Posted by Kevin Scott Winfield from Edmonton AB Canada on January 04, 2021 at 02:03:27:
In Reply to: Can someone explain to me when it is that track suits became going out clothes? posted by Fashion Plate on January 03, 2021 at 20:55:37:
Without going into too much sweeping hypothetical detail, the effect of working all day in combats, week after week, year after year would tend to make a person more accustomed to baggy clothing than the average Joe. Given the fact that combats are also of one colour and that each Reg Force member possesses at least three pairs, there isn't a whole hellava lot of thinking involved when it comes to deciding what to wear for work. Even PT clothing tends to be uniform (and baggy) in nature and without significant colour variation.
Consequently, what we are left with is a group (already subjected to minimal outside societal influence) that is comprised of those who dress exactly the same and whose members do not actively make decisions on what clothing they wear for the majority of the week. Is it any wonder, then, that a lot of the people in this subculture opt for off-duty clothing that is unfashionable, inappropriate, and familiar?
The above argument aside, I agree with your assertion that the track suit as a Reg Force fashion statement (typically maroon in colour and emblazoned with unit crests in about fourteen different places)--or any fashion statement for that matter--looks retarded. Personally, I think wearing a track suit in lieu of appropriate civilian attire is downright slovenly and does little service to the image of the military. If these people must wear sweats in public, I wish to God they'd at least go out and buy a decent pair that doesn't scream out "spot the army loser!"