# The Discomfort of Clothing **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 16, 2020, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-discomfort-of-clothing/851927 "2020-04-16T15:19:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![The\_wind\_of\_my\_soul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecc23a/32.png) [@The\_wind\_of\_my\_soul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_wind_of_my_soul)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2020, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-discomfort-of-clothing/851927/1 "2020-04-16T15:19:41Z")
With so many people working from home right now, I’ve heard some off-hand remarks about not wearing pants. And while they’re light-hearted, it’s gotten me thinking. You’re more likely to see me without a shirt on than without pants on, because I find shirts more uncomfortable than pants. And I was just wondering what people out there find uncomfortable about clothing. I’ll go first. What I find uncomfortable about pants are (a) how they fit in the waist, and (b) how they fit in the butt. I will add that I’m a woman, my thighs are pretty small for a woman, and my butt is not particular big, but pretty rounded. So wearing professional looking pants can be uncomfortable, but if I wear sweatpants with no underwear, it’s completely comfortable – no fabric riding up my butt, and no waistband digging into my stomach. What I find uncomfortable about shirts is their constriction. I don’t like high necklines, I don’t like fabric tight against my skin, and I really don’t like having my shoulders covered. I have gigantic shoulders for a woman, and a pretty big upper body in general. If I’m at home, I can wear tank tops and feel much more comfortable, but I still find shirtless to feel the most comfortable of all. Right now, I’m at home, and I’m wearing a bra but no shirt, and pants but no underwear. What about you all? ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2020, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-discomfort-of-clothing/851927/2 "2020-04-16T15:28:02Z")
[Who likes shirts?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArslbLGpisM) ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2020, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-discomfort-of-clothing/851927/3 "2020-04-16T15:41:25Z")
I’m at work right now, wearing underwear, jeans, and a t shirt. I do not wear long sleeved shirts, because I do not own any, because I don’t like wearing them. So, if it’s 10 below zero I’ll be wearing jeans and a t-shirt, with a hoodie over my t-shirt. I also never liked ties. Years ago I filled a garbage bag with my ties and took them to Goodwill. If I do not own a tie, I cannot wear one. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2020, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-discomfort-of-clothing/851927/4 "2020-04-16T15:47:29Z")
I’ve been in jammies for 6 weeks or more. Clothes that binds or rubs are right out. Even in past times I was always looking for comfort. Right now I have on a loose, longish teeshirt and one sock…lost the other sock sometime in my bed. ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2020, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-discomfort-of-clothing/851927/5 "2020-04-16T15:56:42Z")
Underwear. I don’t like the elastic waistband digging into me. A while back ago I managed to find some with an elastic waistband but it was stuffed with pillowy cotton. I love them but I think they have been discontinued. So that sucks. Alas, underwear is a must though to keep everything in place. Shirts I tend to buy a size too big. I’m not fond of tight fitting shirts. ---
**Author:** ![The\_wind\_of\_my\_soul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecc23a/32.png) [@The\_wind\_of\_my\_soul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_wind_of_my_soul)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2020, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-discomfort-of-clothing/851927/6 "2020-04-16T15:57:28Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > I do not wear long sleeved shirts, because I do not own any, because I don’t like wearing them. Is it because you don’t like having your elbows covered? Just wondering because I mentioned not liking sleeves a couple weeks ago, and my friend agreed and said he hated having his elbows covered. I was surprised, because I’ve never been the slightest bit bothered by having my elbows covered and it never occurred to me that other people would be. He’s a big guy, so perhaps having his elbows covered constricted his movement more than just having his shoulders covered. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2020, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-discomfort-of-clothing/851927/7 "2020-04-16T16:05:24Z")
I think a lot of it is probably the way women’s clothes are made and the way they fit. In general, properly fitting men’s clothes are not particularly uncomfortable, even suits, ties and dress shoes. The key here is ‘properly fitting’- most men’s shirt collars are not the right size, and they tie their ties too tight. And I’m willing to bet that the guy with the elbow covering issue doesn’t have shirts that fit him correctly- his sleeve length is probably too short, so it pulls at the elbows and back. He needs to move up a size or go from shirts fitted in the L/XL/XXL sizing to ones fitted by neck/sleeve and cut. (i.e. 18/36 athletic cut, or 16/34 fitted, etc…). ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2020, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-discomfort-of-clothing/851927/8 "2020-04-16T16:21:01Z")
> [@The\_wind\_of\_my\_soul](#): > > Is it because you don’t like having your elbows covered? No, or at least I don’t think so. It’s been a long time since I’ve owned a long-sleeve shirt. I do wear hoodies with long sleeves, but for shirts, I’m not sure if my disdain is elbow or wrist related. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2020, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-discomfort-of-clothing/851927/9 "2020-04-16T16:26:48Z")
I’m in favor of total nudity. (not my own, though) ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2020, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-discomfort-of-clothing/851927/10 "2020-04-16T16:36:34Z")
> [@The\_wind\_of\_my\_soul](#): > > what people out there find uncomfortable about clothing > … > how they fit Well, that’s pretty much it: clothing is uncomfortable if it doesn’t fit right. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2020, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-discomfort-of-clothing/851927/11 "2020-04-16T16:40:18Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > Well, that’s pretty much it: clothing is uncomfortable if it doesn’t fit right. What about _ **sweaters** _??? I do not wear sweaters, I feel itchy just thinking about them. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2020, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-discomfort-of-clothing/851927/12 "2020-04-16T16:40:47Z")
I’m a clothes horse and slave to age appropriate fashion. I spend too much time on finding clothes that fit well and look good. So in some ways, I’m the opposite of all you long haired hippies. Yeah, get a job! 😉 What I cannot wear. Cannot. Is overalls. You know, the type you wear to a heist or to catch ghosts. I just float around inside them, unmoored, constantly tugging at various parts like I’m wearing a hospital gown. It’s like wearing an adult onesie. ---
**Author:** ![chela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chela/32/21582_2.png) [@chela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chela)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2020, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-discomfort-of-clothing/851927/13 "2020-04-16T16:59:03Z")
I once bought a camisole made of super soft angora ribknit, but it had the scratchiest tag sewn down on four sides impossibel to remove. I had to wear it inside out. eventually it got caught up in a regular wash and dry cycle and now it fits my cats. no bras over my shoulders these days, maybe never again! ---
**Author:** ![MandaJo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac91a4/32.png) [@MandaJo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MandaJo)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2020, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-discomfort-of-clothing/851927/14 "2020-04-16T17:04:37Z")
I feel like I keep washing the same load of laundry over and over. 4 sets of slobby houseclothes/Pjs, 4 pairs of shorts, 4 shirts. I wear the shorts/shirts to do yardwork and take a walk; slobby houseclothes the rest of the time. Over and over and over. I am somewhat concerned none of my work clothes will fit when this is over. ---
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2020, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-discomfort-of-clothing/851927/15 "2020-04-16T17:09:17Z")
For your amusement: > **[This seems accurate | My Quarantine Routine](https://knowyourmeme.com/photos/1822152-my-quarantine-routine)** > > See more 'My Quarantine Routine' images on Know Your Meme! ---
**Author:** ![The\_wind\_of\_my\_soul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecc23a/32.png) [@The\_wind\_of\_my\_soul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_wind_of_my_soul)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2020, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-discomfort-of-clothing/851927/16 "2020-04-16T17:16:07Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > What about _ **sweaters** _??? I do not wear sweaters, I feel itchy just thinking about them. Oh sweaters have actually been very helpful for coping with my massive shoulders. If I wear a sleeveless top (typically a dress) with a sweater, then I can buy a sweater that fits my shoulders and a dress that fits the trunk of my body, and it’s much more comfortable than trying to find something that fits both my shoulders and my trunk. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2020, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-discomfort-of-clothing/851927/17 "2020-04-16T17:35:38Z")
> [@The\_wind\_of\_my\_soul](#): > > Oh sweaters have actually been very helpful for coping with my massive shoulders. If I wear a sleeveless top (typically a dress) with a sweater, then I can buy a sweater that fits my shoulders and a dress that fits the trunk of my body, and it’s much more comfortable than trying to find something that fits both my shoulders and my trunk. I cannot wear and never have worn sweaters. Eons ago, when I was married, my in-laws bought me a sweater for xmas. I thanked them, then put the box in a closet. The next year they gave me another sweater for xmas and it went in the same closet. So, they bought me a sweater every xmas after that. No idea what happened to the 20 or so sweaters, all never worn. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2020, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-discomfort-of-clothing/851927/18 "2020-04-16T18:19:42Z")
I wear cardigan sweaters most days at work. The problem with those is that most of the ones I find have skin-tight sleeves. That’s okay if my _other_ garments have no sleeves, but actually the whole reason I’m wearing a sweater is because I’m cold! You can keep ice cream in a desk drawer in this office. Speaking of sleeves, I also hate the ubiquitous cap sleeve. I think they look like they’re too small, and they feel that way as well. Leggo my arms, damn you! ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2020, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-discomfort-of-clothing/851927/19 "2020-04-16T18:36:22Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > Well, that’s pretty much it: clothing is uncomfortable if it doesn’t fit right. I read something recently: the reason famous people tend to look so put together, even in casual clothing, is because they have everything they buy tailored - not just suits, but t-shirts or jeans, too. I’ve seen plenty of shlubby paparazzi photos to know that famous people aren’t _always_ put together, but this struck me as a sensible investment if you are frustrated with clothes that don’t sit right. ---
**Author:** ![P-man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/p-man/32/3606_2.png) [@P-man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/P-man)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2020, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-discomfort-of-clothing/851927/20 "2020-04-16T18:43:15Z")
Since I’ve been working from home I’ve mostly worn t-shirts and jeans. I interact with students and colleagues on video, so I don’t dare work in my underwear. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-discomfort-of-clothing/851927.md?page=2)