What is the purpose of a dress?
Ok this one of those topics that I have been pondering. I should Google this topic before I start rambling, but I’d rather shoot from the hip on this one rather than be skewed by other people’s ideas.
I hate dresses and skirts. It’s no secret. I only own 2 dresses. One for weddings and one for funerals, but I usually end up not wearing either one of them to the occasion. In fact, in the last 3 years I have only worn a dress twice. Once was to a formal dinner on a cruise and the other was at a friend’s wedding where my husband had to wear a tux so I thought it would look better if I “dressed up”. I hate formal “suit and tie” affairs, but that’s another topic.
So what is the purpose of a dress? Personally, I just don’t see the practicality of it. Wearing a dress is so limiting. I’m all for modesty so I wear pants or shorts ALL the time. I figure why torture yourself with worry about whether you are showing off your panties or not? The less stuff on my mind the better and clearer I can focus on the task at hand, but that’s just me.
I am probably a unique case in my reasoning for not wearing a dress. It’s not because I want to look like a boy. I don’t. I actually have a couple of legitimate reasons for not wearing them. Number one, I play the drums. I play almost every day either at a practice, in church or at a gig. Wearing a dress while playing drums isn’t practical. And then there’s that modesty factor again… Number two, the car accident I was in as a teenager messed up my back and hip. To this day I cannot completely cross my legs without major cramping. Crossing them part way - with my ankle resting on my knee - is about the only comfortable way for me to sit and even then I can only do that in short bursts. My hip is also a little crooked on my right side so just keeping my legs together without getting cramps in my hip is a challenge as well.
Putting all that aside tho, I still see no purpose for a dress or skirt. Take my kids for instance. I have two girls who like to dress up. They own several dresses. However, my youngest daughter, Kirstie, is a bit of a wild child. She takes after her mother. If you’ve ever seen a poster for ADD, her picture is probably on it. She is a huge bundle of energy and if given enough room she cannot take more than four steps without doing a cartwheel. Now imagine Kirstie in a dress at church, or even at school, doing her cartwheels across the gym floor. Not exactly the picture of modesty. She can’t help it, though. That’s just the way she enjoys the world.
My other beef with wearing a dress is what you have to wear with it. Shoes for starters are majorly uncomfortable. Heels? What is the point? I cannot wear heels because of my injury, but even if I could I wouldn’t even buy a pair. No thank you. I am very active and anything that would restrict how fast I can move or get something done is a waste. Also, pantyhose. Who invented this stuff? In Kirstie’s case, everytime she wears a dress I can guarantee that I will be investing in a new pair of tights the following week. She has never been able to wear a pair more than once without ripping the knees out. It is to the point that I just tell her to wear socks.
Yes, I know that dresses can look nice and fashionable. I guess I am just more interested in being practical and moving forward with a project than I am about how I look doing it. Wearing a dress is like putting my personality in a cage. I just can’t do that. Anyone else have some comments? I know I am probably in the minority here, but I’d love some feedback on this topic.
January 15th, 2007 at 9:23 pm
Dresses are really not that comfortable, and also, I don’t really think that jeans are comfortable. If you get the loose, elastic-ish kind, they’re fine, but I hate them because they restrict movement. In many skirts, they are either so long that you have to wear heels, or risk pulling your skirt down when you walk. In others, They’re so tight around the waist and upper leg, that you can barely move your legs at all. Lots of skirts are also so flashy, that people stop you to compliment you on how “lovely” you look. I told Jessica Gremo to not compliment me, so now she stops me to tell me I look “ugly” which I know she means “lovely”. It kinda gets boring after awhile, so I just wear clothes that don’t match, and people don’t make me late with their “showing of adoration of my CUTEness”
January 15th, 2007 at 11:54 pm
Okay, so I dunno if I should even post here, but I’ll be your tester, HA!!
I like this new format, btw. Very nice.
Um, yeah. What I was gonna say is that I have worn a dress even less than YOU have in the past three years. Just because I hate dresses. My hips (lovely wide ones, thank you family genes) do NOT look good in dresses. I prefer jeans over anything else. I also hate pantyhose, slips, heels, all of it. I feel like I’m being tortured when I’m in a dress. So I figured, why do it? Try finding a really nice “evening” outfit!! I’m looking for one, and so far, what have I found?? DRESSES. UGH. Can ANYONE say “Pantsuit?” COME ON!!
January 16th, 2007 at 9:58 pm
Agreed. I can’t remember the last time I wore a dress or heels. Now that we have indoor plumbing and electricity, it seems ridiculous to wear such things.
January 19th, 2007 at 3:58 pm
I dont get it. Why do we all have to complain about how dresses,
jeans,and skirts. WHOOPIE DOO. Who cares! The really aren’t as bad as you
guys make them out to be.
There are nice pretty skirts that DO make you look flattering and that you
dont have to wear 5 inch heels to make it look good. I really don’t see what
your all complaining about. Do you want to look like a lesbian when you go to
a wedding or a dinner party? ”Pantsuit”. Give me a break.
January 19th, 2007 at 11:10 pm
Okay…how does one even respond to a remark as ignorant and bigoted as that? I’m not quite sure. But lemme just say…I’ve never been mistaken for a lesbian while wearing an attractive pantsuit with a low cut v-neck and MY figure.
And five inch heels would probably not make me look “good,” you’re right–they’d make me look like I was going to fall on my face. OR perhaps they’d make me look like an aspiring prostitute.
Not that there’s anything WRONG with that.
LOL
Rock on wit’ yo bad self, sweetheart.
January 21st, 2007 at 10:27 am
I acually think that dresses are more comfortable
than jeans or pants acually im not really the whole way
tomboy im kida a mix because i wear makeup and i Always
have my purse but i also LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE SOCCER
but the reason i came to this site is
beacuse boys in my class are always saying aww
look they could never play a sport they might
brake a nail but the truth is me and my bffs
beat them in football!!!!
January 23rd, 2007 at 4:48 am
Well, I was pretty much a tomboy at school and I’m still happier with a drill than a sewing machine, but I like having the option of changing my look to match my mood, and going from jeans and hiking boots to a shortish skirt and long black boots is fun. I don’t wear tight dresses or skirts or ones that go past the knee (too frilly and I feel like they’re flapping around my legs) and I don’t wear really short skirts either.
In summer there’s nothing as comfortable as a loose cotton dress, thigh length, with leather sandles.
I guess also that dresses suit me. I’m tall and slim but big in the bust, and that’s a hard shape to work into a tomboy wardrobe. Shorts are the worst - they just make me look top heavy.
February 13th, 2007 at 1:41 am
While working my way thru college, I’ve stumbled upon a bit of history about the “Dress” that makes sense. Bear with me as I piece together what I do know…Fill in the blanks should you have the missing pieces. ;o)
The dress was an extension of the traditional loincloth of our ancestors. Men have always portrayed a dominant role in history and to keep us women at a lower level there had to be some flaws built into the system to keep it that way. Take for instance the dress…Man wanted his woman to be his and his only…men have fought wars over women…so to keep it covered was a natural thing. Bare skin does something to a man…no bare skin…fewer problems. Some cultures still believe this today…look at IRAQ…A long garment such as the dress was easy to manufacture and it kept things hidden. One of the flaws built into this design was to make them LONG and pretty with many beautiful designs…Shoes were also designed to be beautiful but difficult to move around in and corsets were also designed to enhance a womans figure but be difficult for the normal functioning of the body…bra’s were designed to be difficult as well but they sure seemed to have our best interests in mind.
Sure she’s a knockout when she’s all “Dolled up” but what is the ulterior purpose and what really makes her attractive? It’s a form of social conditioning built into every woman for many generations. Women see it as natural, as do men…Now look at it from the Man’s point of view…Men want sex…(most of the time with women)…a long tight or flamboyent dress makes things real difficult for a woman trying to resist the advances of an overly aroused lover. It’s too long to navigate in…the shoes are impossible to run away in…the corset squeezes the air out of her lungs and yet…the dress gives such easy access to what the man is after. (Unless of course a chastity belt was installed) Some dresses in the early ages were sewen onto the woman! Corsets were practically torture devices that had to be installed or removed from the woman by another person and most frequently caused damage to her internal organs and skeletal structure from the force applied over time. Ever wonder why men’s buttons are on one side and womens are on another? Men used to dress their wives…They could face them and do the buttons…or why else would buttons be on the back of clothing?? It’s all a part of men controlling a woman…Girl…I’ve gone off subject…but the bottom line is a dress is an invention of man…to control women…just like the bra…corset…high heeled shoe…argh!!! Burn the Dress…Bra and thong!!! Anybody else feel this way?? - M’chell
February 13th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
Michelle - that is a great post! I knew about the “easy access” part and I ALMOST mentioned it in my ranting.
I did not know about the buttons, tho, that is very interesting.
So who wants to host the bonfire?![:-\](http://www.girlscantwhat.com/smilies/yahoo_question.gif ":-\")
“
February 14th, 2007 at 1:01 am
I’d host the bonfire myself but in my job if I don’t wear a bra I’d get fired…(it’s awfully cold and there are a lot of men who think they are God’s gift to women.)
My boss made it clear that she is the center of all attention and that any distractions will be dealt with severely. I don’t blame her…I’d probably be the same way. ;P
As for the thong…none to burn…I’m boring that way…white cotton grannies are all I need…and did you know they’re back in style? B)
Lastly the dress is not part of my functional clothing…If I could find them…I’d like to get some of those pajamas I used to have as a kid that covered the whole body with a zipper down the front and the padded feet!
Enough of my rambling…what say you??
- M’chell
February 14th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
Ok… TMI on the undies.
But I am with you on the jammies. Those were mighty toasty on a cold winter’s night. 
February 20th, 2007 at 2:27 am
Well, I don’t hate dresses as much as I hate stockings or pantyhose. Dresses, well yes, they itch, require proper sitting techniques, car entering techniques, and a host of other factors. Heels just hurt the feet. And did you ever look at some women’s feet? ick! I am proud of my feet because they don’t come to a point like a piece of pizza.
Call them what you want, but stockings and pantyhose bind, itch and for me, burn. Or I get really cold. Go figure. I thought they helped keep you warm.
February 20th, 2007 at 7:15 am
Yes! They ARE itchy and uncomfortable. I totally agree. Who wants to feel like that all day?
July 20th, 2007 at 11:30 pm
bottom line - women look better, more feminine in dresses — want to look like a man - dress like one, cut your hair short while you’re at it — sundresses are the easiest thing for a woman to wear - so easy to put on, so feminine, and wear nice sandals and you’re set —- men are not attracted to that which looks like them — they want femininity in dress, manners and so on
July 21st, 2007 at 12:42 am
Oh, ok. I get it now. In order to attract a man, I should wear a dress.
Well. Now I see the whole point, of course.
July 21st, 2007 at 10:10 am
Stupid me. Dresses are for man’s benefit and not for us women. Wait - I think that just validated my original post.
July 25th, 2007 at 7:45 pm
no comment ….well i cant say i hate them but i would rather wear jeans and a cute tee Limeted too Old Navy Ambercrombie is where my wardrobe is from
/
July 26th, 2007 at 11:03 pm
can anyone here realize that you can be sexy, and comfertable. dress’s are not that bad, and if you are worried about your underwear showing an easy thing i do is, wear jeans with the dress, or a nic pair of pants. tights, pantyhoes, whatever you want to call them, i just dont understand why they are so bad, get a cotton pair or something there not itchy, and i find they help from your legs rubbing together. and im prably alone on this one but i’ve worn a corset many a times to school all day! through every class, and just took it ok before my football, wrestling, hockey, or rugby practics. my internal organs or doing quite well. i can’t stand how so many girls (not all, but it seems to be most) who love to do sports and are tomboys, as myself, cant look cute, fem, or even sexy, hell i wear a thong even during a football game. you can all look great, not saying that you dont already, but jazz things up a bit, and don’t be so harsh and judgemental to feminate clothing, and i bet lots of you could find some nice heels that are confy, try finding cute sexy ones in size womens 12, theres a challange for ya. if you are proud to be women, you dont have to look like a slut or hooker or anything of the sort, but you can show off the body that you have and the body that proves women are amazing creatures just as men. show your-self off in a flatering way, and hell, you’ll feel good mentally i garentee you, because when you look good you feel good. and i have no issues here with wearing sweats and an old sweatshirt, but i do have issues with women feeling so down about there bodies, when there always in, srry but, sloppy unflatering clothing. show what you got be proud of it. show your a women and be happy that you got a body you can show off. try things, go wear a skirt, try a dress, even lil kittin heels. dont think about how much you said here u hate them, give it a chance. u think men stop us women from things. us womens also stop ourselves from many things, because we are shy and feel uncomfertable. jump out of your damn bubble, try something sexy on and prove your still an amazing women, who looks absolutley grand at the same time.
July 26th, 2007 at 11:27 pm
Kelsey - good comments there. I agree that it is ok to look flattering and that women should do their best to look attractive - not just to get men’s attention - but in order to feel good about themselves in general.
There are times when wearing a dress is a good thing, but in general I find them impractical and a pain-in-the-butt. I am certainly not against them, but given a choice between pants and a dress, I’d choose pants every time. For me, it’s a comfort thing. I am never comfortable in a dress.
September 8th, 2007 at 11:43 pm
For my part, I like wearing dresses and skirts, especially dresses. I feel prettier and more feminine in a dress, and I also find them comfortable.
September 18th, 2007 at 3:25 pm
First I want to correct Michelle on a few points of fact. Women™s buttons are opposite from men™s for a reason, but you’re a bit inaccurate as to why. Men did not dress their wives. Only the wealthy could afford buttons originally and women with that kind of wealth had servants who dressed them. The buttons are on the left side so that a right handed person (or female servant) can more easily button and unbutton them.
High heels were first worn by men. Primarily by footmen who rode on the back of coaches to help them stay on (like heels on cowboy boots do with stirrups) and to keep them a bit out of the muck. Think of Cinderella and the footmen on her carriage. Women adapted heels for themselves. With long dresses there would be no reason for women to wear heels otherwise; they don’t make legs hidden under layers of fabric look any better.
The bra was invented in the 20’s to provide some support for breasts that were not being held up by corsets. Again, think of those straight, loose flapper dresses. They were originally a couple of handkerchiefs pinned together. The word brassiere come from French and was s term meaning arm protectors (more or less) and referred to a piece of armor worn by a knight.
I promise womens™ clothing is not a conspiracy to keep women helpless.
That being said, I love women in dresses. It™s so rare to see any woman in a dress it™s become quite a treat. Dresses are quintessentially feminine (the Scottish kilt being an exception) and a pretty, well fit dress enhances a womans figure, leaves some room for the imagination and
just looks downright good. Heels and nylons add to the total picture.
And I wear suits and ties every day, rain or shine. I understand that some clothes are not always as comfortable as we™d like. But I wouldn™t go to work or church in anything else. Image isn™t everything, but it sure is something.
All the best.
October 13th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
im a man i love wearing dresses and high heels esp stockings and pantyhose women can keep the pants and i will take the dresses!
October 15th, 2007 at 11:11 am
i love wearing dresses, skirts, and heels. When I go to the store I do not buy an item unless it flatters my figure. I try to wear heels every day (unless I know I’m going to have to ride the bus and walk for a long distance, lol then its some cute flats, boots or flip flops). It’s fabulous to look great and feel great and I love the variety that women get to have in our wardrobe.
January 6th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
What is the purpose of asking this question? The fact is that a woman never has to wear a dress at all if she doesn’t want to; one often sees women at formal events looking attractive and smart regardless of whether they are wearing a dress with heels or pants and low-heeled shoes, as my wife does. However, there’s no doubt in my mind, and that of most men, that dresses and heels make a woman look more sexually attractive - hence the fact that most when dress like this when they want to appear their most attractive. What could be wrong with that? Gretchen can come any party of mine without wearing a dress - as long as she doesn’t go on a silly rant about them! Thanks.
January 6th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Thanks Jeff, I’ll be watching for that party invitation.
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