What the Hell Is a "Shimmel"? |
Pardon my language, but life is complicated enough without having to add another layer of confusion. I should know clothing, but I'm totally perplexed.
Trousers, slacks, bell bottoms, wide or straight legs, khakis, capris. They used to be called pants. Chemise, camisole, camis, tanks, crop tops, tube tops, demis, shifts, and shimmels. They used to be called shirts. Racerback, razorback, T-back, Y back, and keyhole. They used to be called bra straps.
I'm willing to give credit to those men and women in fashion who can poke holes in a shirt and still have it feel comfortable and supportive. No doubt it takes a certain level of genius to create an organically-based, semi-synthetic fabric that is durable, breathable, removes sweat, and looks fabulous on a majority of women.
Yet, there's a deception of sorts in the clothing industry. Manufacturers change names of fabric and reinvent plastic.
Ever hear of Elastane? Would you wear it? Elastane is a type of spandex that is now in certain bras and fitness apparel. It's also used in street clothes to make them lighter. Hint to all you biochemistry and chemistry majors: Think fashion. If Acme sports apparel company can charge $64 for a shirt that weights less than 4 ounces, you can bet there's a need for your talents. Beaker smarts can parlay into a lucrative job in women's fashion and design.
Gimme my good ol' pair of Levis that have lasted me nearly eight years, thank you very much. They are durable and comfy. I can take them anywhere (except to the gym), and they're just about the best friend a girl can have.
I want decent clothing that's not made in a sweat shop in Indonesia. I don't need to know all the fabric names like Gore-tex and spandex and Nomex. All my exes can live in Texas, for all I care. I just want a shirt.
Today, going clothes shopping requires learning a new language. I suppose I am both the perpetrator and the victim of this heinous crime. I wanted something amazing and stylish and inexpensive, so that's what they gave me. I am a material girl in a material world who's totally mystified. So as I head into town, plastic in hand, I'll yell two final words for the fashion world: organic cotton!
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Bernadette Sukley |
| About the author: |
| Bernadette Sukley has written, edited, fact checked for nearly 20 years. Her topics range from health to sports and lifestyle, from human interest to hard news. Her work has appeared in Men’s Health, Sports Illustrated for Women, and ABROAD magazines. Currently polishing up 3 novels for publication, she welcomes discussions on women and literature.
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