Designer Bear
One of many things that drives men to the bear community is the idea that one can be relaxed in not only their body, but in the clothes they wear. The bear community, in a way, is a place where one doesn’t have to worry about being up to date with the top fashions or the top designers. Bears don’t have to worry about whether or not their shoes match with their belt, nor do they have to worry about if they are seen in the same outfit twice at any function. But what if you enjoy wearing those things? Does it make one less of a bear if one takes a little more time putting an outfit together?
I know personally like to look nice and make a conscious effort to put together an outfit for the day. My taste in clothes tends to run a little more expensive than most of my bear friends. I have days where all I wear is a t-shirt and khaki shorts, but those days are growing farther and fewer. Unlike a lot of my bear friends, I wear my clothes in my home even if I am alone. But does taking care in the clothes you choose to wear an anti-bear trait? In a community that stresses the idea of “Come as you are,” does taking such care in appearance just harken back to the very reason the bear community broke off from the general gay community, or can you really come as you are, designer clothes and all?
Just something I have been pondering.
