I find is either low cut or flare legged? WTF?? Those are fine for casual wear, but how the heck can you cross country ski in flares? They'll catch on the skis. And don't even get me started on the pants that are cut so low you'll get ice on your pubes... They NEVER do this to men. Tights are still designed with practicality in mind, but I want something a bit looser. Oh yeah, pockets would be nice, too. But that's nearly impossible... unless you buy men's. feh

I feel your pain. I've been looking for a windbloc hooded fleece and LLBean finally had them in my size...but cut so tight in the armpits that I could barely wear it over a t-shirt. :mad:

and try to find a shirt with pockets or slacks with real pockets.

my mother explained it didn't look nice. I told her i didn't care, i feel stupid having to carry a wallet, cellphone and car keys in my hands because i don't have pockets!!!

Why aren't there pockets on the inside of women's jackets? It's always really annoyed me, as I always need a place to put a pen and piece of paper. ARRRG!

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Originally Posted by roadie gal

Everything I find is either low cut or flare legged? WTF?? Those are fine for casual wear, but how the heck can you cross country ski in flares? They'll catch on the skis.

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What? The flared legs catch on the skis? Seems to me that's a length issue, not a flare issue. I have a pair of Salomon flared-leg pant and love them.

Now the low cut issue, I'm with you. Swobo is designing their pants during happy and high hour. I tried on some Gore cycling capris this weekend that would be great for multi-sports.

But whatever pockets they could provide in pants, I can't image a wallet and cell phone being comfortable there while running, skiing, hiking or anything active. They'd be banging around or inhibiting movement. That's what hydration or hip packs are for.

I have some great SportHill pants that I use for everything during the winter. Looser than tights, but close-fitting at the ankle so I can use them for commuting. And they have pockets for quick trips to the store. Best of all, SportHill stuff comes in different lengths!

TE sells something similar to what I have: http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodSH_0680.html

Love my SportHill pants. I've got multiple styles with the windresistant fabric which is great in winter. Much more comfortable than a shell outer.

I didn't know that they made wind-resistant styles! Excellent- thanks for the heads-up!

Looki for the 3SP fabric.
http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodSH_8210.html

PI Amfibs is what I wear running and XC skiing (the 2x I did it I was fine)

In addition to Sporthill (a great suggestion), check out:

--Hind
--Craft
--Swix (yes, the wax co makes xc clothing, too).
--Patagonia

I have tapered, fairly traditional rise, semi-fitted pants in a variety of weights from both Craft and Hind, some with zippered pockets. Not super stylish but very functional.

It would also be worth checking out both the Title Nine website and the Athleta website, I think I've seen traditional tapered "track pant" style pants at both.

Some stuff here too:
http://www.newmoonski.com/

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Originally Posted by liza

It would also be worth checking out both the Title Nine website and the Athleta website,

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And I LOVE Athleta's rise rating system! Wish everyone used it.

I love Athleta because they make almost every pant style in petite sizes. Ones that actually have a 28-29 inch inseam.
But I like the low rise...

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

It was actually going to the Patagonia outlet that inspired this rant. They used to make quality outdoor clothing for men AND WOMEN. But now their women's clothing seems to be less functional and more "stylish" and I mean that in the worst sense of the word.

it's the preference for fashion over function in the women's fashion industry that really gets to me... I went shopping for jeans yesterday (none of last winter's clothes fit now, and it's starting to get cold!). Tried on about 12 pairs. Bought nothing. All I want is jeans that fit reasonably well-- small enough at the waist that a belt isn't an absolute necessity and big enough through the thighs to accomodate the muscles all those hours on the bike have brought. Oh, and that have functional pockets and are well constructed. But in my size, jeans are trendy junk for women without muscles.... ARGGGG!!!!!!! I wish I were a few inches shorter and could shop in the boys department.....

end of rant...