Any ideas on why women in power, e.g., Hillary Clinton, Kamala Harris,

[lillypaddle]

wear nothing but "pant suits?" While on its surface it main seem like a trite and possibly even a sexist question, I don't think so. Is wearing a dress or skirt too risky, appearing "excessively" femmine? Food for thought or a silly question?

[MaryMagdaline]

1. They don't have to worry about their dress or skirt blowing up in the wind.

Trust me. It’s an issue.

The Royals wear weights in their hemlines to prevent wardrobe failures. Not always successful.

[lillypaddle]

13. Wow

didn't think of that, and I lived in Oklahoma!

[TlalocW]

40. Really

What with the wind that comes sweepin' down the plain and all. 🙃

[MaryMagdaline]

41. Especially stepping off airplanes.

[Attilatheblond]

2. Dresses are often inconvient at the very least. Actually pants more modest, especially going up air plane ramps in wind.

and you have to constantly carry back up panty hose because of runs.

[quaint]

3. Opinion: stairs, vehicle access, podium standing are easier (and more modest) in pants.

((slippage))

[lillypaddle]

16. I guess modesty is a big thing

who knew?

[quaint]

21. see response 4

I should have said respectable.

[lillypaddle]

36. Maybe "quaint"

but of course you were right the first time.

[LearnedHand]

56. Only in keeping women "in their place"

No need in the 21st century to assign modesty "ratings" to women or their clothing.

[Ocelot II]

4. Probably because they have to do a lot of getting in and out of cars,

climbing stairs and onto stages, standing on podia, other circumstances where a skirt can show a little too much leg, which, of course would lead to right-wing accusations you can just imagine...

[Blue_Roses]

5. It's probably more comfortable

nt

[DURHAM D]

6. Less stressful.

They have enough to worry about so pants remove the concern about awkward pictures.

[democrattotheend]

7. I almost always prefer to wear pant suits when I go to court

I hate pantyhose, skirts are harder to fit for me personally, and pant suits are more comfortable and allow for a slightly frumpier shoe choice, which works for me because I can't walk in high skinny heals.

[Attilatheblond]

8. When men are questioned as to why they always wear pants I will worry about women in pants

Some guys wear dresses, and that's OK, except for Rudy. Rudy should avoid them.

[highplainsdem]

9. Some earlier discussion of that here, especially in the subthread starting with reply 20:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100219266509

[lillypaddle]

26. Well, I really wanted "deeper"

regarding dressing so conservatively, like men generally do. But I jumped in and added my two cents. I believe the other thread was mostly tongue in cheek, but it was one of DU's finer ones.

I think women wear pantsuits for all the reason stated, but additionally, they don't want somebody ogling and commenting inappropriately. And pantsuits are very effective at turning sexuality away.

Many women fell for Bill Clinton, JFK was considered a hunk, but a woman president will never be seen as approachable. Break out the pantsuits.

[wendyb-NC]

10. I guess it's more comfortable than a dress.

Dresses can be awkward, such as climbing up steps on a temporary, frequent embarking on a trip via airplane, or van/bus.
I could be wrong, but that's what makes sense to me.

[lillypaddle]

12. Funny that that didn't even cross my mind

makes sense. But I wouldn't think you'd need to wear NOTHING but pants. Dresses can be loose, cut off mid calf, and worn with a business jacket. Much more comfy for me.

[RobinA]

43. I, Too, Find

dresses more comfortable. Pants that aren't jeans that look right are so hard to find. Plus, I find the belted jackets they wear to be very unflattering on almost anyone.

[usedtobedemgurl]

55. Which would you be more comcortable taking a dive during an assasination attempt?

For me, it would be pants.

[lillypaddle]

62. Yeah, and be sure your underwear is clean

I think that during an assination attempt, what I am wearing is the last thing on my mind.

[cyclonefence]

11. Hillary Clinton endured many snide remarks about her thick ankles and "piano legs"

I think female politicians are wise not to introduce unnecessary and irrelevant distractions. Plus, if you wear a dress, you have to figure out how often you can wear the same outfit, whether it's flattering on you--lots of concerns best left out of politics. IMO a pants suit helps level the playing field.

[Dan]

44. Okay, I just asked the wife and she didn't know....

What are "piano legs"?

[cyclonefence]

59. They go along with thick ankles

Legs that are pretty much the same diameter at the knee as at the ankle. It's a nasty thing to say about any woman, and particularly offensive when applied to someone of Hillary's stature (both literal and figurative).

[dsc]

14. I would think for the same reason that male politicians don't wear shorts

Dresses can lead to unflattering photos and the like. I can fully understand going the pant suit route.

[mcar]

15. Have you worn pantyhose?

A pant suit is way more comfortable.

Plus, remember all those digs about Hillary's "cankles?"

[lillypaddle]

29. Sure have

I probably dressed differently. I don't mean that I never wore pants, just with a complementary jacket, not a "suit." However, in the interest of transparency, I am 76 and get on well with sweatpants or mumus!

[spooky3]

32. Agree. Many women now go bare legged but

That looks tacky to me in a business setting, yet pantyhose can be uncomfortable and easily damaged. Pants are the way to go.

[PeaceWave]

17. Not in the U.S. But, in other countries, female leaders do indeed wear dresses...

Former Finnish Prime Minister, Sanna Marin, looking fabulous at Pride Parade in 2022...

[Retrograde]

18. Pants are more comfortable

You can wear comfortable shoes with a pantsuit, don’t have to make sure you are walking or standing primly and properly, can cross your legs when you sit, and don’t have to worry about snagging your hose.

Plus, pantsuits have pockets

[leftstreet]

19. Do you ask this about women not "in power?"

What a strange question

[lillypaddle]

31. Women "not in power"

rarely wear pantsuits. And women with power, wear other things when the day is done.

I'm a strange person, what can I say?

[spooky3]

35. Depends on how you define it--I was in a professional

But not powerful position for many years and wore pantsuits almost exclusively, as did my female colleagues.

[leftstreet]

52. LOL n/t

[Kittycatkat]

20. It's what men wear. Why? Same reason the ladies do I'm sure.

[Tree Lady]

22. Search Kamala in a dress

a ton of pics come up and she looks great in anything she wears.

She will wear what she wants.

[NoveltySocks]

23. Idk, not all high-profile women in politics stick exclusively to pant suits.

Nancy Pelosi and AOC both rock a lot of skirts (suits and separates) and dresses. It's probably a matter of personal preference plus some of the logistical considerations others have mentioned.

[peachpit24]

24. Why?

Pockets !!!

[malaise]

25. I saw Kamala in skirts twice last week

Pants suits are convenient

[Think. Again.]

27. Business attire is appropriate?

[BoomaofBandM]

28. I hate dresses and skirts. Have not worn one in over 30 years.

Personal preference for me. Her accomplishments are pretty impressive.

[LizBeth]

39. I am with you sister, and all the stuff that goes with it. And just read about HRC

getting a shot up, why worry about some perv photographer.

[spooky3]

30. They (separates) can also be more practical when traveling

Jackets can be paired with different pants and vice versa.

If you spill coffee on your dress it’s ruined for the day, but if you’re wearing a pantsuit you may need only to change your top.

[PeaceWave]

33. Presidential clothing hasn't been an issue since Clinton was asked whether he wears boxers or briefs...

Which was a really inappropriate question to ask when you think about it.

[Upthevibe]

34. lillypaddle...............

Hillary Clinton:

"I was sitting on a couch and the press was let in," Hillary told CBS anchor Norah O'Donnell. "There were a bunch of them shooting up."

To her horror, some of the images were later used in lingerie ads. "All of a sudden, the White House gets alerted to these billboards that show me sitting down with, I thought my legs together, but the way it's shot." (During interview with/Norah O'Donnell as written in People Magazine. September 6, 2022 11:22AM EDT).

[GreatAuntK]

37. I love her colorful suits

I just want to say that I adore the VP's pantsuits of many colors. Certainly appreciate the convenience, still I like dresses for special occasions, e.g First Lady Jill's. Harris is going on the road and must look impeccable on a dizzying schedule. Her lovely suits are of similar style but all those happy hues, and accessorize.

[LizBeth]

38. Why mess with a dress and heels and hose and all that crap. And wind?

I mean, a pant suit is very professional .... Ya., no

[arlyellowdog]

42. Kamala looks really great in a skirt

And I’m a 74 year old woman who has only worn a dress about 3 times in 10 years. I just did see her at that funeral and thought she looked really professional. Then again, maybe it was the black.

[Talitha]

45. A woman's pantsuit says "I didn't come to play".

It's a business suit... guys wear them all the time.

[Sky Jewels]

46. Hillary Clinton has said it's because she was targeted by photographers taking pictures looking up her skirt.

Disgusting, but there you have it.

https://people.com/style/hillary-clinton-says-she-started-wearing-pantsuits-after-suggestive-photos-came-out-in-brazil/

[senseandsensibility]

47. First, I'll say that I like pantsuits

and have no problem with either Hillary or Kamala wearing them. I think they're sleek and professional and serve the purpose of not distracting from the candidates' ideas, similarly to how suits serve that purpose for males. The only thing I don't like is the way they always seem to leave their jackets on even outdoors in the hot sun. I would hate to do that here in CA in August.

[spooky3]

53. As John Malloy said in his old book "dress for success"

Once you take off the jacket, you are wearing a blouse and a skirt (or pants) and will likely be mistaken for a lower status person. This still is a problem primarily for women, due to sexism (eg, women are automatically assumed to be of lower status by many because conditioned bias). However, Gym Jordan gets some flak for sporting that look.

[Oopsie Daisy]

48. Pant suits offer more flexibility. Mix and match. But a dress worn once can no longer be worn again *

* without someone like Andrea Mitchell pointing out: "This is the same dress she wore when xyz happened or when Prime Minister ABC visited."

[GreenWave]

49. Perhaps men are wearing more "skirts"?

[Rebl2]

50. I never

wear dresses. I don’t even wear them to funerals or weddings. Yes it seems like a trivial matter.

[LearnedHand]

51. Unless you ask the same question of male candidates it's a silly question

Please don't feed the tendency to first question a woman's appearance. Better not to go there at all.

[lillypaddle]

64. Chill

[synni]

54. As a strong woman....

I don't like skirts. I don't like tottering around in fragile heels. Pants and sensible shoes are POWER.

[lillypaddle]

63. Never got my power

from ugly shoes. Quick story: in 1972ish, I worked at Wilson & Co., and women were not allowed to wear "pantsuits." I filed a discrimination suit with EEOC, and long story short, we all got to wear pantsuits.

[ALBliberal]

57. Having worked as a CPA in a large international firm

In the mid 80s and on to prominent local firm here in Albuquerque and on to a national lab job as a traveling auditor…And having to wear a skirt and heels and worse pantyhose while shepherding young children in and out of daycare? I am so very very happy to see these professional women in pantsuits.

[LearnedHand]

58. Really??? Are we progressives really having this discussion on a progressive forum?

This is not an appropriate way to discuss our female leaders -- or any female for that matter. We belittle them by reducing them to their choice of clothing. Especially in light of having lost decades of rights via Dobbs and the horrible things that followed. Her policies, her strengths. Her delicious humor and how it eats TSF alive. These are the topics that matter. Whether Harris is "modest" (UGH) is completely immaterial to her candidacy.

[lillypaddle]

61. You are absolutely correct

Heaven forbid we also occasionally take time to view our candidates as people. And maybe even duscuss something that doesn't go to policies or voting records. Okay, I admit it, after days of coverage (I watch MSNBC almost 24/7), my mind drifted to the question I posed.

This is why I don't post much these days on DU. Still love DU, but sometimes I just get "tired."

[DemonGoddess]

60. Comfortable clothes