Breaking gender stereotypes at Australian Open

Discussion of fashion elements and looks that are traditionally considered somewhat "femme" but are presented in a masculine context. This is NOT about transvestism or crossdressing.
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Jim2
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Breaking gender stereotypes at Australian Open

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I was watching Nadal play Berdych and it suddenly struck me that both of their outfits broke with what is normal for men to wear. This might not be earth-shaking, but I thought I'd mention it. Nadal was wearing an outfit that featured mainly pink, purple, and yellow. At first Berdych's outfit seemed uninteresting, until I realized that his shirt featured a chevron effect, not normally seen on men. It was not the narrow bands usually seen on women's dresses and skirts, yet it was still the same geometric pattern.
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Sinned
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Re: Breaking gender stereotypes at Australian Open

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Indeed, but when I see the men wearing the women's short dresses ( even with shorts underneath ) then I will really believe that they have broken the mould. And why not - the girl's dresses must be much more comfortable and liberating in the strenuous context of a tennis match. What's the difference between a long T-shirt and a short dress - probably about an inch at best!!!! :)
I believe in offering every assistance short of actual help but then mainly just want to be left to be myself in all my difference and uniqueness.
Jim2
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Re: Breaking gender stereotypes at Australian Open

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Sinned wrote:Indeed, but when I see the men wearing the women's short dresses ( even with shorts underneath ) then I will really believe that they have broken the mould. And why not - the girl's dresses must be much more comfortable and liberating in the strenuous context of a tennis match. What's the difference between a long T-shirt and a short dress - probably about an inch at best!!!! :)
I don't think that a tennis dress or skort would make much difference, but I have wondered about this. I play tennis about twice a week on average and I could not bring myself to wear either. But I'm not sure that will last forever. Anyway, I have trouble believing it would be more comfortable. Whatever one wears under the dress or skirt, it will be seen. If this is so, then why not just wear that? I don't wear this clothing to be fashionable, to change how I look. I wear skirts and dresses because I find them very comfortable. If I'm wearing shorts under a skirt, then the skirt is just a decoration, and serves little purpose for me. Am I missing something? Does anyone reading this play tennis in a dress or skirt? Is it any better than wearing shorts and a t-shirt? I wear fairly short, very light synthetic shorts when I play. At one time I used to wear cotton shorts, and would definitely find them less comfortable. But my current ones seem like they are no less comfortable than a skort would be. I also wear ankle-less socks as I find I get hot around my ankles and higher if my socks cover that area - even in winter on a court kept at 60 degree (fahrenheit).
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Sinned
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Re: Breaking gender stereotypes at Australian Open

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I have never really played tennis but I have played squash and the idea of playing in a short dress and some sort of plain square cut underwear ( shorts? whatever ) rather appeals to me. As I seem to recall the shirts worn in squash/tennis are rather long anyway so a dress probably wouldn't make much difference. Intriguing and food for thought?
I believe in offering every assistance short of actual help but then mainly just want to be left to be myself in all my difference and uniqueness.
Jim2
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Posts: 148
Joined: Mon May 05, 2014 9:26 pm
Location: Massachusetts

Re: Breaking gender stereotypes at Australian Open

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I wear a synthetic shirt (not a t-shirt as I said - I wasn't thinking) that whisks away moisture and is very lightweight when I play tennis. It is not long at all. Probably shorter than my t-shirts.
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