That time a stranger in a Portland diner called my jacket 'a safety hazard'

Honestly, I was just grabbing coffee at a spot off Burnside around 7 months ago, wearing this heavy canvas work jacket I'd patched with some bright orange reflective tape. This older woman at the counter turned to me and said, 'That's not fashion, honey, that's a roadside safety hazard.' She wasn't even being mean, just blunt. It stuck with me because she was right, I'd only added the tape for function during night checks on the rig. Made me realize how often utility gets mistaken for a style choice. Anyone else ever had a piece they thought was just practical get read as a deliberate design?

3 comments

3 Comments

pat_schmidt7126d ago

Ever get that with a simple tool belt?

seth21826d ago

Oh man, that hits home. I've definitely been there. I once wore a headlamp around my neck at a grocery store because I kept losing it in my bag. Got a solid three nods of approval from other shoppers who clearly thought it was some weird streetwear thing. I mean, I was just trying to find my keys in the dark parking lot later, but for a minute I felt like a very confused techwear influencer.

williammiller18d ago

Wait, you got actual nods of approval? I'm shocked anyone even noticed. That's way more social credit than my weird hacks ever get.