Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/640605
84 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k m a r c h / a p r i l 2 0 1 6 had the opportunity to explore some of the pros and cons of various styles of dress and have dialed in my own comfortable, yet professional style. Of course, that's the great thing about fashion: it's a personal expression of one's own unique tastes. But when we're talking about a professional wardrobe, more than mere style must be taken into account. An appropriate work wardrobe can only be achieved when personal style meets practicality, and form meets function. When choosing your professional massage therapy wardrobe, there are a variety of practical concerns to be considered: the nature of your work environment, the style of massage provided, and the conditions under which you'll be massaging. Let's explore some of the primary areas to consider when choosing appropriate and functional work clothes. FOCUS ON COMFORT AND FUNCTIONALITY Whatever we wear to work must allow us to move freely as we perform the very physical endeavor of providing massage. Let's explore a few practical options. Athletic Wear Many MTs find that athletic wear is an appropriate choice for them. The breathability, lightweight nature, and ease of movement athletic clothing offers are all appealing features. If one is working in a gym or athletic club, providing sports massage, or working in a rehabilitative setting, athletic wear seems like a perfectly reasonable choice. However, it's important to ensure that your sporty togs fit well and are clean and free of stains (whether from sweat or massage lubricant). Remember, in a nongym environment, athletic wear has the potential to appear too casual, informal, or even sloppy, so be mindful of your choices. Golf clothes have become one of my favorite discoveries as I've worked through the process of crafting my own massage wardrobe. They're often made from athletic performance fabrics that wick away moisture and are wrinkle-resistant (did I mention I have a "no ironing" policy when it comes to my massage wardrobe?). They're classy, comfortable, modest, and built to accommodate physical activity. They tend to be designed with a somewhat preppy style, making their appearance neat, tidy, and polished. Many MTs are also yoga enthusiasts, or even dual practitioners (massage therapists as well as yoga instructors). If this is the case for you, it's reasonable to expect your wardrobe to pull double duty; however, it's important to be aware of the potential for yoga attire to be overly revealing. Be conscious of the potential for form fitting to cross over into suggestive, provocative, or inappropriate. Medical Scrubs If you work in a medical or clinical environment, scrubs can be a perfectly appropriate choice. They are practical and affordable, and their mix and match nature can make dressing a breeze. Depending on the nature of your practice, however, scrubs may send a message that's "over the top" to your clients. They also aren't necessarily the best option for those who prefer to infuse their work wardrobe with a greater degree of individuality, or for those who like to finish up at work and go out immediately afterward without having to change clothes. Apparel Discounts for ABMP Members Log in to www.abmp.com and look under "Discounts" for coupon codes from these ABMP partners! • Crocs offers ABMP members a 25 percent discount on Crocs Work and Medical/RX shoe lines, both favorite nonslip footwear choices of the health-care community. ABMP is the only massage association in the profession to offer this exclusive deal. • Pedestrian Shops offers ABMP members a 15 percent discount for all shoes ordered online at ComfortableShoes. com. Pedestrian Shops stocks Birkenstock, Dansko, Chaco, Clarks, Keen, Merrell, Naot, Teva, Vibram FiveFingers, Wolky, and more. • prAna clothes are designed to make more than just a fashion statement. By using sustainable materials and partnering with factories and organizations committed to the fair treatment of their employees and our environment, they're telling the world it's not just what you make but how you make it that matters. ABMP members receive a 15 percent discount. • ProMotive.com provides members exclusive access to hundreds of top brands with up to 70 percent off retail. Special offers from brands like Asics, Diamondback, Ogio, ProBar, Timbuk2, and more await you. DO