The London Lounge

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080916/od ... iceoffbeat


MIAMI (AFP) - A Florida judge has deemed unconstitutional a law banning baggy pants that show off the wearer's underwear, local media reported Tuesday.

A 17-year-old spent a night in jail last week after police arrested him for wearing low pants in Riviera Beach, southeast Florida.

The law banning so-called "saggy pants" was approved by city voters in March after supporters of the bill collected nearly 5,000 signatures to put the measure on the ballot.

The teen would have received a 150 dollars fine or community service, but he spent the night in jail due to a history of marijuana use, the Palm Beach Post newspaper said.

"Somebody help me," said Palm Beach Circuit Judge Paul Moyle, before giving his decision.

"We're not talking about exposure of buttocks. No! We're talking about someone who has on pants whose underwear are apparently visible to a police officer who then makes an arrest and the basis is he's then held overnight, no bond."

"Your honor, we now have the fashion police," added public defender Carol Bickerstaff, who asked the law be declared "unconstitutional."

The judge agreed with Bickerstaff immediately, reported the Post.

Laws that ban low-slung pants are on the books in several US cities, including Delcambre, Louisiana, where offenders can be fined up to 500 dollars or jailed for up to six months.

Dallas, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia are among the larger US cities considering similar measures.

That's a sumptuary law with a difference and just the kind of guidance that is needed, even if it would require constitutional amendment. Moreover, if the criminal law were used more often in this way, right across the globe, everyone would be much better dressed and behaved,
NJS

The law banning so-called "saggy pants" was approved by city voters in March after supporters of the bill collected nearly 5,000 signatures to put the measure on the ballot.

While I don't support THAT much government oversight into our lives, I'm beginning to rethink things after the patron at the next table at my favorite sidewalk cafe, apparently decided to stop for refreshment after his workout...... wearing bicycle shorts.

troutonthefly wrote:

The law banning so-called "saggy pants" was approved by city voters in March after supporters of the bill collected nearly 5,000 signatures to put the measure on the ballot.

While I don't support THAT much government oversight into our lives, I'm beginning to rethink things after the patron at the next table at my favorite sidewalk cafe, apparently decided to stop for refreshment after his workout...... wearing bicycle shorts.

A ban on sweating in public should also be considered; .whether or not the sweating results from the smoking ban - a double whammy against all defiant deviants against emerging social norms - such as smokers!!
NJS

I saw the article this morning while checking my e-mail.

I must say there are limits to enforcing a dress code, but what's next locking up someone for wearing notched lapels on a double breasted jacket. (Which by the way you should never ever do )

Best Regards,

Cufflink79

Cufflink79 wrote:I what's next locking up someone for wearing notched lapels on a double breasted jacket. (Which by the way you should never ever do )

Best Regards,

Cufflink79

They could plead not guilty by reason of insanity
NJS

Shirt and t-shirts are also underwear. Are the fashion police going to arrest people dressed in these items too unless appropriately covered up by a coat?

Sator wrote:Shirt and t-shirts are also underwear. Are the fashion police going to arrest people dressed in these items too unless appropriately covered up by a coat?

That would be regulation and public expense on it appropriately applied.
NJS
PS actually, the irony is that I am nearly serious!
NJS

It seems that Prince Philip is also on this bandwagon:

Prince Philip has 51-year-old trousers altered to fit latest trend
The Duke of Edinburgh has taken on the credit crunch by asking his favourite tailor to alter a pair of trousers he first wore 51 years ago.

Prince Philip has asked his Savile Row tailor John Kent to change a favourite pair from the baggy style more popular in the 1950s into something more contemporary.

The original suit was made of heavyweight worsted cloth, with a distinctive grey and brown herring-bone stripe. The seams have now been unpicked and resewn to narrow the legs.

Patrick Grant, one of the directors of the firm Norton & Sons, who Mr Kent works for, said: "John has been making the Prince's clothes for many years and has a Royal warrant.

"About six weeks ago, the Prince sent him a pair of trousers that he wanted recutting to give a slimmer, more fashionable look."

He added: "The Prince likes substantial cloth. He certainly gets plenty of wear out of all his clothes."

The Prince is known to keep some of his favourite items of clothing for years, repairing or altering when necessary.

At naval events he is often seen in the same uniform that he wore at his wedding in 1947, while he is also praised for managing to maintain his waist size even aged 87.

He is still lauded by fashion experts for his impeccable taste, and in the latest list of the best-dressed men in Britain, compiled by GQ magazine, he appeared at number 33.

Buckingham Palace decline to comment, saying it was a personal matter for the Prince.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2655101 ... trend.html