We men are notoriously unaware of our clothing for the most part. I do know a few guys who are snappy dressers and some of them aren’t even gay. (Don’t write me nasty notes about my insensitivity to sexual orientation—I’ll state right now that I am bisexual.) I grew up in the 1950s, when professional men wore suit and tie to work every day. As a young professor I followed suit (pun intended) until the 1970s, when I yearned for the hippy life and started dressing more casually.
One part of my wardrobe never changed, however—the leather belt around my waist. I can’t say that that leather belt caused my diverticulosis, but it certainly contributed to the pain. Now I never wear anything that doesn’t have some elastic in the waist band. My diverticula still show up when I have a medical examination, but I haven’t had a bout with diverticulitis (infection of the diverticula) in over twelve years. This is just an example of how important it has been for me to be more cognizant of my wardrobe.
I almost never put anything on my body that isn’t a natural material—mostly cotton, silk, and wool. The only exception I make are some travel clothes that need to dry overnight without access to a dryer. My outer clothing is mostly cotton because it wicks moisture, is cool in hot weather and warm enough for most of the winter. I have one type of socks that I like and I own many pairs—all exactly alike. They are light hikers made of wool and silk. I can wear them around the house like slippers and they go with nearly all my shoes and even my hiking boots. For serious hiking I add liner socks.
My one “fashion statement” is my silk underwear. I wear nothing but silk and prefer the model shown in the photograph. No, I don’t look like that guy, but you wouldn’t want to see a photo of me in my skivvies!
If I feel even slightly uncomfortable in any piece of clothing it goes in the Salvation Army bag. I still am unaware of my clothing and I will keep it that way. I count my choice of clothing as a part of my health maintenance program. Its all about freedom from pain, which is a prerequisite for having fun.
This came in by email and I'm posting it here.
ReplyDeleteSince that wasn't the option afforded I'll do so
here: I wouldn't have lasted in my ancestral land to my
current age, 75. My Baltic and Siberian ancestors must have
dressed in skins and wool much of the year. I couldn't have
stood the itch. Have had to ignore the nice handmade wool
sweaters collected over the years. Also discarded the
flamboyant silk blouse. Linen works best for me, also
acrylic and polyester. Most recently a scarf made of BAMBOO
manages the super-sensitive area around my neck. So, until
turtle-neck time I tend to be free of collars. Hurrah for
sartorial chemistry. When we return to Kunstler's World
Made by Hand I'll have to scratch me into non-existence. To
prolong the time with chemical garments I ride my bike and
have fun, like you. Renate
Could you tell us more about your bisexuality??
ReplyDeleteDear anonymous,
ReplyDeleteI've written a lot about all that in my book, Pebbles: Memories of a Small-Town Kansas Boy, which is available online at amazon.com or barnes & noble. I refer you there.