Right now, tight suits reminiscent of the early 1960s are all the fashion. Fashion trends come and go, but ultimately, our own defense should come first. In this article, we’ll discuss some features of professionally attired clothing that enables you to fight more effectively.
Pleated trousers
Pleated trousers involve extra layers of clothing. This translates into a little more stretch around the waistband – ideal for those who work in professional, restrictive clothing every day. Choosing pleated trousers allows you to extend out your gait a bit further than wearing tight skinny trousers.
Clip-on ties or Velco Tailored Ties
In a fight, all items on your opponent are fair game. A well-tied tie looks sharp, but it can also turn into a noose in a hand-to-hand combat situation. A clip-on tie, though, is pretty useless for your opponent to grab onto. You can also get a regular tie and have it tailored so that you can velcro it closed in the back.
Keeping a dummy phone or dummy wallet
As silly as it sounds, keeping a dummy cell phone or a dummy wallet is not the worst idea in the world if you work in a professional environment that is subject to intermittent robbery attempts. On your walk to the car, being able to take out a dummy phone that you’re not afraid to lose can make the difference between placating an unsuspecting criminal and losing out on valuable contacts and information kept on your phone. Similarly, a forgettable wallet stuffed with some small bills and a few expired coffee-punch cards is also helpful.
There’s no way of knowing when a mugger will be satiated with what you provide up willingly, but anything that buys you time to make decisions is a boon.
Pockets
The ability to carry self-defense weapons such as mace or even a kubaton are all predicated on your ability to conceal them properly on your person. Trouser pockets or pockets sewn into professional coats are all great locations to keep tactical pens or any instruments you’d like to use to defend yourself should the need arise.
Purses and briefcases
Purses are often the main target for a mugger on the run. Everything important is in one bag, usually attached loosely to a person. A mugger may be so lucky as to get a person’s wallet, laptop, expensive cell phone, even keys to his victim’s home and vehicle – all in one convenient place.
If you’re a business person who uses a briefcase or a woman who uses a purse, consider options that can help you in a fight. There are purses designed with reinforced straps to keep muggers from being able to “bash and run.” Some briefcases and backpacks are designed to hold fast should someone try to snatch and burn.
Dressing in a professional or business casual environment means we have to likely dress differently than we would in an ideal situation. Choose professional attire that allows freedom of movement, comfort, and reliability – and be safe out there.
