You’re looking at history and meaning, not specific design details, but I can tell you that for women it’s a lot more than “not a lot of bulk at crotch and ankles”. Standard pants designs with a seam right up the middle are hostile to biking comfort; there’s a reason bike shorts have that funny smooth pad in the middle. I’ve been ranting about pants all week on my blog and giving this quite a bit of thought as I pedal to and from work.

There’s another angle on this you may get into in another post (I’ll keep looking around–great blog!), and that’s whether the current Cycle Chic movement celebrates biking by anyone, anywhere, wearing anything, or whether it’s just another constrictive fashion corset into which people (women in particular) are expected to fit. (Related post on my blog: http://bikestylespokane.com/2011/08/02/wearing-real-clothes-a-radical-political-statement/)

@BarbChamberlain
@BikeStyleSpok

It is so interesting how the majority males have not allowed themselves to think outside the box. But some frown on those who push past this boundary. It’s not right so I understand why many hesitate.

Today, female clothing has incorporated many male items in their clothing choices, like pants. But sadly male clothing has made very little progress with a variety feminine choices, like the skirt. Some males who have ventured down this path are labeled a “crossdresser” and sometimes even gay.

Cross-dressing used to be a complete role reversal not just incorporating a few pieces of clothing. So some see cross-dressing as a sickness, GID, Gender Identity Disorder, and try to cure the person. What are they so afraid of? How can this be “normal”?

I do not need to be cured. I have embraced my masculine side for most of my life suppressing my femininity. I’ve been macho and have followed your “cure”. It’s not healthy nor right to impose this idea of gender on society. I now proudly mix feminine and masculine clothing choices in what I wear. It feels right and I feel more balanced as a person.

Clothing does not dictate my sexual orientation nor should anyone make assumptions or judgements. Everyone should be allowed to wear what makes them happy without ridicule or slander. I am heterosexual for those who might wonder about such things.

Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it’s mistakes. I think we need to rebalanced ourselves, and our society, with our view of gender, masculine and feminine. Clothing can be that first step and men and women need the freedom to embrace their yin and yang.