Clothes make the commuter

I’ve spent a lot of time correcting my kids about perceived gender roles.

I don’t know how many times I’ve lectured my 7-year-old son that there really are no “boy games” or “girl games.”

Umpteen times I’ve told my 11-year-old daughter that women can do any job just as ably as any man — with the possible exception of left offensive tackle in the NFL.

That said, I’m going to go against my better judgment and come out and say it: Guys, for the most part, don’t care about clothes. Generally speaking, well dressed guys have been dressed by their significant others.

And so it is as I find myself in yet another tweener season — early spring, when it’s too warm for winter and too cold for spring — I find myself again spending entirely too much time thinking about my riding wardrobe.

Dress appropriately for the afternoon, and I’m too cold for the evening. Dress adequately for the night, and I’m baking in the afternoon.

So I consult Weather.com several times a day and — gasp! — plan my wardrobe.

For my wife, this is a several-times-a-day thing.

She actually has “spring clothes” and “winter clothes” and “summer clothes” and “fall clothes.” She mixes and matches according to style, pattern, texture, color, fabric and potential footwear options. She has options if the weather turns or her mood changes or those oh-so-cute new pumps arrive in the mail. She has her before-work outfits, her work outfits, her after-work outfits, her workout outfits, her working-on-her-workout-outfit outfits.

My clothing tends to fall in one of two categories: clean and not so clean. Or smelly and not so smelly.

Now, however, I find myself pondering layers and weight and versatility. (You’ll note color, fit, style and all those other considerations aren’t, well, considered).

I’ve found by far the most important thing this time of year is pockets. Give me enough pockets and I’ll never be caught out by bad gear.

Pockets can hold gloves, hats, light jackets, arm warmers, shoe covers … you name it.

Luckily for me, over the years I’ve collected enough appropriate ride-to-work garb I somehow can pull it all together depending on the latest weather outlook.

Don’t misunderstand, though. Just because it’s appropriate doesn’t mean it looks decent.

Not that I have any idea what, when it comes to clothes, looks decent.

After all, I’m just a big, dumb guy.