Even though we should be thanking HER…

by

Sally from Oiselle hath thanked US.

I’m re-reading all of the great comments tonight while 2 big BOXES of
bras, in cute little white envelopes sit in the back of my car – ready for
the post office tomorrow. I know they will go to good homes, each and every
one!

I can’t thank the Bumbling Band enough. Enthusiastic, straight up, no holds barred type feedback. The kind manufacturers really need in order to “give women what they want.” And who doesn’t want to do that???

There were definitely some themes to the feedback. Amongst them:

– Shorts that don’t ride up and chafe
– The need for more and better pockets
– Plus sizes
– Petite sizes
– Bras that don’t uni-boob or boob-loaf
– Tops that are longer
– Tops that are shorter
– More interesting colors/designs
– Less in-your-face branding (logos run amok)

As a point of interest: one thing that continues to surprise me is the vehemence with which many, MANY women want pockets. (Not just the BB, but I
hear this from both women runners at marathons, and store buyers.) We will definitely be doing more pockets in future styles.

But to back up and clarify, my decision to only have a single, internal key pocket in most of our shorts is an interesting point of reflection. It has been driven NOT by an unwillingness to listen to what others want, but rather my own fundamental philosophy about running and exercising: that gadgets, PDAs, iPods, cell phones, key chains, and MOST anything else, except for perhaps your car key, or a GU if you’re running 12+ miles -should not be on your person! I know this is highly personal, and that many women want their shorts to take on cargo, but I am often struck – in my own life – by the benefits of exercising without. Of just putting everything down, and making a clean break from the daily distractions.

Just you and the elements.

And yes, I’m even anti-iPod (despite being on a Mac and owning an iPhone). The way I see it, we’re all born with incredible playlists, already locked and loaded…they’re called IDEAS, and when you’re able to disconnect from all the crazy gadgetry and technology – that’s when creative, interesting, and unexpected insights take place. That’s when you’re able to unravel life’s little problems, see something from a new vantage point, or simply shut it off and hear the rhythm of your own heart.

So that’s my little rant about pockets. But I also realize this is arunner-centric view, and even there, I’m probably not in the majority.

But hey, you know what? It doesn’t matter what I want. It’s what the women want. Which is exactly why I’m so happy we did this little experiment –
and why I will be implementing many of these suggestions. 🙂

THANKS AGAIN,

Sally, Oiselle Running

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Comments

  1. Interestingly enough, I just got myself an iPod 🙂 However, I do walk to the gym everyday and I don’t intend to use it during my walks. That’s one of the times reserved for just letting ideas flow, as you point out 🙂

  2. I *LOVE* Sally’s pocket rant. I’ve taken an iPod on maybe one or two runs *ever*, and I’m all about the “your head is a good playlist” business.

    Although I will say that I own some Nike running shorts and I can fit a key and maybe a post-influenza Thumbelina in there.

    And nothing else. Which means I can’t take my credit card.

    So no stopping for drink/other comestibles/emergency items if I need to during/after/etc. But besides the credit-ness, I totally agree about cell phones/etc.

    THANK YOU SALLY. *jogs around mailbox with big smile on face*

  3. This is so exciting! And really, I just need a pocket big enough to hold my ID. That way if I do something silly like fall down, hit my head and pass out, someone knows who I am!

  4. I so want a job wear “boob-loaf” and “uni-boob” are part of the vernacular.

    The closest I got was pointing out to everyone on my team that a project title that was getting very close to being decided on would have the acronym of OPP. Apparently, I’m the only conniseur of 90s rap in the bunch…

    But I digress, I do think it’s great what Sally is doing!

  5. I’ve found that lately I’ve been running without my ipod more than with, and it’s lovely. And then on the occasion when I DO use it, it’s almost a treat and a little more appealing, a little bit of a change. I still need my pockets for car keys, lip balm, papertowels (my face sweats A LOT and I like to have something that I can use mop it up from time to time, especially if it’s really humid). And if I’m running with my dog, I need room for poopie baggies. Lastly, I run a lot on trails, theoretically I should have a cell phone with me in case I fall and get hurt on a trail when I’m alone. Of course, the reality is, I almost always forget to bring it with me anyway.

  6. Though not a runner, I find that I prefer working out without the noise of MP3 or TV or whatever. I feel like I am more “present” in my workout if it’s just me and my own random brain. I usually find some sense of peace when I am focussed instead of the steady rumble of brain activity. So I get that anti-Ipod thing.

    Yay for a vendor/designer who is interested in listening!

  7. Re: the pockets…

    I second the ID thing. Plus keys. And for someone like me who suffers from chronic sniffles, I’d like to have room for a couple of tissues.

    Pockets are a necessity.

  8. I do love Sally’s rant about pockets and do agree for the most part. I often run without my iPod, but always take it along for long runs or speed work. The motivation really gets me going!

    I’d also like to be able to take my phone on long runs without sticking it in my bra and sweating all over it. It’s more of a “in case of emergency” thing, but I don’t want to run more than 6 miles away from home without it!

    Again, thanks Sally, for listening to our rants and for your incredible generosity!

  9. So i run with my iPod because I can run harder, longer with it. When I run without it, then my pace naturally slows and my breath isn’t manic and I think about random stuff. All of which makes me think I should rethink running with my iPod. Why am I always in a hurry?

    Anyhow – thanks Sally!

  10. “The way I see it, we’re all born with incredible playlists, already locked and loaded…they’re called IDEAS” – LOOOOOOOOOVE THAT!! Couldn’t have said it any better! Thank you for your generousity Sally 🙂

  11. Ditto on the “they’re called IDEAS” statement! LOVE it!!

    I’m one of those clear-your-mind-unclutter-your-thoughts people without an iPod. I have one, I just found I’m much more calm and have a clearer head after my workouts when I don’t use it.

  12. Yes! Where is my petite clothing? I went to Macys and the lady told me they were thinking of doing away with the petite clothing because people are getting…larger… I was like what? Are you crazy! I better learn how to shorten pants…and fast 🙂

  13. Hey All, I’m pleased and relieved to hear some of your comments. And yes! I did forget to mention: all shorts need a pocket big enough to hold an ID, credit card, or hotel card key. Absolutely.

    And you know what? When it domes down to it, I don’t think it really matters what we wear, or if we plug in or not. If we move our bodies every day, that’s the big idea. (And shucks, if it got me ‘cited to run, I’d wear a hazmat suit!)

    Thanks again BB, and happy bras!

  14. SAY NO TO THE BOOB LOAF!!
    so wrong!! take it from a girl who once had one.

    I am tall, and my height is mainly in my torso, I LOVE tops that are a little longer (without being TOO long). There is a happy medium.

  16. Boob Loaf…that makes me laugh.

    Sometimes I run w/m iPod because it helps…sometimes it annoys…sometimes all in the same run…

    Thanks to Sally for asking and for listening!

  17. on an entirely superficial note:

    I have to again thank Sally/Oiselle for HER suggesting she do the giveaway.

    You’d be amazed how many companies, who have benevolent/generous reputations, say NO NO NO!! when I approach them for the tiniest of gives.

    So yes, we appreciate being heard *tremendously* but I wanna say, again, thanks for the treats!

    Miz.

  19. That’s great that Sally is so attentive to her customers. I try not to take an ipod on most runs, but I do think that when I’m going out for 2 hours or more that I (or someone I’m with) should have a phone on them in case of emergency. I know we didn’t all have phones 10 years ago and still got by, but it’s become a part of my mentality for safety!

  20. Love that comment about the pocket and how to run unplugged. I would end up carrying too much and regret it. K. Switzer is famous for putting ideas in boxes when she got home from a long run, too.

  21. Sally, I agree about pockets and ideas, even if I don’t always practice what I preach :). Thanks for your kindness– I have Oiselle bookmarked for the next time I’m in the market for new running clothes.

  22. Wow Sally, generous and QUICK!

    I hear you on the pockets. I used to train with the iPod ALWAYS on. My running buddy got mad at me, not listening to her ramblings during our long runs. I soon ditched it, and unless I am in a “mood” where I want to lock peeps out at the gym, I go without. I now enjoy the sunrise, hearing the birds, etc on my runs.

    I can’t wait to try some of your pants. I will be frequenting your site.

  23. That’s a good point about simplicity. We Americans are so attached to our stuff. However, I like to take my phone with me for a measure of safety/peace of mind. I don’t use it, don’t answer it if it rings, just have it ‘in case.’ I also have found that my pockets do not hold gu or beans, my energy boosters of choice.

    Thanks again so much for giving us the opporunity to share!

  25. I missed this thread, but, whoever comes up with a solution to lift/separate/stabilize will make a mint.

    I’m an ipod exerciser. It’s a) the only way I can listen to songs I don’t want the kids to hear, b) easier for me to go for just “one more song” than “5 more minutes”, and c) a good way to either be slow (weights) or fast (cardio).

    My 2 cents, feel free to make change.

  26. I got my special package today :o) !!! Thanks SO much Sally…love it!

    I just wanted to add another comment about the importance of pockets to me. With law enforcement training comes more awareness about the need for safety, so that’s where I’m coming from. I personally don’t need a cell phone, but in some parks and great places to run in cities around me it would be wise to carry a cell phone. Most important to me was the i.d. being on me. I don’t necessarily need that where I’m from either (SMALL town, USA :~P ), but just from the law enforcement standpoint…if someone finds me on the ground at least they would know who I am.

    Thank you so much, again, for the giveaway, and for taking our comments. We really appreciate it!

  27. I’m another one who wants more pockets. Credit card and id, cell phone, maybe a couple dollars. Chapstick because my lips always need it. However, I also love exercising outdoors without the ipod. But in the gym, for some reason, I need music. Need. Last week on the cycle at the Y two ladies next to me discussing their lives while my ipod was dead, it was awful. I could barely make it through my workout, I wanted out of there so bad.

    And, I know you do active wear, but if you ever start a professional clothing line, please please put pockets on every item. I can’t tell you how many days at work I have no place to carry even a few dollars for lunch. What is the deal with no pockets for women? Completely drives me crazy.

    Anyway, thanks again for listening! Yer awesome!

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