tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post3760043879702289120..comments2024-03-14T16:03:32.434-04:00Comments on Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing: Underwear: What's Feminism Got to Do With It?Gertiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314542159287533507noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-47505778144753454522011-09-06T09:33:34.656-04:002011-09-06T09:33:34.656-04:00asbarali1@gmail.com
http://fash55.com/c/undergarm...asbarali1@gmail.com<br /><br />http://fash55.com/c/undergarments<br /><br />Nearly all of the things you point out happens to be astonishingly precise and it makes me ponder the reason why I had not looked at this in this light before. This piece really did turn the light on for me as far as this particular topic goes. But there is one particular factor I am not necessarily too cozy with and while I attempt to reconcile that with the actual main theme of your issue, allow me observe just what the rest of the subscribers have to say,Very well done.ejaznimshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13650480701561113833noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-91193860506657785232010-10-20T03:31:38.989-04:002010-10-20T03:31:38.989-04:00I am strongly pro-lie and a feminist. Half of thos...I am strongly pro-lie and a feminist. Half of those babies killed are girls.dawnrpsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-31036423083698728912010-09-10T02:10:17.198-04:002010-09-10T02:10:17.198-04:00Hey, found your site looking for info on how to se...Hey, found your site looking for info on how to sew men's tight, short shorts. I've been thrifting and modifying with gussetts, but never getting it quite right. Surprise, surprise, not much out there! <br />But I like what you said and wanted to comment that men (especially American men) need to find their liberation too. The more they put it off, the more they will tend toward the subjugation of women, albeit in ever subtler forms. Outsourcing their own inner feminine realization. Pansies! Point is, I'm sick and tired of being surrounded by other men who hide behind boxy, baggy, boring clothing. <br />I like to think that, with my fashion habits, I'm doing my part to lighten the load off of women and make other men feel like wimps for not being more daring, more human, more sensual, and more interested in the tight, the constricting, body-form revealing type of clothing that women wear.<br />Yeah, sure, I know this is all about feminism, but I tend to think that if men don't come to realize all the ways in which they've repressed themselves, they will never be able to treat women as true equals. <br />There are so many men's issues that get short shrift. Yes, society has long been oppressive toward women, but in other ways it has been very oppressive toward men. For example, I don't recall ever having been asked whether or not I wanted my foreskin cut off. Oh wait, that's because I was only an infant, and so of course I couldn't have consented. <br />Funny thing, one website against circumcision said that it too is a woman's issue--as if men can't have a single issue, even regarding their own bodies. But yes, I do get it: it is up to the mothers to stop this deplorable practice. <br />Now I'm just rambling...<br />Thanks for listeningDannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-9657216050972514662010-04-02T10:44:51.834-04:002010-04-02T10:44:51.834-04:00I know this is a super late comment, but I've ...I know this is a super late comment, but I've had this post open in a tab and have been thinking about it for a while.<br /><br />I mean, as feminists we have the choice to do whatever we want to our body and the choice to clothe it however we want. Totally true.<br /><br />However, clothing conveys meaning and how we chose to clothe ourself also conveys meaning. Well, actually they convey a variety of complicated meanings. ANYWAY. I do sometimes wear corsets as part of sexy fun outfits, but I also don't corset myself tightly enough that I feel negative effects. I usually could squish down more, but I prefer to give myself room to move and to breathe. <br /><br />With "shapers" and girdles, I usually buy them "too large" because I don't want maximum squish. I don't want to feel like I'm trying to hide my fat, or that I can only wear certain items if I compress my flesh and have no hint of jiggle.<br /><br />For me, part of fat acceptance is being OK with having a visible belly, fat rolls and jiggle.<br /><br />A friend of mine recently wrote a post about Spanx you might like: <br />http://www.therotund.com/?p=712<br /><br />She's completely anti-shaper while I'm Ok with them in moderation.Juliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16558271291899670360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-56116245992981192962010-03-30T02:23:40.831-04:002010-03-30T02:23:40.831-04:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.evisionnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-47769826563085259552010-03-25T12:57:24.438-04:002010-03-25T12:57:24.438-04:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.sanjeethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04043304632873778108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-88874417938906573282010-03-21T18:30:39.338-04:002010-03-21T18:30:39.338-04:00And, I must add, living in a world where women my ...And, I must add, living in a world where women my size (again, I weigh 360 pounds) are told that there is something wrong with us, embracing my body, and decorating it to be displayed and admired (as I interpret those qualities), is the ultimate form of power, and, dare I say it, liberation.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-70532024224864760132010-03-21T18:26:34.399-04:002010-03-21T18:26:34.399-04:00I was delighted when I stumbled upon your blog - f...I was delighted when I stumbled upon your blog - first for the pictures, then for your writing style and now for the issues you raise. <br /><br />Agency and choice make the woman (or man). I am grateful to live in a time and place that affords me more of each than my female ancestors have ever experienced. <br /><br />As a queer, kink-and-sex-positive femme, I have my own relationship with femininity and my 360 pound body. I experience power in my feminity, and that often includes wearing corsets and other shapeware. <br /><br />For me it is not about trying to look like the ideal beauty (cuz honey, I am about 200 pounds away from that and no amount of cinching is going to make me look skinny!) but about feeling alive in my body. The ultimate, most comfortable, best representative self-expression of my inner life includes Wearing beautiful feminine clothes that I make myself and the undergarments that make those clothes fit well.<br /><br />I am a proud feminist. And I'm a proud kinky queer-femme poly girl. For some, these two sentences might look contradictory (note the self-descriptive "girl" when I'm turning 40 this year), but for me, they are but two descriptive sentences of my complex, delightful, post-modernistic 21st century life.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-41086535858723277002010-03-21T02:59:36.062-04:002010-03-21T02:59:36.062-04:00Actually, I agree with you completely. And you sai...Actually, I agree with you completely. And you said it better and far more concisely than I ever could.<br />-Andi xAndi B. Goodehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02332787961396491990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-50327020906372813242010-03-19T19:45:43.238-04:002010-03-19T19:45:43.238-04:00When I think of girdles I think of Jackie Kennedy....When I think of girdles I think of Jackie Kennedy. <br /><br />She had a number of pregnancies, two babies who died at birth and other miscarriages. No way she had the flat little body we see in those White House photos. <br /><br />Maybe she did have that compact little body (maybe not smoking would have helped her with the baby-making), or maybe she zipped herself into a girdle before those photographers.<br /><br />I'm glad those days are behind us. When my sons both told me last year that Michelle Obama had a "womanly" body I felt like the times had changed.<br /><br />It's fine with me to wear a little spandex to smooth over a bump or two, but if you don't want to do that it's fine with me too.RoseAGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01360864547510178832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-8166363145915475482010-03-19T06:41:08.593-04:002010-03-19T06:41:08.593-04:00Thanks for a really interesting post, Gertie. I th...Thanks for a really interesting post, Gertie. I think the question of choice is an interesting one. I've always believed that "choice" was the benchmark by which I should judge feminist questions. But I'm wondering if we should look more carefuly about the factors that affect those choices. I've been advised by my (female) boss to wear high heels and red lipstick for an interview to help convince the interviewers that I'm a confident and capable woman. As a feminist, I want to be judged on my abilities, not on the colour of my lipstick. But as an ambitious employee, I want the new job. If I choose to wear lipstick and heels for the interview, does that mean that I'm supporting the interviewers' assumptions about women's appearance? Or is it alright because I've had the opportunity to choose not to?<br /><br />Hmmm, I may have wandered from the question of underwear a little...Saffinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-45562731734407714332010-03-19T04:28:21.075-04:002010-03-19T04:28:21.075-04:00As usual, well-written and interesting post, Gerti...As usual, well-written and interesting post, Gertie! AND a great discussion! After reading the comments, CHOICE seems to me to be the essence. Nevertheless, we'll probably always be influenced by the body image trend. I guess having a Brazilian wax would be seen as just as oppressive as wearing girdles, or bandaging yourself to get that boyish non-curvy looks of the 20s. <br /><br />May I come with a assertion? It's not necessarily thought-through (it's Friday morning after all): Women dress up for other women, and a lot of our self-esteem is based on other women's opinion of us? I would say that a woman's criticism is of higher importance to me, than a man's... Is this just naïve rambling?<br /><br />Well, I still hope that my choices are relatively independent, and because I choose to do so-and-so, not because I unknowingly feel that I have to.frk.bustadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11905037626664748421noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-52835487997740903222010-03-19T04:22:04.232-04:002010-03-19T04:22:04.232-04:00Hi there Gertie. I read your blog a lot and am lea...Hi there Gertie. I read your blog a lot and am learning a lot. I've been making clothes for a long time (since I was about 12 - so 28 years!)but can always pick up a tip or two from you. I am SO jealous of your access to fabrics and notions. In the UK (outside London at any rate) fabric stores are just disappearing and it's really hard to get hold of stuff. Anyhoo, about the underwear (sorry to blather on) - I took to wearing Spanx etc (I'm a curvy size 14 UK) to try to get rid of lumps and bumps under my clothes. I found them hot and uncomfortable. One day my other half said "why do you wear that ugly stuff, you have lovely curves and I'd rather know you were wearing some sexy underwear under your clothes than all that horrible stuff". Now, I know it's up to me but you know, he's right. I feel more sexy with lovely underwear and it's a lot more comfy. I would call myself a feminist too.<br />Phew, glad i got that all off my chest!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-55829239829178708632010-03-19T01:55:57.108-04:002010-03-19T01:55:57.108-04:00I personally don't think foundation garments d...I personally don't think foundation garments do much for anyone except smooth a little. I personally like to wear them because they make me feel a certain way. They make me feel more feminine, like I'm ready for anything and pretty good in general. I think I like what they do phycologically more than physically.Julianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-90685448029547495902010-03-18T23:08:34.307-04:002010-03-18T23:08:34.307-04:00I think that body acceptance is the key. If you do...I think that body acceptance is the key. If you don't like your body and you are trying to squeeze into an unrealistic ideal you hold for yourself, then it is going to show. You will look uncomfortable and insecure. <br /><br />Looking at pictures of you, Gertie, especially in your Emma outfit, you look so beautiful and happy! I wouldn't even care what size you are, I would only hope I look so happy and gorgeous in my own skin and my own clothes!My Heart's Debaclehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17139795484866356453noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-79414654852783911602010-03-18T18:22:02.160-04:002010-03-18T18:22:02.160-04:00Re: having "internalized" the girdle -- ...Re: having "internalized" the girdle -- the cruelty of it is maddening! Thinking that while women's clothes have become more and more revealing, and shaping undergarments less acceptable (think about Bridget Jones's embarrassment when her guy catches her in "granny panties"), we are still expected to be a certain shape and size. I'd rather wear a girdle than go on an extreme diet or have unnecessary surgery, any day.Dorahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11323421017122879884noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-72726861374990614592010-03-18T17:25:32.841-04:002010-03-18T17:25:32.841-04:00Gertie- I always look to your blog for great discu...Gertie- I always look to your blog for great discussions on body image, so I thought that you'd find this article rather interesting (http://asunews.asu.edu/20100316_business_admodelsize). <br /><br />Researchers have found that women have lower self-esteem looking at plus-sized models... I found this finding to be very unexpected. Thoughts?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12742733376287342144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-54090411983433479872010-03-18T17:03:34.589-04:002010-03-18T17:03:34.589-04:00Umm, not I do not regard underwear (restrictive or...Umm, not I do not regard underwear (restrictive or not) as being capable of "keeping women down" or the lack of it as helping them to be free. Caring about looking neat and trim does not actually equal being a brainwashed and spineless dupe.<br /><br />Actually, your point about helping to boost confidence is very valid, and I agree with it. There is power in sexuality as well. Knowing how to use it can also be a good thing. We do not have to look like men or be sexless to command respect.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00606407845216027155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-42972772577896847142010-03-18T16:38:05.609-04:002010-03-18T16:38:05.609-04:00This is such an interesting discussion! Personally...This is such an interesting discussion! Personally I never thought underwear and feminism were a clever pairing - mostly due to the bra burning thing. The inventions of bras gave women a choice and liberated them from corsets. This paved the way with more freedom in activities to -yes- work! And I would never ever attempt to go 10m without a bra! Thanks Gertie for putting that right!<br /><br />Body image and the different things people (women as well as men, women still a bit more) are doing to achieve it are not only symbolised by underwear. As others already stated, you should not forget i.e. diets and pilates. This is -more or less- a social problem. We are human, I guess we tend to judge on appearances and have ideals. And unluckily for us there are such things as photoshop which produce pictures nature didn't produce.<br /><br />Underwear, on the other hand, has so much to do with sexuality and who you are. They are one area where you actually are free to express yourself - unseen to all the "unimportant" people you meet. Think fishnet stockings under pants, frilly silk knickers or lether thongs...<br /><br />:) Underwear is goooooood!christinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18084668122322535968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-85012032606255658582010-03-18T16:20:41.996-04:002010-03-18T16:20:41.996-04:00This is such a huge topic, but for me it is simple...This is such a huge topic, but for me it is simple - it is a personal choice. Whatever makes you comfortable. I have a round belly and hips and cannot stand being constricted by foundation garments or 'tummy control' panythose. Uggh. I also have a huge bust(my child puts my bras on her had as a hat and the cup fits, she is 8!, and feel more comfortable wearing a bra. I find it much more difficult to stand walk and run without one and my back hurts. Very simple for me.<br /><br />I don't feel though that I can choose for someone else. I hope that women can choose foundation garments, (or not) based on comfort and maybe a smooth line of a garment not to distort their shape. <br /><br />Also as confident women doesn't our liberated outlook come from within not from the presence or absence of foundation garments! And if we want to help someone who maybe isn't there yet, chastizing them for the use of garments that distort their shape will do nothing to help them move forward. Sometimes gentle suggestion and emotional support goes much further.Vickinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-31670212638586801252010-03-18T15:16:50.305-04:002010-03-18T15:16:50.305-04:00Slightly off-topic (but not really), I actually fi...Slightly off-topic (but not really), I actually find an article like this oppressive (to me):<br /><br />http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-what-men-think-when-shopping-for-clothes/Peter Lappinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-5443255226608706372010-03-18T15:06:52.256-04:002010-03-18T15:06:52.256-04:00Nancy: I actually TAed for her summer course one y...Nancy: I actually TAed for her summer course one year! Her book on eating disorders ("Fasting Girls") is really interesting as well.centrallyisolatedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08823356747586145225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-28310410885619763882010-03-18T15:06:44.462-04:002010-03-18T15:06:44.462-04:00Wow Gertie, this was incredibly well written and s...Wow Gertie, this was incredibly well written and so honestly expressed. I think it all boils down to what makes you feel free? Isn't it one of our freedoms to wear whatever the hell we feel like? If a woman wants to strap in to something that smooths away some insecurities in the mirror, or let the girls swing free, that her choice! (Maybe my body, my choice shouldn't just apply to our uteruses?)Anna Depewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07055563789966415506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-78822999110585977472010-03-18T14:59:35.201-04:002010-03-18T14:59:35.201-04:00I'd forgotten about "The Body Project&quo...I'd forgotten about "The Body Project" which is ironic since I know the woman who wrote it; she's a professor at the university where I work...Time to go check the library for a copy.... Thanks for reminding me!Nancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08444647423337451493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-75864650475854917892010-03-18T14:22:44.243-04:002010-03-18T14:22:44.243-04:00Peter, I'm sure you weren't trying to shut...Peter, I'm sure you weren't trying to shut down discussion AT ALL! I just wanted to throw that out there, I know you love talking underwear! And it IS a good reality check!Mikhaela Reidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02817367214920267825noreply@blogger.com