May 16, 2017
Every year, without fail, a faintly amusing gamble in fashion hits its inflection point and touches off a conversation that winds up striking more of a nerve than anticipated. We saw athleisure go mainstream in the afterglow of normcore and now nobody blinks at designer sweats with nifty zippers.
This time, we're in for a ride that could prove to be a summer sensation among young men who want to "turn heads and break hearts," as the creators of RompHim so preciously put it.
Savvy business school students at Northwestern University have created a male version of the one-piece romper traditionally worn by women during the balmy months of the year. The Kickstarter for their product has already collected more than $80,000 and doesn't show any signs of slowing down.
"We think this is a way for guys to have a new option in their wardrobe, to have fun, to feel unique, and take it wherever it goes," Elaine Chen, one of the company's four co-founders, told GQ. "If they're comfortable with themselves in it then we think that's great."
From a male standpoint, the main perk here is that a front zipper permits the option to pee without taking the romper off — a drawback women have noted in their experience with this style of garment.
Most observers are classifying the RompHim, which comes in various sizes and designs, as an item best suited for bros at parties, festivals and other large public events. In other words, it's the sort of thing worn by those who want their contrived revelry to be so disdainfully ignored that the act of doing so commands full attention.
It should be no surprise that Twitter's reaction to RompHim has been all over the place. This thing isn't even out there yet and the reactions have all the markings of a widening battle over its gender messaging.
there are waaaaay too many moose knuckles in my timelines today. #rompers
— erin alyce (@herooine) May 16, 2017
No #rompers for this guy! I like my cargo shorts, black t's, a hat and Vans. I been sporting this look since the early 90's. Woot!
— Wormhole (@Agent_Anime) May 16, 2017
Y'all be hating but man #rompers makes the most sense because they can still pee without getting full-on naked.
— Samantha Swindler (@editorswindler) May 16, 2017
#Rompers for men just prove my point that clothing designers are trying to turn men into women. First the long tees, and now this atrocity.
— JACOB SPRATLIN (@jacobspratlin) May 16, 2017
Are these male #rompers business casual? Asking for a friend.
— Matt Vuncannon (@MVuncannon44) May 16, 2017
In 70+ years, we've gone from FDR and the Greatest Generation to Donald Trump and men wearing #rompers. Maybe evolution really is a hoax? pic.twitter.com/6fL2Be22oq
— Daniel Kelly (@dkellyChi) May 16, 2017
when y'all foreplaying and he's taking forever to get his romper off. #romper #rompers #RomperSeason 😕😒 pic.twitter.com/nsqalTKdFT
— 🐝ג'אדה (@jadaamfjones) May 16, 2017
I'ma stay as far away from #rompers as possible 😂
— ☥ (@NJx28) May 16, 2017
And here I thought a romper was what you did when you & your significant other met at home for "lunch". #rompers
— Lee West (@sportsdrenched) May 16, 2017
They making stud lesbian clothes and sayin they for men #rompers #romphim
— Sylli Asz Jamal (@sylliaszjamal) May 16, 2017
Two concerns about this whole #rompers thing. 1) why now 2) why
— Amanda Phagan (@amandaphagan) May 16, 2017
I'm shocked guys even know what #rompers are 😂
— □ Laine □ (@laiinestone) May 16, 2017
You can't unsee this photo. #rompers pic.twitter.com/BOyJzRLwQV
— Marika Shaub (@marikatogo) May 16, 2017
Women get to wear sundresses and be comfortable as hell, I'm getting a romper. #rompers
— ShakespeareWithXtndo (@JR_Bratton) May 16, 2017
Why tf are we calling #rompers for men "romphims" instead of "brompers"?
— Kacy Sager (@THESagerbomb) May 16, 2017
Keep your eyes peeled this summer, but don't even bother judging. It's pointless.
