QUICK NOTE: If you’re free this afternoon from 1-2 pm CST and want to tune in, I’ll be appearing on KSAT’s SA Live show to talk pregnancy fashion! Click here to watch the live stream.

I’m not sure what made me think an active wear post at 35 weeks pregnant would be a good idea, but SIX:02 approached me with their “Don’t Sweat Your Pants” campaign and I guess I’m a sucker for female empowerment.  We’ve all seen the posts about women foregoing yoga pants so as to not tempt the opposite sex, and the horrific memes mocking women who may look less than stellar in some skin tight leggings.

All in all, it’s a tough world out there if you’re inclined to wear something more stylish than sweatpants to the gym, or the grocery store if you’re like me.  And while I get that it may feel immodest to some,  I just can’t get on board with making women as a whole feel bad about themselves, for any reason.  SIX:02 agrees apparently, because they’re encouraging women to donate the pants that don’t make them feel great about themselves and trade them in for some workout gear that DOES make you want to flaunt your stuff.  From now until January 31st, you can donate your unsightly pants for a $10 credit towards a brand new pair of Under Armour pants or capris at any participating SIX:02 location.  For those of you in San Antonio, head to North Star Mall!

Case in point: brightly colored pants bring a little sunshine to your life, and the quality fabric from Under Armour wicks away any sweat or baby drool you may accumulate throughout the day.

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So what’s a girl to do when there’s all these conflicting opinions about yoga pants and what it means if you sport them?  Here’s my unapologetic feminist point of view: making women feel bad about wearing yoga pants does nothing to solve the overall societal issues regarding women and their sexuality.  Do we see men being asked to loosen up their biking shorts? Or wear a jacket over their tight tank top? Of course not, because women are viewed as sexual objects, and men are not, at least not nearly to the same degree.

So what of the notion that women should watch what they wear to help our their male counterparts so they’re not tempted?  I think we give men far too little credit when it comes to controlling their impulses in this country.  Do I expect every man to look away if I’m wearing yoga pants? No.  But I do expect that he can control himself to the extent that I shouldn’t have to feel ashamed for what I’m wearing.  Men: you are more than capable of resisting the urge to act like a caveman.  I promise.

The biggest factor in this whole active wear debacle is whether or not women have the self-confidence to stand up and declare they can wear what they want, when they want, and society should be able to continue functioning as normal.  Or would we prefer that we all go back to the dark ages when showing your ankle was considered scandalous?  The key to feeling confident, however, isn’t having a quick retort prepared in case someone makes a mention of your lovely lady lumps.  It’s knowing that you look good in what you’re wearing, and you FEEL good.  So own your yoga pants, ladies, don’t shrink away from them.  It’s not a matter of defiance, it’s a matter of being comfortable in your own skin.

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So tell me your thoughts.  Do you feel self-conscious wearing yoga pants?  Do you think women should cover up?

XO,

A

P.S. I was gifted with complimentary Under Armour gear to celebrate the #dontsweatyourpants campaign.  Don’t worry though, all opinions are my own.