Why it's time you stopped wearing sports clothes outside

Maybe it's just the latest trends, I can't be sure - but wearing sports clothes outside has become widely unacceptable. Yes, obviously people can wear what they like and what makes them feel most comfortable. And in many ways I think this opinion is based on my time living here in Switzerland, where everyone dresses well. But there's something about making an effort that speaks volumes about who you are and how people percieve you.

For example, in the UK there are a lot of working class communities who don't earn much money and the social system both supports and binds them. They're colloquially called chavs (find out why here) and they're probably the country's biggest consumers of casual sporting wear: thing Adidas velour tracksuits and Kappa trousers in the 1990s. Many of them are also feircely devoted to their local football teams and wear football shirts day in, day out.

My brothers and I wear this kind of stuff when we're chilling around the house. But if we wore it outside, it would just look lazy. I'm not saying we have to go all black tie to go to the supermarket, but there's definitely something to be said about looking your best.

Complimenting yourself

For me personally, this is the point exactly: I want to look my best. Having spent years as an overweight child and teen, and having worked hard to not look that way anymore, I want to enjoy how I look now. For me, that's possible through dressing in a style that compliments my shape, personality and willingness to conform to other people's standards.

Don't lose your individuality

Having said that, individuality is where style comes from. At some point, someone somewhere decided Chelsea boots were an acceptably casual shoe (see image below, thanks to @instagramwardrobe) and then millions of others got on board. This also goes for running shoes, which are now the standard casual shoe around the world.

Exceptions to the rule

Running shoes are actually a really good example of how trends change and determine social sartorial acceptability. A few years ago, nobody wore Nike Free Runs outside the gym, but now everyone and their mum is wearing them (even with smart-casual outfits). Presumably this is party because they're really comfortable and supposedly good for your posture, but also because the lightweight designs have replaced the bulkier skate-park shoes we were all wearing in 2008. Another attempted exception to the rule is jogging trousers, but I'm not convinced about those yet.

Am I just moaning about people who don't conform?

Yes. A bit. But also no. Of course, people can do what they like and wear what they like, and I wouldn't expect someone to comment on my outfit disparagingly. What I'm trying to say is I think there's a time and a place for sportswear and, honestly, most occasions don't require it. Why not wear something that's stylish, comfortable, flattering and on-trend instead? And if not, just create your own trend. As long as it's not sportswear.

#sports #clothes #style #society #culture #UK #switzerland #zurich