Dressing
I was heading home from work for the day when a co-worker saw what I was wearing and remarked on it. I guess it seemed like a silly outfit to bike in.
Yes, it was not a practical outfit for “exercise.” But it was practical for “commuting” which is about efficiency, not sweat. People get too hung up on clothes. From sporty to dressy, it’s okay to wear whatever works for your lifestyle. You can bike in anything. Well, almost…
Except for pencil skirts. One busy morning I had a brain fart and tried to hop on my bike in a pencil skirt outside my apartment and both of us crashed right down on our asses, all in front my super. Classy!
Someday next week you should approach the same person in the morning and say:
“You’re gonna work in that?”
Then ask her to explain why anyone should be “taken seriously” when they’re having so much fun.
Now that it’s summer here in the San Fernando Valley, I wear “normal” clothes (skirt, slacks, whatever) on the bottom and a wicking bike jersey on top for the ride in because otherwise I end up feeling like a sweaty ball of goo most of the day at work.
When it wasn’t as hot in the spring, I could wear hiking/travel shirts from companies like Ex Officio and Royal Robbins that would wick extra sweat if needed but still look totally work-appropriate.
Though I did learn through experience to wear opaque tights or short-shorts under skirts lest I give passers-by an unintended free show.