Kapow Meggings

Kapow Meggings believe human beings are built for self-expression, they’re here to give risk-takers the conversation starters they were born for.

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I watched the fireflies of thoughts orbit her head.

"Don't! People will see your bits," she spat.

"I can pair them with an oversized, baggy top," I shrugged and said sternly.

"My junk will not be on public display," reassuring her.

"It is still a bad idea. I dislike it when lads dress feminine," she fretted.

The backlash was fierce and predictable. This girl is not the type to mull over things. She is plain-spoken and unfiltered, painfully direct and prides herself on it. I appreciate brutal honestly, when it comes from a good place. With her, she's so kind-hearted I know there is never any spite or hate concealed. She continually shows me bluntness can be a strong, admirable asset, if applied correctly.

But I also don't like people telling me what I should be wearing, or doing.

And we are all culprits.

The assertion that men and women behave in certain ways is an age old-restraint. It's 2016, yet everyday our gender tells us what to like and how to be. We squeeze individuals to fit certain molds, stuff them into tiny boxes, prescribe rules and enforce conformity. Even though these 'guidelines' are completely subjective. We are all our own definitions of men and women, and nothing, especially pieces of fabric can change that. In the hustle and bustle of living, continuing to embody the version of ourselves we wish to reflect should be the sole ambition. Not shielding it. We write our own scripts participating in this game of life.

Gender-neutral fashion is not about pushing boundaries, or being forward-thinking, or conducting some form of society-hating, middle-finger waving, rebellious act. No rules are being broken, because there wasn't, theoretically, any to begin with. We dress to express ourselves and our personalities. We shouldn't need to fit anybody's stereotype. It is not an angry swipe at anything, it is about owning who you are as an individual, exercising your rightful freedom, being unapologetically true to your authentic self. Not compromising your own needs in a world run on fear and shame. There's a market for that, a yearning for it, too.

Variety is the spice of life. Although we are deviating, slowly, from gender norms into a more fashion-literate space beyond menswear and womenswear. It's taking a lot of time to move fluidly between expectations. Culture is still very binary when it comes to gender.

There will be naysayers reading this, heads shaking in dismay, who think of me or those with similar mindsets as indulged idiots who fondly imagine themselves to be daring and provocative voices. That; I'm someone who loves an audience and a stage, actively looking to be scorned, seeking and following trouble like a dog that needs water. A hyperbolic, sanctimonious fool. A Christopher Columbus wannabe trying to step out onto an unfamiliar planet, crossing an endless bridge.

Total autonomy doesn't require a witch-hunt, it just needs to be spoken about to allow people feel more comfortable, instead of erecting walls. We live in a 3-D world, full of one-dimensional opinions, and I don't feel we can begin to overcome these things until we begin to speak about them openly and stop being scared of what happens as a result. Counting other people's sins, does not make you a saint.

Clothes have an enormous power to affect our moods, so why not use them for the better? Everyone deserves to dress freely, no matter what chromosome they're carrying.

So yeah, I'm going to embrace my 'meggings'. They are a badge of honour, and I plan to wear them with pride.

Because the choice will always be mine.

I get to decide who I am and who I am not.

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As always opinions are entirely my own, I received no fee to write this. I was given the 'Beetlejuice' meggings from Kapow for review purposes. Their products come in a variety of colours, fabrics, prints and styles, so you're sure to find the perfect pair, whatever your style preference. I have a love for tight fitting clothing, I find it flattering. These meggings allow me master the narrow silhouette I seek and fulfil the aesthetic choice I want. The majority use their products for athletic wear, so that's also an option worth considering. They're comfortable, affordable, and the material is a high quality, I can recommend them as a sound investment.