Does your closet pass muster?

Have you ever ridden side saddle on a motorbike?

I have.

I don’t recommend it.

When I lived in Thailand, I adjusted my wardrobe to fit into the culture.

I was really young (21 and invincible) teaching English in a culture that values experience and honors age.

I didn’t want to come off as a hippie backpacker. I wanted my adult learners, many of whom were older than me, to take me seriously.

And so that’s why I wore a pencil skirt and a button down shirt.

I thought I looked rather “smart” (in the British way) and was proud of putting in the effort.

But then it came time to board a motorbike taxi and ride to class…

If you’ve ever worn a pencil skirt, you’ll know what was about to happen.

I couldn’t get my legs apart enough to straddle the seat!

That’s when I remembered seeing loads of Thai women (also in pencil skirts) riding side saddle on the back of motorbike taxis.

When in Thailand…

I hopped on sideways (without a helmet!) and held on for dear life. I can’t tell you how many times my knee cap almost got knocked off by a car’s side mirror.

This definitely goes on the list of things I’ll never do again. What’s more, you won’t find any pencil skirts in my closet.

My experience in Thailand highlights how two unexpected things can move us (or keep us sedentary): our culture and our clothes.

This blog post is only big enough for the closet conversation but you can keep the cultural context in your mind as you read.

Your clothing is basically a container for your body and can shape the ways in which you do (or don’t) move.

Here’s five questions to consider as you get dressed each day to maximize your movement potential.

Bonus Tip: Keep these ideas in mind when shopping for clothes. That way, you’ll know you’re only letting movement-friendly pieces into your wardrobe.

1. Can you roll up your shoes?

Flexible soles are super important for maintaining flexible feet. And flexible feet are super important for maintaining your balance and decreasing your fall risk as you age.

Maybe your shoes don’t roll up completely—but can you at least bend the soles near the ball of the foot?

I believe your feet are your foundation and so if you want a more in-depth exploration of how to choose shoes that will keep your feet healthy, supple, and strong, check out this post.

2. Can you fully bend your knees and hips?

In other words, can your outfit do a squat? If you dropped something on the ground and needed to pick it up, would you be able to?

Also related, can you separate your legs enough to go up the stairs? (Pencil skirts, I’m looking at you.)

3. Does your waistband force you to suck in?

Especially in light of the return of high-waisted pants, be sure that your waist is free to move with your breath.

Because of the movement of the diaphragm, the belly also needs to move as you breathe.

Be kind to yourself and don’t squish into something that’s too small or uncomfortable.

4. Can you lift your arms all the way up?

Fitted and tailored shirts and coats can really hamper your reach. (Peacoats, I’m looking at you.)

Choose tops that allow you to use your full range of motion. Be sure to consider reaching up movements (for effortlessly executing high fives), reaching wide movements (for handling hugs and huddles), and arm bending movements (for enjoying elbow bumps).

If your shirt lifts when you reach your arms up, make sure you’re comfortable exposing that skin.

Which brings me to my last tip…

5. Is your modesty inhibiting your movement?

We all have different comfort levels with regards to the skin we expose or cover. Choose clothing that fits with your level of modesty so you can feel free to move in a variety of ways.

For example, if you wear a low cut top but you feel self-conscious about your cleavage, then you’ll probably avoid leaning forward.

Cultural values surrounding modesty and professionalism can play a role in your comfort level as well.

For example, you may feel comfortable in a short skirt and tube top at a bar but the same outfit at the office could leave you feeling out of place. Similarly, a (non-pencil) skirt suit may equip you with the confidence to shatter glass ceilings at work but would definitely hinder you at the gym.

Choose clothing that helps you feel comfortable in the context of your activity. When you’re comfortable, you’ll be more likely to move in ways that feel natural and comfortable as well.