Ethnick Thoughts

It takes a real man to rock a man-pouch. And I do it well.

Due to scoliosis I have the ever-persistent problem of keeping my pants on my waist. Because of the way my back is curved and the way it makes me walk, with every other step my hip (on one side) literally disappears. For sake of style and fear of not wanting to look like a weight-weary soccer mom I wear my pants right at my hips or slightly below. However, no matter how tight the belt, my pants tend to always “sag” lower with each step. In response I developed the 3 Step Grab Program in order to preserve the secretive sanctity that my undergarments hold the right to. (ie, Step, step step, pull up pants, step step.. you get the picture.) Recently (a few years ago actually) I decided enough was enough. I began working on ways to keep my pants where they need to be. But in order to fix the problem I had to first figure out what it was. There were several but the one that made the most difference was that I had WAY too much stuff in my pockets. The weight of my man-things added insult to injury like ankle weights on a runner. On one day I could have all of these items in my two to four pockets:

• keys
• wallet
• coins
• chapstick
• iPod
• cell phone
• quarter inch adapter
• gum/ breathmints
• receipts (everything counts)

I made sure to look for a lightweight phone when I switched to T-Mobile and purchased my blackberry. I put my keys on a key chain that hangs from my jeans rather than sitting inside of them. Finally, after being inspired by my roommate Juan, I retired my Louis Vuitton wallet for a simple small pouch to carry my essential cards and small cash. Today, my good friend Heather Beck, made me my own custom man-pouch of the colors of my choice. I’m in love. My pockets thank me, as do my pants. Not only are we keeping my clothes on, but looking good at the same time. Yep.