2 Reasons Men Should Put on Their Pants

In this series, I will explore several lessons I’ve learned in childhood about being a man with an expansion of those lessons as an adult. This week’s lesson will speak to why a man should put his pants on both figuratively and literally.

I woke up one morning at my grandfather’s house, ready to take on the world. Having been raised in a highly regulated and respectful manner, I went to greet the elder of the house before going to the restroom to relieve myself and clean up. As I bowed and greeted my grandfather, he responded sternly, “go put some pants on!” I was likely wearing some comic book or Disney character tighty whitey underwear briefs.

My grandfather took every opportunity to create teachable moments for me growing up. His lesson was that if women were present, it is respectful and proper for a man (or man child) to wear pants in mixed company. Furthermore, I shouldn’t be comfortable just lounging around men in just my underwear. I internalized this lesson to mean that some things were just for men, to be done among men just as some things were just for women, to be done among women and should be kept separate not only as a demonstration of respect but as a sign of preparedness despite no imminent threat of harm.

Here are two reasons why men should make it a practice to put on their pants.

It’s a demonstration of success to you and others.

As I matured, I would frequently revisit this lesson in gym locker rooms, in the home of others, or at social gatherings where undressing, redressing, conversational topics, and social behaviors were appropriate for the venue and the audience. At a time where gender roles were clearly defined and what was acceptable for men to do among men was different than what was acceptable for women to do among women, rarely did those lines ever cross. However, in today’s day and age where gender roles, gender norms, and gender identity are at the forefront of discussion, I find that this lesson still rings true; certain rituals, ceremonies, and interactions should be reserved and limited to certain groups out of respect for the differences in experience and the behaviors of those groups. Furthermore, it’s a demonstration of self-respect as you are not exposing yourself to an audience that may or may not welcome that level of exposure.

It’s an indication of being prepared.

Putting your pants on also speaks to general preparedness in the navigation of circumstances. I mentioned that as I woke, I was prepared to take on the world. How can you take on the world, your duties and obligations, your fears, and your goals if at the moment any of those items require a swift reaction you are worried about putting on your pants? The emphasis on putting your pants on rather than keeping your pants on allows for the moments of rest and vulnerability not often explored or discussed in line with traditional views on masculinity.

At a young age, I learned that when I woke up in the morning to attack the day, I needed to be prepared for the day to attack back. That it was important to be respectful and conscious of my audiences and that some things should be kept sacred among the groups of people who can most relate to your experiences, expression, and reality.