Students in Loveland, Ohio were surprised to be told last week that yoga pants are “too clingy and revealing” and are now banned as items that can be worn to school. Dozens of students were either sent home or forced to change clothes, and some students even had to serve in-school suspensions.
Really?
I’m the Mom of a grammar school-age boy, so I haven’t yet waded into this pond, but I drive by the high school regularly and have seen plenty of girls in outfits that make me cringe. But never once did I do a double-take over yoga pants. Super-tight, low-cut jeans and tank tops that barely cover are always present, but what actually drives me the most crazy are pajama bottoms worn in public; that’s not sexy at all, just sloppy.
I think having a general rule of conduct for both sexes that bans clothes that are too short or too tight is appropriate, but why are the girls being singled out here? Is it a concern over the sexualization of female teenagers? Lots of boys of high school age wear nothing but skinny jeans which can be nearly as form-fitting as yoga pants, but there’s no uproar or concern over that fashion choice.
Also, it’s not just the students. Take a look at the Moms at drop-off and pick-up and I bet you many of them are wearing yoga pants. I practically live in them … okay, actually I do pretty much live in them … but society doesn’t have any concerns over the local Starbucks being over-run by form-fitting patrons.
Why are yoga pants so popular? Because they’re ridiculously comfortable, very functional, and flattering! I can smoothly go from a Pilates session to the grocery store to school pick-up to coffee with a friend. I’m sure high school girls appreciate the same flexibility as they go from classes to gym to after-school activities to study dates with friends.
So, dear mucky-mucks in Loveland, OH, please let the girls keep their yoga pants. What do you think? Are yoga pants too sexy?
Cheers,
Lisa