To the editor: 

I am a 16 year old student at Barrington High School with an extreme amount of independence and "the benefit of nature's blessing of youth," and I am proud to say that I wear yoga pants. 

The above quote was taken from an Oct. 19 letter called "Please, women, put away the yoga pants" by Alan Sorrentino. Mr. Sorrentino's submission is about his opinion on a matter of fashion — claiming that yoga pants should never be worn by women as they are a "disaster" and the "worst thing to ever happen" in the clothing industry's history. Mr. Sorrentino then shares how he believes that the garment is only acceptable on females under the age of 20 — as they "do nothing to compliment" an older woman who apparently needs to "grow up" because of a fashion choice. If that wasn't strange enough, Sorrentino had previously stated that yoga pants are "adorable" on girls my age and under. Perhaps this is because the bodies of petite women are more appealing to him, and more "curvier" statures make him uncomfortable. 

Though I do not know the true reasoning behind Mr. Sorrentino's preference, it is my understanding that women are told to "cover up" as a result of the incapability of some men to control their behavior and thoughts when a female shows a bit of skin, for example. Sorrentino does this in his fifth paragraph, suggesting that us legging-wearers should invest in a "pair of tailored slacks", because he fails to refrain from judging the human body which comes in many shapes and sizes.

Later, he goes even further — comparing swimsuits and yoga pants — questioning the public reaction if speedos were to appear on a daily basis. Yoga pants are not bathing suits. The key word here is actually in the term "yoga pants" which cover the legs and are tight to the skin, while bathing suit bottoms are practically waterproof underwear! 

I'm not sure if it's just me, but if anything, Mr. Sorrentino should be offering a logical opinion on bikinis, which display the entire body rather than outline it. 

It is, in my opinion, not his place to have said such vulgar things about the way women look. Our bodies are not objects, and are therefore, not entitled to be subjected to criticism and ridicule. 

Dissatisfaction does not permit bullying, and opinions are not an opportunity to put someone down. 

Yoga pants are not "stinky, tacky, and ridiculous". They are comfortable, easy to match colors with, and MY choice of clothing for the day. MY clothes are worn on MY body and decided on by MY brain. Any opinion besides mine has no validity, as it is simply rude of someone to ask me to change, literally and figuratively, because they desire to see unrealistic women instead of praising diversity. 

So ladies, stay comfy and remember that your opinion matters the most. Your body entitles you to freedom to dress it in any way you please. Keep those yoga pants out — in fact, buy two more pairs! 

You're going to rock them when you're 40. 

Kannetha Brown

Barrington